medicine: advicor

advicor description

Go to trade names and prices








Lovastatin is a member of the drug class of statins, used for lowering cholesterol (hypolipidemic agent) in those with hypercholesterolemia and so preventing cardiovascular disease. lovastatin is a naturally occurring drug found in food such as oyster mushrooms and red yeast rice.

History

The "oyster mushroom", a culinary mushroom, naturally contains up to 2.8% lovastatin on a dry weight basis. http:www.znaturforsch.com/ac/v58c/s58c0062.pdf

Lovastatin was isolated from the fungus Aspergillus terreus and it was the first statin approved by the FDA (August 1987).

Lovastatin is also naturally produced by certain higher fungi such as Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) and closely related Pleurotus spp. In vivo research conducted with oyster mushrooms demonstrated statins present in the mushroom could effectively lower cholesterol levels.

In 1998, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed a ban on the sale of dietary supplements derived from red yeast rice, which naturally contains lovastatin, arguing that products containing prescription agents require drug approval.

Compactin and lovastatin, natural products with a powerful inhibitory effect on HMG-CoA reductase, were discovered in the 1970s, and taken into clinical development as potential drugs for lowering LDL cholesterol.

In 1982 some small-scale clinical investigations of lovastatin, a polyketide-derived natural product isolated from Aspergillus terreus, in very high-risk patients were undertaken, in which dramatic reductions in LDL cholesterol were observed, with very few adverse effects. After the additional animal safety studies with lovastatin revealed no toxicity of the type thought to be associated with compactin, clinical studies resumed.

Large-scale trials confirmed the effectiveness of lovastatin. Observed tolerability continued to be excellent, and lovastatin was approved by the US FDA in 1987.

Lovastatin at its maximal recommended dose of 80 mg daily produced a mean reduction in LDL cholesterol of 40%, a far greater reduction than could be obtained with any of the treatments available at the time. Equally important, the drug produced very few adverse effects, was easy for patients to take, and so was rapidly accepted by prescribers and patients. The only important adverse effect is myopathy/rhabdomyolysis. This is rare and occurs with all HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.

Mechanism of action

Lovastatin is an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase), an enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate. Mevalonate is a required building block for cholesterol biosynthesis and lovastatin interferes with its production by acting as a reversible competitive inhibitor for HMG-CoA which binds to the HMG-CoA reductase. Lovastatin, being inactive in the native form, the form in which it is administered,is hydrolysed to the β-hydroxy acid form in the body and it is this form which is active.

Discovery, biochemistry and biology

It is now generally accepted that a major risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease is an elevated concentration of plasma cholesterol, especially low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (There is some debate as to what qualifies as 'elevated' however.) The objective is to decrease excess levels of cholesterol to an amount consistent with maintenance of normal body function. Cholesterol is biosynthesized in a series of more than 25 separate enzymatic reactions that initially involves 3 successive condensations of acetyl-CoA units to form a 6-carbon compound, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA). This is reduced to mevalonate and then converted in a series of reactions to the isoprenes that are building blocks of squalene, the immediate precursor to sterols, which cyclizes to lanosterol (a methylated sterol) and further metabolized to cholesterol. A number of early attempts to block the synthesis of cholesterol resulted in agents that inhibited late in the biosynthetic pathway between lanosterol and cholesterol. A major rate limiting step in the pathway is at the level of the microsomal enzyme which catalyzes the conversion of HMG CoA to mevalonic acid and which has been considered to be a prime target for pharmacologic intervention for several years.

HMG CoA reductase occurs early in the biosynthetic pathway and is among the first committed steps to cholesterol formulation. Inhibition of this enzyme could lead to accumulation of HMG CoA, a water-soluble intermediate that is then capable of being readily metabolized to simpler molecules. This inhibition of reductase would lead to accumulation of lipophylic intermediates having a formal sterol ring.

Lovastatin is the first specific inhibitor of HMG CoA reductase to receive approval for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. The first breakthrough in efforts to find a potent, specific, competitive inhibitor of HMG CoA reductase occurred in 1976 when Endo et al. reported discovery of mevastatin, a highly functionalized fungal metabolite, isolated from cultures of Penicillium citrium. mevastatin was demonstrated to be an unusually potent inhibitor of the target enzyme and of cholesterol biosynthesis. Subsequent to the first reports describing mevastatin, efforts were initiated to search for other naturally occurring inhibitors of HMG CoA reductase. This led to the discovery of a novel fungal metabolite – lovastatin. The structure of lovastatin was determined to be different from that of mevastatin by the presence of a six alphamethyl group in the hexahydronaphthalene ring.

Key points from the study of the biosynthesis of lovastatin :-

Lovastatin is composed of two polyketide chains derived from acetate that are two and four carbons long coupled in head to tail fashion.
six alphamethyl group and the methyl group on the four-carbon side chain are derived from the methyl group of methionine, and
six alphamethyl group is added before closure of the rings.

This implies that lovastatin is a unique compound synthesized by A. terreus and that mevastatin is not an intermediate in its fornmation.

Cholesterol biosynthetic pathwayHMG CoA reductase reaction

Biosynthesis using Diels-Alder catalyzed cyclization

In vitro formation of a triketide lactone using a genetically-modified protein derived from 6-deoxyerythronolide B synthase has been demonstrated. The stereochemistry of the molecule supports the intriguing idea that an enzyme-catalyzed Diels-Alder reaction may occur during assembly of the polyketide chain. It thus appears that biological Diels-Alder reactions may be triggered by generation of reactive triene systems on an enzyme surface.

Biosynthesis using Diels-Alder catalyzed cyclization

Biosynthesis using broadly specific acyltransferase

It has been found that a dedicated acyltransferase, LovD, is encoded in the lovastatin biosynthetic pathway. LovD has a broad substrate specificity towards the acyl carrier, the acyl substrate and the decalin acyl acceptor. It efficiently catalyzes the acyl transfer from coenzyme A thoesters or N-acetylcysteamine (SNAC) thioesters to monacolin J.

The biosynthesis of lovastatin is coordinated by two iterative type I polyketide syntheses and numerous accessory enzymes. Nonketide, the intermediate biosynthetic precursor of lovastatin, is assembled by the upstream megasynthase LovB (also known as lovastatin nonaketide synthase), enoylreductase LovC, and CYP450 oxygenases. The five carbon unit side chain is synthesized by LovF (also known as lovastatin diketide synthase) through a single condensation diketide undergoes methylation and reductive tailoring by the individual LovF catalytic domains to yield an α-S-methylbutyryl thioester covalently attached to the phosphopantetheine arm on the acyl carrier protein (ACP) domain of LovF. Encoded in the gene cluster is a 46kDa protein, LovD, which was initially identified as an esterase homolog. LovD was suggested to catalyze the last step of lovastatin biosynthesis that regioselectively transacylates the acyl group from LovF to the C8 hydroxyl group of the Nonaketide to yield lovastatin.

Biosynthesis using broadly specific acyltransferase

Total synthesis

A major bulk of work in the synthesis of lovastatin was done by M. Hirama in the 1980’s. Hirama synthesized Compactin and used one of the intermediates to follow a different path to get to lovastatin. The synthetic sequence is shown in the schemes below. The γ-lactone was synthesized using Yamada methodology starting with aspartic acid. Lactone opening was done using lithium methoxide in methanol and then silylation to give a separable mixture of the starting lactone and the silyl ether. The silyl ether on hydrogenolysis followed by Collins oxidation gave the aldehyde. Stereoselective preparation of (E,E)-diene was accomplished by addition of trans-crotyl phenyl sulfone anion, followed by quenching with Ac2O and subsequent reductive elimination of sulfone acetate. Condensation of this with lithium anion of dimethyl methylphosphonate gave compound 1.Compound 2 was synthesized as shown in the scheme in the synthetic procedure. Compounds 1 and 2 were then combined together using 1.3eq sodium hydride in THF followed by reflux in chlorobenzene for 82 hrs under nitrogen to get the enone 3.

Simple organic reactions were used to get to lovastatin as shown in the scheme.

Synthesis of compounds 1 and 2Complete lovastatin synthesis

Pharmacology and dose

The mode of action of statins is HMG-CoA reductase enzyme inhibition. This enzyme is needed by the body to make cholesterol.

Lovastatin causes cholesterol to be lost from LDL, but also reduces the concentration of circulating LDL (low density lipoprotein) particles. Apolipoprotein B concentration falls substantially during treatment with lovastatin. Lovastatin's ability to lower LDL is thought to be due to a reduction in VLDL, which is a precursor to LDL. Also, lovastatin may increase the number of LDL receptors on the surface of cell membranes, and thus increase the breakdown of LDL.

Lovastatin can also produce slight to moderate increases in HDL, and slight to moderate decreases in triglycerides. Both of these effects are typically beneficial to a patient with a poor lipid profile.

Both lovastatin and its b-hydroxyacid metabolite are highly bound (>95%) to human plasma proteins. Animal studies demonstrated that lovastatin crosses the blood-brain and placental barriers. Elderly patients, or those with renal insufficiency may have higher plasma concentrations of lovastatin after administration and may require a lower dose. The usual recommended starting dose is 20 mg once a day given with the evening meal, and the dose range is 10–80 mg a day in a single dose, or divided into two doses.

Side effects

Lovastatin is usually well tolerated. Lovastatin, and all statin drugs, can rarely cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. This can be life-threatening if not recognised and treated in time, and so any unexplained muscle pain or weakness whilst on lovastatin should be promptly mentioned to the prescribing doctor.

Drug interactions

As with all the statin drugs, drinking grapefruit juice during therapy increases the risk of serious side effects. Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4, and thus decreases the metabolism of statins, increasing their plasma concentrations.

Lovastatin at doses higher than 20 mg per day should not be used in conjunction with gemfibrozil or other fibrates, niacin, or ciclosporin. This is because of the significantly increased risk of rhabdomyolysis.

Pharmacopoeia information

Lovastatin tablets are preserved in well closed, light resistant containers. Protected from light and stored either in a cool place or at controlled room temperature.

Lovastatin tablets are tested for Dissolution and Assay as per the USP.

Limit for Dissolution – Not less than 80% (Q) of the labeled amount of lovastatin is dissolved in 30 mins.

Limit for Assay – Each tablet contains not less than 90% and not more than 110% of the labeled amount of Lovastatin, tested by HPLC analysis.

Lovastatin raw material contains 5 impurities – A, B, C, D and E (as shown below).

Brand names

mevacor
Advicor (as a combination with niacin)
altocor
Altoprev
Statosan (Atos Pharma)

Other applications

In plant physiology lovastatin has occasionally been used as inhibitor of cytokinin biosynthesis.

See also

Red yeast rice
Medicinal mushrooms
Oyster mushroom

Trade names

Trade names and prices of advicor

Name Information Price* Quantity
       
Advicor 500/20 mg 90 tablets (lovastatin/nicotinic acid) $150 90 tablets
Advicor 750/20 mg 90 tablets (lovastatin/nicotinic acid) N/A
Advicor 1000/20 mg 90 tablets (lovastatin/nicotinic acid) $208 90 tablets
Advicor 1000/40mg 90 tablet (lovastatin/nicotinic acid) $300 90 tablet

*) Prices related to some of online drugstores. There are only approximate prices. For some of drugs is needed a prescription.

Tags

Keywords related to advicor

fludarabine tetrylammonium bromide calcium dobesilate reboxetine cerubidine nandrolone bisoxatin olux foam miglitol clobetasone ditropan pheniprazine alacepril ibu estrone viadur fenquizone cortisone chlorofair tegretol normorphine a poxide idebenone budralazine avizafone nitrofural pergonal ambucetamide hydroxyprogesterone caproate esmolol magnevist benzydamine vigamox thyroxine altretamine accuneb 4 hydroxy 3 nitrobenzenearsonic acid invirase symclosene trental chlorothen certoparin sodium parnate tioxolone oxilofrine rosiglitazone tiotropium bromide rifamycin fosfestrol stenbolone


  • Related news


    Abbott's Copycat Combinations
    Abbott also has a Advicor, which combines Niaspan and lovastatin, Patients who switch to Abbott's Simcor or Advicor are more likely to be switching from ...
    Read full article

    Article: FDA panel rejects OTC switch for lovastatin.(Cardiovascular
    Update Niacin Extended-Release and Lovastatin Tablets (Advicor.sup.TM) By William approved a combination of niacin and lovastatin for the management of ...
    Read full article

    Article: Fed: Cholesterol drug helps diabetics: study - AAP General
    Administration to market its new anti-cholesterol drug, Advicor, the first medication to CEO. "It will be our second major cholesterol drug, ...
    Read full article

    FDA OKs Abbott's Simcor combo cholesterol pill
    Simcor is a follow-up to Advicor, an Abbott combination product already on the market that pairs Niaspan with a less-potent statin known as lovastatin. ...
    Read full article

    Crestor gains FDA approval to treat atherosclerosis.(CHAIN PHARMACY)
    The FDA also stated that some of the drugs not approved to treat atherosclerosis were Lipitor, Zetia, Vytorin and Advicor. However, the agency noted, ...
    Read full article

    FDA told Takeda Pharmaceuticals that existing clinical data on
    Kos Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Pharmaceuticals have formed a three-year agreement to co-promote Kos' Niaspan and Advicor in the U.S. The deal adds more than ...
    Read full article

    Company Profile Report
    KOS Pharmaceuticals Advicor (Niacin/Lovastatin); KOS Pharmaceuticals Simcor (Niacin/Simvastatin). HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors (Statins)/Plasma Triglyceride ...
    Read full article

    Sepracor Completes Acquisition of Oryx Pharmaceuticals and Expands
    The company's portfolio consists of 14 specialized products, including NIASPAN , ADVICOR , ANGIOMAX , NAPRELAN , CUBICIN , TRILEPTAL and ...
    Read full article

    How can I lower my cholesterol?
    therapeutic lifestyle changes should be maximized and adding an agent like niacin (Advicor, Niacor, Niaspan) should be considered. ...
    Read full article

    Statins: Are these cholesterol-lowering drugs right for you?
    niacin in addition to a statin, you might want to discuss taking a medication that combines both niacin and a statin, such as Simcor or Advicor. ...
    Read full article

    Press Release: Dealmaking and Industry Outlook: A Comprehensive
    Chairman Daniel Bell, Kos has pioneered the HDL therapy area in the United States and firmly established Niaspan and Advicor as to be submitted for ...
    Read full article

    High blood cholesterol
    you might want to discuss taking a medication that combines both niacin and a statin, such as Simcor or Advicor. These medications can reduce the number ...
    Read full article

    How to take Daptomycin Injection from Consumer Reports Health.
    in Advicor), pravastatin (Pravachol), rosuvastatin (Crestor), simvastatin (Zocor, in Vytorin); tobramycin (Tobi); or warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven). ...
    Read full article

    Barr Pharmaceuticals "outperform"
    the analysts mention that the company has reached a settlement with KOS Pharmaceuticals regarding the co-promotion of the Niaspan and Advicor drugs. ...
    Read full article

    Article: MS licensing agreement. - Chemistry and Industry HighBeam
    Inc., (KOSP) announced a manufacturing and licensing agreement for Niaspan and Advicor, two products internally developed by Kos for the treatment of . ...
    Read full article

    Kalam: Pokhran II was a success
    Dr. Kalam was the Scientific Advicor to the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. ``Based upon the seismic measurements and expert opinion from world ...
    Read full article

    High Blood Cholesterol and Triglycerides
    Statins are also available with niacin in fixed-dose combinations, such as lovastatin-niacin (Advicor) and simvastatin-niacin (Simcor). ...
    Read full article

    FINAL TRANSCRIPT
    And then the Advicor and Niaspan products, which we promote to the OB/GYN community on behalf of They meet our obligations for Niaspan and Advicor. ...
    Read full article

    Looking for work? Some jobs are actually hard to fill.(Business)
    The agreement adds about 1000 Takeda sales representatives to the existing Kos sales force to sell Niaspan and Advicor cholesterol disorders. ...
    Read full article

    Article: Sepracor, a US research-based pharmaceutical company, will
    Modifying Drugs Niaspan(R)and Advicor(TM) in Canada Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:KOSP) and Oryx Pharmaceuticals today announced a development and ...
    Read full article

    Statins and statin combinations for high cholesterol
    Statin and nicotinic acid combinations, such as the combination drug with niacin and lovastatin (Advicor), may also raise beneficial HDL levels in people ...
    Read full article

    Sepracor to Acquire Oryx Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Expand Commercial
    The company's portfolio consists of 14 specialized products, including NIASPAN(R), ADVICOR(R), ANGIOMAX(R), NAPRELAN(R), CUBICIN(R), TRILEPTAL(R) and ...
    Read full article

    Natural ways to control cholesterol
    The over-the-counter herbal supplement has chemical properties similar to lovastatin, a cholesterol-lowering medicine sold as Advicor, Altoprev and Mevacor. ...
    Read full article

    Statins: Making New Friends
    In 2008, Vytorin outsold the next-best selling combination drug (Advicor) and the third-best seller (Simcor) by over $1 billion dollars combined (Fig. ...
    Read full article

    Cholesterol Classes of Medications - Cholesterol Health Information -
    Statins are also available with niacin in fixed-dose combinations, such as lovastatin-niacin (Advicor) and simvastatin-niacin (Simcor). ...
    Read full article

    Finding multiple target optimal intervention in disease-related
    niacin extended-release/lovastatin with standard doses of atorvastatin and simvastatin (the ADvicor Versus Other Cholesterol-Modulating Agents Trial ...
    Read full article

    CoQ10, ubiquinol same nutrient, but differ in quality, brands
    Leg cramps and muscle pain can be the result of the drug mugging effect of statin cholesterol medicines such as Advicor, Pravachol, Zocor, Lipitor, ...
    Read full article

    Press Release: Expert Consensus Panel Recommendation for
    Article: Advicor(TM) Demonstrates Significant Efficacy in Treating A Broad . TGs) and lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] * Advicor was 6 times the March 15th ...
    Read full article

    Oscient Pharmaceuticals Promotes Mark A. Glickman to Senior Vice
    NIASPAN and previously, as Director of Marketing, Mr. Glickman was responsible for the launch of ADVICOR, the second commercial product for Kos. ...
    Read full article

    FDA approves fenofibric acid for lipid target controls
    Advicor; Abbott), pravastatin (Pravachol, Bristol-Myers Squibb), rosuvastatin (Crestor, AstraZeneca) and simvastatin (Zocor, Simcor, Vytorin; Merck). ...
    Read full article