Bempedoic Acid

What it is and how it works

Mechanism of Action Bempedoic acid is an adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor that lowers LDL-C by inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in the liver. ACL is an enzyme upstream of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Bempedoic acid and its active metabolite, ESP15228, require coenzyme A (CoA) activation by very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSVL1) to ETC-1002-CoA and ESP15228-CoA, respectively. ACSVL1 is expressed primarily in the liver. Inhibition of ACL by ETC-1002-CoA results in decreased cholesterol synthesis in the liver and lowers LDL-C in blood via upregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptors.

Mechanism class: Adenosine Triphosphate-Citrate Lyase Inhibitors

Indications

is indicated: to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or coronary revascularization) in adults at increased risk for these events who are unable to take recommended statin therapy (including those not taking a statin). as an adjunct to diet and exercise, in combination with other low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapies, or alone when concomitant LDL-C lowering therapy is not possible, to reduce LDL-C in adults with hypercholesterolemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). NEXLETOL, an adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor, is indicated: to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or coronary revascularization) in adults at increased risk for these events who are unable to take recommended statin therapy (including those not taking a statin).

Dosage and administration (summary)

Administer 180 mg orally once daily with or without food. Recommended Dosage The recommended dosage of NEXLETOL is 180 mg administered orally once daily. NEXLETOL can be taken with or without food. After initiation of NEXLETOL, analyze lipid levels within 8 to 12 weeks.

Contraindications

is contraindicated in patients with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to bempedoic acid or any of the excipients in NEXLETOL. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, such as angioedema, have occurred . History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to bempedoic acid or any of the excipients in NEXLETOL.

Warnings and precautions

Hyperuricemia: Elevations in serum uric acid have occurred. Assess uric acid levels periodically as clinically indicated. Monitor for signs and symptoms of hyperuricemia, and initiate treatment with urate-lowering drugs as appropriate. Tendon Rupture: Tendon rupture has occurred. Discontinue NEXLETOL at the first sign of tendon rupture. Avoid NEXLETOL in patients who have a history of tendon disorders or tendon rupture. Hyperuricemia NEXLETOL inhibits renal tubular OAT2 and may increase blood uric acid levels .

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Risk Summary Discontinue NEXLETOL when pregnancy is recognized unless the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. There are insufficient data on NEXLETOL use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.

Storage and supply

Storage and Handling Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C); excursions permitted to 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) . Store and dispense in the original package.

Source: Bempedoic Acid (Nexletol) — US FDA prescribing information, 2026-06-25, DailyMed. Summarised and shortened; the full label governs. Iranian registration, indications and labelling may differ.