Pitavastatin for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia

Abstract

Pitavastatin is a new, synthetic member of the statin class of lipid-lowering drugs. Compared with other available statins, it has a unique cyclopropyl group on its base structure that is believed to increase 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibition by a factor of five and to significantly increase the transcription and activity of LDL receptors. Pitavastatin is primarily metabolized via glucuronidation and is not a substrate for the cytochrome P450 3A4 enzyme, thus avoiding the potential for cytochrome P450-mediated drug–drug interactions. Clinical trials have shown that pitavastatin is comparable to atorvastatin and simvastatin in improving lipid measures, and more potent than pravastatin. Pitavastatin is effective in reducing triglycerides and increasing HDL-cholesterol, so it will be particularly beneficial in treating patients with mixed dyslipidemia. Its safety and adverse event profile is similar to that of other available statins, and it has an established history of use in Asia indicating tolerability and safety for treatment lasting up to 7 years.

Keywords::

• cholesterol
• coronary heart disease
• dyslipidemia
• HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
• LDL
• pitavastatin

Financial & competing interests disclosure

Antonio M Gotto Jr is a consultant for AstraZeneca, Kowa and Merck, and he serves on the Board of Directors for Aegerion Pharmaceuticals and Arisaph Pharmaceuticals. He is a member of advisory boards for DuPont and Vatera Capital. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.