Fluvastatin

Fluvastatin (brand name Lescol) is a synthetic derivative of lovastatin, developed in the mid-1980s. Fluvastatin was first tested in humans in 1986 and received FDA approval in December 1993. Fluvastatin is marketed and sold exclusively by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis. The patent for fluvastatin will not expire until 2011.

Fluvastatin is available in 20 and 40 mg capsules, and in an 80 mg extended release
form. Patients usually begin with a 20 mg dose of fluvastatin. The maximum
recommended dose is 80 mg per day. Sales of fluvastatin totaled $725 million in
2006, making it the 141st bestselling drug of 2006.