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HMG CoA inhibitor
HMG-CoA inhibitors block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which catalyzes an early and rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis.
HMG-CoA inhibitors block the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which catalyzes an early and rate-limiting step in cholesterol synthesis. Used for Hypercholesterolemia, Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, Reduction of risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.
At a glance
| Generic name | HMG CoA inhibitor |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | AstraZeneca |
| Drug class | Statin (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) |
| Target | HMG-CoA reductase |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Cardiovascular |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
By inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, these drugs reduce the production of mevalonate and downstream cholesterol synthesis in hepatocytes. This leads to upregulation of LDL receptors on liver cells, increasing clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and lowering serum cholesterol levels. They are commonly known as statins and are among the most widely used lipid-lowering agents.
Approved indications
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease
- Reduction of risk of myocardial infarction and stroke
Common side effects
- Muscle pain or myalgia
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Headache
- Nausea
Key clinical trials
- Preoperative Statin Use and Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Liver Transplant Recipients
- Adebrelimab Combined With Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, and Simvastatin for Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- Clinical Evaluation of Simcyp-Guided Simvastatin Dosing in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis (PHASE4)
- Cholesterol Lowering and Residual Risk in Diabetes, Type 1 (PHASE4)
- Cholesterol and Inflammation Lowering Via Bempedoic Acid, an ACL-inhibiting Regimen in HIV Trial (CLEAR HIV Trial) (PHASE2)
- Dual vs Triple Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With Elevated LDL Cholesterol (PHASE4)
- COAST Study - Cholesterol Optimization After Stroke
- ATORvastatin in Pulmonary TUBerculosis (PHASE2)
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:
- HMG CoA inhibitor CI brief — competitive landscape report
- HMG CoA inhibitor updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- AstraZeneca portfolio CI