simvastatin + rifaximin

Simvastatin + rifaximin is an experimental combination therapy being investigated for the treatment of patients with decompensated cirrhosis, specifically to prevent the progression to Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF). This therapeutic strategy is the focus of the LIVERHOPE project, a multicenter initiative led by Judit Pich and funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 program. Simvastatin, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, is utilized for its pleiotropic effects on the liver, which include improving intrahepatic endothelial function, reducing portal hypertension, and decreasing hepatic inflammation. Rifaximin is a minimally absorbed oral antibiotic that targets the gut microbiota to reduce bacterial translocation and the production of gut-derived toxins like ammonia and lipopolysaccharides. By addressing both the hemodynamic and inflammatory drivers of liver disease progression, the combination aims to stabilize liver function and improve clinical outcomes in high-risk cirrhotic patients.

Other names

Simvastatin plus RifaximinSimvastatin/Rifaximin