Livalo approved for primary hypercholesterolemia and combined dyslipidemia

Livalo (pitavastatin tablets, from Kowa Pharmaceuticals) has been FDA approved for the primary treatment of hypercholesterolemia and combined dyslipidemia.  This approval is based on Phase 3 trials, where it was demonstrated that Livalo effectively reduced LDL-C and improved other parameters of lipid metabolism in special patient populations, including the elderly, patients with diabetes and patients at higher cardiovascular risk.

Livalo is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) with a cyclopropyl group on its base structure.  This cyclopropyl group contributes to a more effective inhibition of the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme to inhibit cholesterol production, and potentially affords greater low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) clearance and reduction of plasma cholesterol.

LIVALO is expected to launch in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2010 and will be available in dosage strengths of 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg.

For more information call (334) 288-1288 or visit www.kowapharma.com.