New evidence on pitavastatin: efficacy and safety in clinical studies

Abstract

Importance of the field: Many clinical trials of pitavastatin have been done since its launch. New insights on pitavastatin from these trials are summarized and evaluated.

Areas covered in this review: The results of clinical studies using pitavastatin, from 2008 to 2009, the LIVES study, the JAPAN-ACS study, the CHIBA study, the PIAT study and Phase III clinical trials in the West are reviewed.

What the reader will gain: In the LIVES study, pitavastatin showed significant and continuous elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as well as potential decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), in addition to long-term safety. Non-inferiority of pitavastatin against atorvastatin in the percentage change in plaque volume was proved in the JAPAN-ACS study. Also, comparable effects on LDL-C reduction rate of pitavastatin versus atorvastatin were confirmed in the CHIBA study and Phase III clinical trials in the West, and a greater increase in HDL-C was observed than with atorvastatin in the PIAT study.

Take home message: Pitavastatin is a useful potent stain in raising HDL-C as well as in lowering of LDL-C, though a large-scale, clinical trial to confirm prevention of cardiovascular events is needed in the future.