bempedoic acid
Pronunciation: bem-PED-oh-ik
An oral cholesterol-lowering medication that inhibits ATP citrate lyase, used as an alternative to statins.
Full Definition
Bempedoic acid is a first-in-class ATP citrate lyase inhibitor that reduces cholesterol synthesis upstream of HMG-CoA reductase, the target of statin therapy. It is administered orally and is particularly valuable for patients who cannot tolerate statins due to muscle-related side effects. The medication can be used alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering therapies. Clinical trials have demonstrated its efficacy in reducing LDL cholesterol and cardiovascular events, making it an important addition to the cardiovascular prevention armamentarium.
Usage
Usage note: Brand name Nexletol; often used in statin-intolerant patients.
In Context
- "Bempedoic acid was initiated after the patient developed statin-associated myopathy with three different statin preparations." — Lipid management note