Efficacy of Lapaquistat Acetate Co-Administered With Statins in Subjects With Hypercholesterolemia

Dyslipidemias are a group of metabolic disorders produced by raised concentrations of lipoproteins, especially low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is the lipoprotein that transports endogenous cholesterol from the liver to the peripheral tissues. Increased cholesterol and triglycerides levels lead to an increased risk of arteriosclerosis, which is the underlying cause of heart attack, strokes and peripheral vascular disease. Despite changes in lifestyle and the availability of potent lipid-lowering agents, cardiovascular disease continues to be the major cause of death in Western Europe and North America. Serum cholesterol levels exceeding 5 mmol/L (193 mg/dL) are common in adults in Britain and much of Europe, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of lapaquistat acetate taken with either torvastatin, simvastatin, rosuvastatin, pravastatin, fluvastatin or lovastatin (stable statin therapy) in subjects with hypercholesterolemia. Total participation time in this study is expected to be up to 12 weeks, with an optional, 48-week, open-label extension period for participants who qualify.