Simvotin 5

Simvastatin is a lipid-lowering medication belonging to the statin class, derived synthetically from a fermentation product of the fungus Aspergillus terreus.[1] It functions as a prodrug that is metabolized in the liver to its active β-hydroxyacid form, which competitively inhibits 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis, thereby reducing hepatic cholesterol production and increasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor expression to enhance clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood.[2] Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 1991 under the brand name Zocor, simvastatin is indicated for use in combination with diet and exercise to treat hyperlipidemia, including primary hypercholesterolemia, mixed dyslipidemia, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or diabetes.[3][4][5]