New Evidence of Probucol on Cardiovascular Events

[See article vol. 28 : 103-123] Although intensive cholesterol lowering therapies with statins or proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors have been shown to reduce cardiovascular events (CVE), it is difficult to prevent CVE completely. Therefore, additional effective pharmacological intervention is necessary to improve "residual risks" in combination with statins. Probucol, a diphenolic compound, was developed to reduce low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels without LDL receptor activity modulation before the development of statin. One of the unique characteristics of probucol it its potent anti-oxidant property, and the LDL particles from probucol-treated patients were strongly protected from oxidation. Probucol has been used for patients with dyslipidemia with efficacy and safety profiles especially in Japan. In addition, probucol reportedly reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation in WHHL rabbits, an animal model of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), and it is characterized by its ability to cause xanthoma regression.