Bempedoic acid. Mechanism of action and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties

Abstract

Bempedoic acid acts by inhibiting adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) and consequently cholesterol biosynthesis, leading to increased expression of LDL receptors and increasing low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C) plasma clearence. It is a prodrug for oral administration with intracellular activation. It is activatedin liver cells and to a lesser extent in kidney cells, being absent in adipose tissue and muscle cells. Therefore, unlike statins, its potential myotoxic effect is very limited. It has recently been approved as a lipid-lowering drug in combination with diet, with statins, or with other lipid-lowering drugs in patients with hypercholesterolaemia, mixed dyslipidaemia, statin intolerance, or when these are contraindicated. The marketing of bempedoic acid implies, in clinical practice, having a new family of lipid-lowering drugs.

Keywords: Arteriosclerosis; Atherosclerosis; Bempedoic acid; Hiperlipemia; Hyperlipidemia; Inhibidor ATP-citrato liasa; Inhibitor ATP citrate lyase; Lipoproteínas de baja densidad; Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; Ácido bempedoico.