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lipid-lowering drug(Statin)

First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.

Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. Used for Hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia, Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, Reduction of risk of myocardial infarction and stroke.

At a glance

Generic namelipid-lowering drug(Statin)
SponsorFirst Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University
Drug classHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (Statin)
TargetHMG-CoA reductase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaCardiovascular
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Statins competitively bind to HMG-CoA reductase and block the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a critical early step in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. This leads to decreased hepatic cholesterol production, upregulation of LDL receptors on liver cells, and enhanced clearance of LDL cholesterol from circulation. Statins also have pleiotropic anti-inflammatory and endothelial-protective effects beyond cholesterol lowering.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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