The US FDA has approved the once-daily oral pill bempedoic acid for decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels as an adjunct to maximum-tolerated dose of statin therapy.

Bempedoic acid is now indicated for individuals who have heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and require additional lowering with hypercholesterolemia. Bempedoic acid is an oral adenosine triphosphate (ATP) citrate lyase inhibitor from Esperion Therapeutics that reduces cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis in the liver.

The pill has to be taken at a dose of 180 mg orally once a day with or without food. The drug label warns against concomitant use with simvastatin >20 mg or pravastatin >40 mg dose.

Dr KK Aggarwal

President CMAAO, HCFI and Past National President IMA