Newer HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) therapies.

Although most patients can achieve their National Cholesterol Education Program goal with a reduction of < or =30% in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels available with all statins, some patients need greater LDL-C lowering. Furthermore, new study data suggest that greater clinical event reduction may be obtained with more aggressive LDL-C lowering and/or with treatment of factors beyond LDL-C. New formulations of statins. including extended-release preparations, are achieving greater reductions in LDL-C levels as well as favorable modification of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations while maintaining an excellent safety profile.