Pitavastatin.
The growing number of trials that have highlighted the benefit of intensive lowering of total- and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol levels especially with statins has created a need for more efficacious agents. Pitavastatin is a new synthetic 3-hydroxy-3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, which was developed, and has been available in Japan since July 2003. Metabolism of pitavastatin by the cytochrome P450 (CYP) system is minimal, principally through CYP 2C9, with little involvement of the CYP 3A4 isoenzyme, potentially reducing the risk of drug-drug interactions between pitavastatin and other drugs known to inhibit CYP enzymes. To date, human and animal studies have shown pitavastatin to be potentially as effective in lowering LDL-cholesterol levels as rosuvastatin; although, head-to-head studies are yet to be conducted.
Mukhtar
R Y A
RY
Diabetes and Lipid Research, Wolfson Centre, Royal United Hospital, Coombe Park, Bath BA1 3NG, UK.
Reid
J
J
Reckless
J P D
JP
D000818:Animals; D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D018565:Food-Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism; D011804:Quinolines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use* / Q000633:toxicity; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000924:Anticholesteremic Agents; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D011804:Quinolines; C108475:pitavastatin