Scientists discovered a new experimental compound called B11 that may help lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and liver. Unlike some existing cholesterol medications, B11 appears to work through a different mechanism and could potentially be combined with current treatments for even better results. The research involved testing B11 in laboratory cells and several animal models with high cholesterol. Early results suggest B11 is effective at reducing harmful cholesterol levels while causing minimal side effects, offering hope for people who need additional cholesterol-lowering options beyond traditional statin medications.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a new experimental compound called B11 could lower cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood and liver, and how it works in the body
  • Who participated: Laboratory studies using human liver cells and three different types of animals (mice, hamsters, and genetically modified mice) with high cholesterol or high-fat diets
  • Key finding: B11 significantly reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ kind), and triglycerides in all animal models tested, with no observed harmful side effects
  • What it means for you: This early-stage research suggests B11 could become a new treatment option for people with high cholesterol, especially those who need additional help beyond current medications. However, this is preliminary research—human clinical trials would be needed before it becomes available as a medicine

The Research Details

Researchers created a series of new chemical compounds and tested them in laboratory settings to find ones that could lower cholesterol. They identified B11 as the most promising candidate. They then tested B11’s effectiveness in three different animal models: regular mice on high-fat diets, hamsters on high-fat diets, and specially bred mice that produce human cholesterol-regulating proteins. The researchers also studied exactly how B11 works at the molecular level using advanced laboratory techniques to understand which proteins it targets and how it affects them.

Testing in multiple animal models helps researchers understand whether a compound works consistently across different biological systems. Using specialized mice that produce human proteins is particularly important because it suggests the compound might work similarly in humans. Understanding the exact mechanism of action helps predict how the drug might behave in people and whether it could be safely combined with existing medications.

This is a well-designed preclinical study using multiple complementary research techniques to identify and characterize a new compound. The researchers used several different animal models, which strengthens confidence in their findings. However, this research has not yet progressed to human testing, so results cannot be directly applied to people. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other scientists reviewed the work before publication. The lack of reported sample sizes for some experiments makes it difficult to fully assess statistical power.

What the Results Show

B11 successfully reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides (blood fats) in all three animal models tested—mice, hamsters, and genetically modified mice. These reductions occurred in both the bloodstream and in liver tissue. Importantly, the researchers observed no toxic effects or adverse reactions in any of the animals receiving B11, even at higher doses. The compound appears to work by targeting a specific protein called PCSK9, which normally causes the body to remove cholesterol receptors from liver cells. By blocking this protein, B11 allows the liver to maintain more cholesterol receptors, which then remove more LDL cholesterol from the blood. Additionally, B11 caused the PCSK9 protein itself to be broken down and eliminated from the body through a natural cellular cleanup process.

When B11 was combined with atorvastatin (a common statin medication) in mice, the combination produced stronger cholesterol-lowering effects than either drug alone. Notably, the combination also showed lower liver toxicity compared to atorvastatin by itself, suggesting B11 might actually protect the liver when used alongside statins. This synergistic effect (where two drugs work better together than separately) is particularly exciting because it suggests B11 could be a valuable addition to existing cholesterol treatments rather than a replacement.

This research builds on existing knowledge about PCSK9 inhibitors, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs already approved for human use. However, B11 represents a new type of PCSK9 inhibitor with a different chemical structure than existing medications. The advantage of developing new compounds in this class is that they may have different side effect profiles, be more affordable to produce, or work better in combination with other medications. This research adds to the growing evidence that targeting PCSK9 is an effective strategy for lowering cholesterol.

This study only tested B11 in animals and laboratory cells—it has not been tested in humans yet. Animal studies don’t always translate perfectly to human biology, so results may differ in people. The study did not specify exact sample sizes for all experiments, making it difficult to assess statistical reliability. The research is also very recent (2025), so it hasn’t had time for independent verification by other research groups. Long-term safety data in animals is not reported, so we don’t know how B11 affects health over extended periods. Finally, the study doesn’t compare B11 directly to existing PCSK9 inhibitors, so we can’t determine if it’s better, worse, or equivalent to current treatments.

The Bottom Line

This research is too early-stage to make recommendations for human use. B11 shows promise in animal studies and may eventually become a treatment option for high cholesterol, but it requires human clinical trials first. If you have high cholesterol, continue taking medications prescribed by your doctor. Do not seek out B11 or attempt to obtain it, as it is not approved for human use and is still in the research phase. Confidence level: Low (preclinical research only)

This research is most relevant to people with high cholesterol who don’t respond well to current medications or who experience side effects from statins. It may also interest people with familial hypercholesterolemia (inherited high cholesterol). Researchers and pharmaceutical companies developing new cholesterol treatments should also pay attention to these findings. People currently taking cholesterol medications should not change their treatment based on this research.

If B11 advances to human trials, it typically takes 5-10 years for a new drug to move from early research to FDA approval and availability in pharmacies. Even if B11 proves successful in human trials, it would likely be several years before it becomes widely available as a treatment option.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Users interested in cholesterol management could track their current cholesterol levels (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) every 3-6 months as recommended by their doctor, noting any changes in medications or lifestyle factors that might affect these numbers
  • While waiting for new treatments like B11 to potentially become available, users can use the app to track heart-healthy behaviors: daily steps, servings of fruits and vegetables, fiber intake, and adherence to prescribed cholesterol medications. This creates a baseline for comparing future results if new treatments become available
  • Set up quarterly reminders to log cholesterol test results from doctor visits. Create a timeline view showing cholesterol trends over months and years. Include notes about medication changes, diet modifications, and exercise routines to identify patterns that affect cholesterol levels. This data will be valuable for discussions with healthcare providers about treatment options as they become available

This article discusses early-stage research that has not been tested in humans. B11 is an experimental compound and is not approved for human use by the FDA or any other regulatory agency. Do not attempt to obtain or use B11 outside of authorized clinical trials. This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to make decisions about your cholesterol treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your cholesterol medications or treatment plan. If you have high cholesterol, continue taking medications prescribed by your doctor. This research represents promising preliminary findings but requires further development and human testing before any clinical applications can be considered.