The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new cholesterol-lowering pill for patients at high risk, marking the first treatment of its kind in tablet form. The decision opens the door to a medicine that can sharply reduce dangerous cholesterol levels without relying on injections.

Until now, that type of cholesterol reduction has largely been available through costly injectable drugs. A pill option could make treatment easier for some patients, especially those who have trouble accessing or sticking with shot-based therapies.

The approval is significant because high cholesterol remains a major risk factor for heart disease and related complications. For people who need aggressive treatment beyond standard approaches, an oral medicine may offer a more convenient path to lowering risk.

Federal regulators cleared the drug Thursday, according to the report. The move adds a new choice for doctors and patients seeking stronger cholesterol control, while also highlighting the continuing push for treatments that are both effective and easier to use.