Etofibrate but not controlled-release niacin decreases LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein (a) in type IIb dyslipidemic subjects

Etofibrate is a hybrid drug which combines niacin with clofibrate. After contact with plasma hydrolases, both constituents are gradually released in a controlled-release manner. In this study, we compared the effects of etofibrate and controlled-release niacin on lipid profile and plasma lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) levels of patients with triglyceride levels of 200 to 400 mg/dl, total cholesterol above 240 mg/dl and Lp(a) above 40 mg/dl. These patients were randomly assigned to a double-blind 16-week treatment period with etofibrate (500 mg twice daily, N = 14) or niacin (500 mg twice daily, N = 11). In both treatment groups total cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol and triglycerides were equally reduced and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased. Etofibrate, but not niacin, reduced Lp(a) by 26 percent and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 23 percent. The hybrid compound etofibrate produced a more effective reduction in plasma LDL cholesterol and Lp(a) levels than controlled-release niacin in type IIb dyslipidemic subjects

Protective effect of two anti-hepato toxic agents: silymarin and alpha-tocopherol against the subcellular toxicity induced by the hypolipidemic agent etofibrate

Etofibrate, a nicotinoyl derivative of clofibrate which belongs to the family of fibric acids. Both nicotinic acid and clofibrate are known for their hypolipidemic action and are used for the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemia. In the present study, the effect of three concentration levels of etofibrate on four rat liver lysosomal enzymes [Acid phosphatase, beta-Galactosidase, B, N-Acetyl glucosaminidase and b-Glucuronidase] for three incubation periods [30, 60 and 120 minutes] were studied in vitro, and were then compared with their combined effects together with a single therapeutic dose of each of two anti-hepato toxic agents. Silymarin and alpha-tocopherol [vitamin E] separately on the same enzymes for the same incubation periods. The results obtained showed that the three doses of etofibrate induced a marked releasing effect on the four lysosomal enzymes irrespect of the incubation time. Meanwhile, a considerable stabilization of these enzymes was observed when each of the two single doses for alpha-tocopherol and silymarin were used separately with etofibrate at the lowest concentration level

Avaliação da eficácia e segurança do etofibrato em pacientes dislipidêmicos. Estudo multicêntrico / Evaluation of efficacy and safety of etofibrate in primary hyperlipidemia. A multicenter study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of etofibrate in primary hyperlipidemia in patients from clinical centers representative of all main Brazilian cities. METHODS: One thousand, nine hundred and fourty three hyperlipidemic patients were submitted to diet and drug treatment with etofibrate (500 mg/day) for eight weeks. The data b WAS analyzed as to changes in the lipoprotein profile, as well as the side effects. RESULTS: There was an important reduction in total cholesterol (19.88), triglycerides (29.59), LDL-c (14.89) and VLDL-c (14.54) concentration. There was a significant increase in HDL-c (18.14). Adverse effects were observed in 8.5 of the patients, without major clinical relevance, however, in 1.44 the treatment had to be interrupted. CONCLUSION: Administration of etofibrate promoted positive changes in all parameters of the lipid and lipoprotein profile, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerotic disease, without significant side effects in the great majority of sample studied.