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Pitavastatin (NK-104)

Kowa Research Institute, Inc. · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Pitavastatin (NK-104) is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) Small molecule drug developed by Kowa Research Institute, Inc.. It is currently FDA-approved for Hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia, Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary artery disease. Also known as: Livalo.

Pitavastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol levels.

Pitavastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol levels. Used for Hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia, Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary artery disease.

At a glance

Generic namePitavastatin (NK-104)
Also known asLivalo
SponsorKowa Research Institute, Inc.
Drug classHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
TargetHMG-CoA reductase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaCardiovascular
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

As a statin, pitavastatin competitively binds to HMG-CoA reductase and blocks the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a critical early step in cholesterol biosynthesis. This leads to decreased intracellular cholesterol, upregulation of LDL receptors on hepatocytes, and enhanced clearance of LDL from the bloodstream. Pitavastatin is notable for its high selectivity for HMG-CoA reductase and favorable pharmacokinetic profile compared to other statins.

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 Pitavastatin (NK-104)

What is Pitavastatin (NK-104)?

Pitavastatin (NK-104) is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) drug developed by Kowa Research Institute, Inc., indicated for Hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia, Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary artery disease.

How does Pitavastatin (NK-104) work?

Pitavastatin inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol levels.

What is Pitavastatin (NK-104) used for?

Pitavastatin (NK-104) is indicated for Hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia, Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary artery disease.

Who makes Pitavastatin (NK-104)?

Pitavastatin (NK-104) is developed and marketed by Kowa Research Institute, Inc. (see full Kowa Research Institute, Inc. pipeline at /company/kowa-research-institute-inc).

Is Pitavastatin (NK-104) also known as anything else?

Pitavastatin (NK-104) is also known as Livalo.

What drug class is Pitavastatin (NK-104) in?

Pitavastatin (NK-104) belongs to the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) class. See all HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) drugs at /class/hmg-coa-reductase-inhibitor-statin.

What development phase is Pitavastatin (NK-104) in?

Pitavastatin (NK-104) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Pitavastatin (NK-104)?

Common side effects of Pitavastatin (NK-104) include Muscle pain or myalgia, Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST), Headache, Rhabdomyolysis.

What does Pitavastatin (NK-104) target?

Pitavastatin (NK-104) targets HMG-CoA reductase and is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin).

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