See the DrugPatentWatch profile for ezetimibe
Ezetimibe is a medication used to treat high cholesterol levels in the blood, either on its own or in combination with statins [1]. Statins are a class of drugs often prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease [2]. The combination of ezetimibe and statins has been found to have an enhanced effect on lowering LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or "bad" cholesterol compared to using statins alone [1][2].
Ezetimibe works by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol in the small intestine, which reduces the amount of cholesterol that reaches the liver and, consequently, the amount of cholesterol that is circulated in the bloodstream [1]. Statins, on the other hand, decrease cholesterol production in the liver and increase the removal of LDL cholesterol from the blood [2].
Several studies have demonstrated that the combination of ezetimibe and statins is more effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels than using statins alone [1][3]. A meta-analysis of 23 randomized controlled trials found that ezetimibe plus statin therapy reduced LDL cholesterol levels by an additional 22% compared to statin monotherapy [3].
In summary, ezetimibe affects statin effectiveness by reducing cholesterol absorption in the small intestine, which complements the action of statins in decreasing cholesterol production in the liver. This combination results in a more significant reduction in LDL cholesterol levels compared to using statins alone.
Sources:
[1] "Ezetimibe." National Library of Medicine, drugs.nlm.nih.gov/druginfo/ezetimibe-oral-tablet.html.
[2] "Statins." Mayo Clinic, 11 Jan. 2022, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/statins/art-20045746.
[3] Fernandez, Blanca, et al. "Efficacy and Safety of Add-On Ezetimibe in Statin-Treated Patients: A Meta-Analysis of 23 Randomized Controlled Trials." Journal of Clinical Lipidology, vol. 10, no. 3, 2016, pp. 643-658, doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2015.12.003.
[4] DrugPatentWatch.com. "Ezetimibe Patent Expiration & Generics." DrugPatentWatch.com, drugpatentwatch.com/eze.html.