What is Bempedoic?
Bempedoic (Nexletol) is an oral tablet used in combination with statin therapy to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attacks and strokes, in adults at high risk. It belongs to a class of drugs known as ATP citrate lyase inhibitors. Bempedoic works by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver, thereby reducing levels of “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. The exact mechanism of action involves inhibition of the enzyme ATP citrate lyase, which is a key regulator of fatty acid synthesis and cholesterol biosynthesis.
What is Bempedoic used for?
Bempedoic, also known as bempedoic acid, is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs called adenosine triphosphate citrate lyase (ATPcitrate) inhibitors. It was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 for the treatment of patients with established cardiovascular disease who require additional lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).
The mechanism of action of bempedoic involves the inhibition of ATP citrate lyase, an enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol. By blocking this enzyme, bempedoic reduces the synthesis of cholesterol within the liver, thereby lowering LDL-C levels. Bempedoic has been shown to be effective in reducing LDL-C by approximately 15% when used as monotherapy and by up to 25% when combined with other lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins. The recommended dosage for bempedoic is a single tablet taken orally once daily.
Bempedoic side effects
• Nausea • Diarrhea • Abdominal pain • Upper respiratory tract infection • Musculoskeletal pain • Constipation • Headache • Increased levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) or creatinine • Increased levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) • Increased levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol • Weight gain • Increased risk of cataracts
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