Cholesterol absorption inhibitors in the treatment of hyperlipidemia:: clinical outcomes in large clinical trials

There is a large ongoing endpoint trial program using ezetimibe 10 mg combined with simvastatin 20, 40 or 80 mg in a number of patients with a high risk of major cardiovascular events. These studies include the measurement of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, aggressive lowering of LDL in patients with degenerative aortic stenosis, LDL lowering effects on cardiovascular risk and loss of renal function in patients with chronic kidney disease, and treatment of patients with acute coronary syndrome to very low LDL levels.