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Statin (simvastatin)

University of Aarhus · FDA-approved active Small molecule ✓ Verified May 2026

Statin (simvastatin) is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) Small molecule drug developed by University of Aarhus. It is currently FDA-approved for Hypercholesterolemia, Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients, Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary heart disease.

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

Simvastatin is a small molecule used to treat conditions such as hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, as well as chronic renal failure and myocardial infarction. It is available in various doses, including 20, 40, and 80 mg, and is often compared to other statins like atorvastatin in clinical trials.

At a glance

Generic nameStatin (simvastatin)
SponsorUniversity of Aarhus
Drug classHMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin)
TargetHMG-CoA reductase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaCardiovascular
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Simvastatin competitively binds to HMG-CoA reductase and blocks the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, a critical early step in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. This leads to decreased intracellular cholesterol production, upregulation of LDL receptors on hepatocytes, and increased clearance of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. The net result is a significant reduction in serum LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, with modest increases in HDL cholesterol.

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 Statin (simvastatin)

What is Statin (simvastatin)?

Statin (simvastatin) is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) drug developed by University of Aarhus, indicated for Hypercholesterolemia, Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients, Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary heart disease.

How does Statin (simvastatin) work?

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

What is Statin (simvastatin) used for?

Statin (simvastatin) is indicated for Hypercholesterolemia, Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in high-risk patients, Secondary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary heart disease.

Who makes Statin (simvastatin)?

Statin (simvastatin) is developed and marketed by University of Aarhus (see full University of Aarhus pipeline at /company/university-of-aarhus).

What drug class is Statin (simvastatin) in?

Statin (simvastatin) 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 Statin (simvastatin) in?

Statin (simvastatin) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of Statin (simvastatin)?

Common side effects of Statin (simvastatin) include Myalgia (muscle pain), Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST), Headache, Rhabdomyolysis (rare), Nausea.

What does Statin (simvastatin) target?

Statin (simvastatin) targets HMG-CoA reductase and is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin).

Related

Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing