Objective: To review pitavastatin, the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor and determine its place in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Data sources: Literature was accessed through PubMed (1948-December 2009). Pitavastatin, itavastatin, nisvastatin, NK 104, and NKS 104 were used as search terms. Results were limited to articles written in the English language.

Study selection and data extraction: All articles identified from the data source were reviewed for inclusion. Articles included were those pertaining to the pharmacology and pharmacokinetic properties of pitavastatin, in addition to original research evaluating the clinical efficacy of pitavastatin for hypercholesterolemia.

Data synthesis: Pitavastatin is an oral HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia and mixed dyslipidemia. Pitavastatin 2 mg has been shown to be noninferior to atorvastatin 10 mg and simvastatin 20 mg with respect to low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering ability. Additionally, pitavastatin 2 mg was shown in one study to lower LDL-C significantly more than pravastatin 10 mg. As with other HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, primary safety concerns are related to myopathies and alterations in liver enzyme levels. While efficacy regarding beneficial effects on lipid parameters is comparable to that of other agents, a potential advantage of pitavastatin is its cytochrome P450 (CYP450) independent elimination, thereby reducing the likelihood of clinically significant drug-drug interactions. However, this is not a unique property, as pravastatin and rosuvastatin also possess this property.

Conclusions: In light of the lack of outcome data, pitavastatin offers no clear advantage over other drugs in this class.