mevalonic acid

Mevalonic acid is a small molecule organic compound classified as a hydroxy fatty acid. It is a key intermediate in the biosynthetic pathway known as the mevalonate pathway, which produces terpenes in plants and steroids in animals. Mevalonic acid is the primary precursor of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP), which forms the basis for all terpenoids and sterols, including cholesterol. The production of mevalonic acid by 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) represents the rate-limiting step in cholesterol biosynthesis. Statin drugs lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase and thus reducing endogenous production of mevalonic acid[1][4][5]. Mevalonic acid itself has been studied experimentally for its effects on cholesterol metabolism and skin barrier function but is not an approved pharmaceutical drug[1][2].

Other names

MVAmevalonatehiochic acid