A Systematic Review of the Randomized Controlled Trials of Gemcabene and Its Therapeutic Uses

Abstract

Statins are the most widely used drugs for reducing lipid and cholesterol levels in the blood. However, statins have shown some adverse effects and less acceptance among patients; hence, new drugs have been promoted in the market. Furthermore, gemcabenes were discovered in 1995 and are now in phase II and III clinical trials. Gemcabene acts by inhibiting incorporation of 14C-acetate into hepatocytes and stops the mechanism of fatty acids and cholesterol synthesis. In this review the six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were scrutinized from the two databases by using keywords "Gemcabene" AND "Randomized Controlled Trial." The trials were mainly on animal models, and two studies were found to be associated with human subjects. The study concluded that gemcabene was effective as an anti-inflammatory agent and reduced lipid levels and the progression of fibrosis. Hence, further controlled trials are needed to determine its efficacy and safety in human subjects, along with the identification of adverse effects. Copyright © 2023, Besekar et al.