Torcetrapib/atorvastatin combination therapy.

Harold Bays, James McKenney, Michael Davidson

Index: Expert Rev. Cardiovasc. Ther. 3(5) , 789-820, (2005)

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Abstract

Elevated blood levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are associated with an increased risk for atherosclerotic coronary heart disease (CHD). Atorvastatin is a statin drug that inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (the rate-limiting step of cholesterol production) and primarily lowers LDL-C levels. Atorvastatin has also been shown to significantly reduce CHD events. However, as with all statins (and all other monotherapy lipid-altering drugs), atorvastatin alone reduces the risk of CHD in only a minority of patients relative to placebo. Conversely, it is low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol that are associated with increased CHD risk. Torcetrapib is a cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor that primarily raises high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, and cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibition has generally been shown to reduce atherosclerosis in rabbits. Taken together, atorvastatin and torcetrapib provide striking improvements in lipid levels, and complementary actions upon important lipid parameters. This review examines the chemistry, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, safety/tolerability and efficacy of the combination torcetrapib/atorvastatin agent that is currently in development and that provides complementary lipid benefits towards the goal of reducing CHD risk beyond that of atorvastatin alone.