Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Lipid-lowering therapy

Lipid-lowering therapy reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels through various pharmacological mechanisms to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Lipid-lowering therapy reduces blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels through various pharmacological mechanisms to prevent cardiovascular disease. Used for Hyperlipidemia / dyslipidemia, Cardiovascular disease prevention, Secondary prevention post-myocardial infarction or stroke.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Lipid-lowering therapies encompass multiple drug classes (statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, etc.) that work through different mechanisms such as inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, blocking PCSK9-mediated LDL receptor degradation, or reducing intestinal cholesterol absorption. These agents collectively reduce circulating LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and other atherogenic lipids to lower cardiovascular risk.

Approved indications

• Hyperlipidemia / dyslipidemia
• Cardiovascular disease prevention
• Secondary prevention post-myocardial infarction or stroke

Common side effects

• Muscle pain or myalgia
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Headache

Key clinical trials

• Belimumab and Rituximab Combination Therapy for the Treatment of Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis (PHASE2)
• Qutenza 8% Capsaicin Topical System for the Treatment of Neuropathic Axial Lower Back Pain and Lumbosacral Radiculopathy
• Unknown Time of Onset Stroke RePerfusIon Without Advanced Imaging (PHASE3)
• Intravenous Tenecteplase in Very Old Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke
• Alpha Lipoic Acid to Decrease Pain and Side Effects in Concurrent Treatment of HNSCC (PHASE1)
• Metformin Safety and Efficacy in Osteoarthritis. (PHASE3)
• The Belgian REAL (BE.REAL) Registry
• Optimizing Non-statin Agents for ASCVD

Primary sources

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