German pharmacy journal has reported that elevated LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup, vessel blockage, and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Consequently, many high‑risk patients – such as those with diabetes, genetic conditions, or a history of cardiovascular events – are prescribed cholesterol‑lowering drugs, most notably statins. However, some patients cannot tolerate statins due to side effects or drug interactions. In such cases, the journal highlights that medications containing the active ingredient bempedoic acid offer a suitable alternative. Bempedoic acid inhibits the ATP‑citrate lyase enzyme, which participates in cholesterol synthesis in the liver, thereby reducing LDL production while its hepatic action limits muscle‑pain risk – a common statin side effect. Both drugs are taken once daily as a tablet. Clinical studies with more than 4,000 participants showed high‑dose statins lowered LDL by 18 % and low‑dose statins by 21–28 %. Additionally, a reduction in the inflammatory marker hsCRP was observed, adding further benefit to cardiovascular prevention.
