bempedoic acid
Pronunciation: bem-PED-oh-ik
Oral cholesterol-lowering medication that inhibits ATP citrate lyase, used as adjunct therapy for patients unable to achieve LDL goals with statins alone.
Full Definition
Bempedoic acid is a novel lipid-lowering medication that works by inhibiting ATP citrate lyase, an enzyme upstream from HMG-CoA reductase in the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Unlike statins, bempedoic acid is activated only in the liver, potentially reducing the risk of muscle-related side effects. It is approved as adjunctive therapy for adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who require additional LDL cholesterol lowering despite maximally tolerated statin therapy. The drug represents an important addition to the preventive cardiology armamentarium for high-risk patients with statin intolerance or inadequate response.
Usage
Usage note: Brand name Nexletol should be capitalized when referenced in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient was started on bempedoic acid after experiencing muscle symptoms with high-intensity statin therapy." — Clinical notes
- "Bempedoic acid demonstrated significant LDL cholesterol reduction in the CLEAR outcomes trial." — Research publication