Lifibrol: first member of a new class of lipid-lowering drugs?

Abstract

Management of dyslipoproteinaemia is one of the key strategies in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The major target of hypolipidaemic drugs is the reduction of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Lifibrol, a novel lipid-lowering agent, is highly potent in reducing total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B. Its efficacy in lowering serum triglycerides, lipoprotein(a) and fibrinogen implies additional benefit in the prophylaxis and treatment of coronary heart disease. Thus, lifibrol appears to be a multivalent anti-atherosclerotic agent. The hypolipidaemic properties of lifibrol have been examined in several clinical trials and in various animal models. The mode of action of lifibrol involves at least three mechanisms: lifibrol enhances LDL catabolism by sterol-independent stimulation of LDL receptor activity, reduces cholesterol absorption from the intestine, and slightly decreases hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis. Lifibrol’s lipid-lowering profile and putative mode of action clearly distinguish it from other classes of hypolipidaemic drugs, such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors or fibric acid derivatives. Thus, lifibrol may represent a new class of agents affecting lipid metabolism.