Synthesis and biological activity of new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. 1. Lactones of pyridine- and pyrimidine-substituted 3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoic (-heptanoic) acids.

Lactones of pyridine- and pyrimidine-substituted 3,5-dihydroxy-6-heptenoic (-heptanoic) acids 2-4 have been synthesized. Extensive exploration of structure-activity relationships led to several compounds exceeding the inhibitory activity of mevinolin (1b) on HMG-CoA reductase, both in vitro and in vivo. First clinical trials with 2i (HR 780) are in preparation.