Brand Name(s): Zocor, Vytorin
CAS nº: 79902-63-9
(sim' va stat in)
What is Simvastatin?
Simvastatin is a hypolipidemic drug belonging to the class of pharmaceuticals called "statins". Simvastatin is used to control hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol levels) and to prevent cardiovascular disease. Simvastatin is a synthetic derivate of a fermentation product of Aspergillus terreus.
Some of the brand names of simvastatin include Zocor® and Zocor Heart Pro®, marketed by the pharmaceutical company Merck & Co., as well as Denan® (Germany), Liponorm®, Sinvacor®, Sivastin® (Italy), Lipovas® (Japan), Lodales® (France), Zocord® (Austria and Sweden), and Simvahexal® and Lipex® (Australia) amongst others.
The U.S. patent applied to Zocor® recently expired in June 23, 2006. Israel-based Teva Pharmaceuticals & India-based Ranbaxy have been given approval to manufacture and sell simvastatin from this date.
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