Evolution of cholesterol management therapies: exploiting potential for further improvement.
The development of therapies for the control of atherosclerosis is an important example of the drug discovery process. Findings from population studies initiated 4 decades ago have been gradually translated to today's therapies, the most effective of which are the statins. Driven by an increased understanding of the atherosclerotic process and shortfalls of current treatments, the development of therapies for cholesterol control continues, with new agents in the pipeline promising therapeutic benefits over existing treatments. The advent of new statins such as rosuvastatin and pitavastatin, with improved efficacy for reducing cholesterol and the ability to positively affect other disease risk factors, may exploit the potential for improvement of current treatments.
Clearfield
Michael
M
Department of Internal Medicine, Health Science Center, University of North Texas, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA. mclearfi@hsc.unt.edu
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001161:Arteriosclerosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000639:trends; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors