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Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor)
Atorvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.
Atorvastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Used for Hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia, Prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients at high risk, Acute coronary syndrome.
At a glance
| Generic name | Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Pennsylvania |
| Drug class | HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) |
| Target | HMG-CoA reductase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
By blocking HMG-CoA reductase, atorvastatin decreases hepatic cholesterol production and upregulates LDL receptors on liver cells, enhancing clearance of LDL cholesterol from circulation. This leads to reduced plasma LDL cholesterol concentrations and decreased cardiovascular risk in patients with hyperlipidemia and those at risk for atherosclerotic disease.
Approved indications
- Hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia
- Prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients at high risk
- Acute coronary syndrome
- Coronary heart disease
Common side effects
- Muscle pain or myalgia
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST)
- Headache
- Rhabdomyolysis (rare)
Key clinical trials
- Focusing on the Menopausal Transition to Improve Mid-Life Women's Health (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Downmodulating Monocyte Activation for HIV-1 Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND) (PHASE4)
- Clinical Trial to to Compare of the Efficacy and Safety of Lipilou® 20 mg and Lipilou® 10 mg (PHASE4)
- The Efficacy and Safety of Atorva® 20mg Versus Lipitor® 20mg (PHASE4)
- A Clinical Trial Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Atorvastatin in Korean Patients With Hypercholesterolemia (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Atorvastatin (generic Lipitor) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Pennsylvania portfolio CI