Febuxostat: a new agent for lowering serum urate.
The prevalence of gout has been increasing in epidemic proportions over the last several decades. Hyperuricemia has been shown to be associated with metabolic syndrome and to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Associations between hyperuricemia, obesity and aging have provided an impetus in recent years to develop alternative methods of treating hyperuricemia and gout. Febuxostat is a new non-purine xanthine oxidase inhibitor indicated for chronic gout. Febuxostat has been shown to quickly and effectively lower serum urate levels in patients with chronic gout. This manuscript will review febuxostat, its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, efficacy and adverse events and use in patients with comorbid conditions. The review will also summarize the phase III trials leading up to the drug's approval by both the European Commission in 2008 and the U.S. FDA in 2009. Possible implications the medication may have in the future on gout and hyperuricemia will also be discussed.
Keenan
Robert T
RT
Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, NYU Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York, NY 10003, USA. Robert.keenan@nyumc.org
Pillinger
Michael H
MH
D000818:Animals; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic; D004347:Drug Interactions; D000069465:Febuxostat; D006073:Gout / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006074:Gout Suppressants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D033461:Hyperuricemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D006074:Gout Suppressants; D013844:Thiazoles; D000069465:Febuxostat