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Atorvastatin (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 (primary and secondary prevention), Coronary heart disease and acute coronary syndromes, Stroke prevention in high-risk patients.
At a glance
| Generic name | Atorvastatin (Lipitor) |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Lipitor, ATV (Lipitor ®) |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago |
| 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 levels and decreased cardiovascular risk. It also has modest effects on triglycerides and HDL cholesterol.
Approved indications
- Hypercholesterolemia (primary and secondary prevention)
- Coronary heart disease and acute coronary syndromes
- Stroke prevention in high-risk patients
Common side effects
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST)
- Rhabdomyolysis (rare)
- Headache
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Atorvastatin Therapy in the Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Children With Steroid Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome (PHASE4)
- Atorvastatin Therapy on Xanthoma in Alagille Syndrome (PHASE4)
- Atorvastatin in Active Vitiligo (PHASE2)
- A Prospective, Open, Observational Study to Confirm the Lipid-lowering Effect, Changes in Glucose Metabolism, and Safety After 6 Months of Administration of Atostazet to Hypercholesterolemic Patients 65 Years of Age or Older
- A Study of Bempedoic Acid/Ezetimibe/High-intensity Statin in Patients Without Cardiovascular Events (PHASE3)
- Cholesterol Disruption in Combination With the Standard of Care in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Statin and Vitamin D Treatment in Patients With Thyroid Eye Disease (NA)
- Metformin Alleviates Abnormal Glucose Metabolism Induced by Statins in Schizophrenia Patients (PHASE3)
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 (Lipitor) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Chicago portfolio CI