lovastatin

Lovastatin is an oral cholesterol-lowering medication belonging to the class of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins). It works by reversibly inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which catalyzes a key step in cholesterol biosynthesis. By blocking this enzyme, lovastatin reduces hepatic cholesterol synthesis and increases the uptake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from the blood via upregulation of LDL receptors in the liver. This leads to decreased plasma levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein B, non-HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations. Lovastatin is primarily indicated for lowering elevated blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels to reduce cardiovascular risk—including heart attack and stroke—in adults with or at risk for coronary heart disease or diabetes. It is also used in children aged 10–17 years with familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia[1][2][4][5][7]. Lovastatin was originally isolated from Aspergillus terreus[8]. Lovastatin has also been studied for potential anti-cancer effects due to its ability to inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in various cancer cell types[6]. The drug is available only by prescription.

Brand names

MevacorAltoprevAltocor

Other names

GB-G01GB-G-01GB-G 01