1980 Volume 7 Issue 4 Pages 611-616
ML-236B, a competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase, was administered to eleven patients with primary hypercholesterolemia. After 4-8 weeks of the drug treatment at doses of 50-150mg/day, serum cholesterol levels were reduced by 22-35% (28% in average) in cases of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and combined hyperlipidemia.
A marked reduction of tuberous xanthomas was noticed in a homozygous case of familial hypercholesterolemia, while the drug was less effective in reducing serum cholesterol level and a higher dose was required for the treatment. Softening of Achiles tendon xanthomas was observed in a case of combined hyperlipidemia and the anginal attack was diminished in another case. There was essentially no change in triglyceride concentration. Up to date, no remarkable side effects had been observed.
