[Rosuvastatin: pharmacologic features]

Abstract

The development of more active and safe new 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) will increase the armamentarium of therapeutic tools available to the physicians for antiatherosclerotic therapies. Rosuvastatin presents a promising pharmacological profile: high affinity for the enzyme, a relative high hydrophilicity, selective hepatic uptake and activity, minimal cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism. Clinically the drug displays the highest lipid-lowering efficacy in the class with a safety profile similar to the other statins. Drug interaction potential is reduced. Rosuvastatin effectively decreases triglycerides, triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, non-HDL cholesterol, and increases HDL cholesterol. All together these properties will favor the achievement of therapeutic goals in the treated patients.