Lipitor

HMG-CoA reductase is the enzyme responsible for converting HMG-CoA to mevalonate; this occurs at an early and rate-limiting step in the biosynthesis of cholesterol (see figure). Although a number of “statins” are now available, atorvastatin is the only drug in this class indicated as an adjunct to diet in the reduction of elevated total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apo-B), and triglyceride (TG) levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and mixed dyslipidemia.