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Nicotinic acid (niacin)

Charite University, Berlin, Germany · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is a Lipid-modifying agent; B vitamin Small molecule drug developed by Charite University, Berlin, Germany. It is currently FDA-approved for Dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Niacin deficiency (pellagra). Also known as: Niaspan.

Nicotinic acid activates GPR109A receptors on immune cells and adipocytes to reduce lipolysis, decrease free fatty acid release, and lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol.

Nicotinic acid activates GPR109A receptors on immune cells and adipocytes to reduce lipolysis, decrease free fatty acid release, and lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol. Used for Dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Pellagra (niacin deficiency).

At a glance

Generic nameNicotinic acid (niacin)
Also known asNiaspan
SponsorCharite University, Berlin, Germany
Drug classLipid-modifying agent; B vitamin
TargetGPR109A (HM74A receptor)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaCardiovascular
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is a B vitamin that acts as a ligand for the G-protein coupled receptor GPR109A, primarily on adipocytes and immune cells. This activation suppresses hormone-sensitive lipase, reducing the breakdown of triglycerides and the release of free fatty acids into circulation. The net effect is decreased hepatic VLDL production, lowered triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, and increased HDL cholesterol levels.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

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

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Frequently asked questions about Nicotinic acid (niacin)

What is Nicotinic acid (niacin)?

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is a Lipid-modifying agent; B vitamin drug developed by Charite University, Berlin, Germany, indicated for Dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Niacin deficiency (pellagra).

How does Nicotinic acid (niacin) work?

Nicotinic acid activates GPR109A receptors on immune cells and adipocytes to reduce lipolysis, decrease free fatty acid release, and lower triglycerides and LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol.

What is Nicotinic acid (niacin) used for?

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is indicated for Dyslipidemia and hypercholesterolemia, Hypertriglyceridemia, Niacin deficiency (pellagra).

Who makes Nicotinic acid (niacin)?

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is developed and marketed by Charite University, Berlin, Germany (see full Charite University, Berlin, Germany pipeline at /company/charite-university-berlin-germany).

Is Nicotinic acid (niacin) also known as anything else?

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is also known as Niaspan.

What drug class is Nicotinic acid (niacin) in?

Nicotinic acid (niacin) belongs to the Lipid-modifying agent; B vitamin class. See all Lipid-modifying agent; B vitamin drugs at /class/lipid-modifying-agent-b-vitamin.

What development phase is Nicotinic acid (niacin) in?

Nicotinic acid (niacin) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Nicotinic acid (niacin)?

Common side effects of Nicotinic acid (niacin) include Flushing and skin reactions, Pruritus, Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, dyspepsia), Hyperglycemia, Hepatotoxicity, Gout exacerbation.

What does Nicotinic acid (niacin) target?

Nicotinic acid (niacin) targets GPR109A (HM74A receptor) and is a Lipid-modifying agent; B vitamin.

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