A New Cholesterol Drug?

There are currently many cholesterol drugs on the market today that effectively lower cholesterol levels, but they come at a price. Due to the side effects associated with these cholesterol medications, many individuals discontinue their use. There is currently a new class of cholesterol drugs being developed and referred to as ACAT inhibitors. The ACAT (acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase) enzyme works in the liver to regulate the absorption, distribution, and metabolism of cholesterol in the body. Many individuals with dangerously high cholesterol levels have high levels of this enzyme and the ACAT inhibitors serve to lower levels of the enzyme. This drug class not only lowers cholesterol levels, but they also erase the plaque formation in the brain associated with Alzheimers' disease. These drugs are not available yet, however, a drug manufactured by Pfizer, Avasimibe, is now being tested in humans.Read more about it here.