Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase is the rate-limiting enzyme in the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway and the target of the “statin” class of cholesterol-lowering drugs.1 Pravastatin is a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor that is a ring hydroxylated metabolite of mevastatin.2 It is a competitive inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase with a Ki value of 2.3 nM for the active, open ring form of the molecule.2 Pravastatin, marketed as Pravachol™ or Lipostat™, is used to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels and increase HDL cholesterol in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. In a study using dogs, five weeks of treatment with a dose 20 mg/kg per day reduced total plasma cholesterol levels by 29%.2
1
Tobert, J.A. Lovastatin and beyond: The history of the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Nat Rev Drug Discov2517-526(2003).
2
Corsini, A., Maggi, F.M., and Catapano, A.L. Pharmacology of competitive inhibitors of HMG-CoA reductase. Pharmacol Res31(1)9-27(1995).
Formal Name
1S,2S,6S,7S,8R,8aR-hexahydro-βR,δR,6-trihydroxy-2-methyl-8-[(2S)-2-methyl-1-oxobutoxy]-1-naphthaleneheptanoic acid, monosodium salt
CAS Number
81131-70-6
Molecular Formula
C23H35O7 · Na
Formula Weight
446.5
Formulation
A crystalline solid
Purity
>98%
λmax
238 nm
Stability
2 years
Storage
-20°C
Shipping
Room temperature
in continental US; may vary elsewhere