Triparanol

Triparanol is a cholesterol-lowering drug that was introduced in the 1960s by Merrell Pharmaceuticals. It was marketed under the brand name MER/29 and was used to treat hypercholesterolemia, a condition characterized by high levels of cholesterol in the blood. However, the drug was withdrawn from the market in 1962 due to serious side effects, including cataracts, hair loss, and skin abnormalities.

History

Triparanol was first synthesized in 1959 by a team of scientists at Merrell Pharmaceuticals. The drug was initially hailed as a breakthrough in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and was widely prescribed by doctors. However, reports of serious side effects began to emerge soon after its introduction. In 1962, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the withdrawal of Triparanol from the market.

Mechanism of Action

Triparanol works by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is involved in the production of cholesterol in the body. By blocking this enzyme, Triparanol reduces the amount of cholesterol produced, thereby lowering the levels of cholesterol in the blood.

Side Effects

The side effects of Triparanol include cataracts, hair loss, and skin abnormalities. These side effects are believed to be caused by the drug's inhibition of the production of sterol, a type of lipid that is essential for the normal functioning of cells.

Legacy

Despite its withdrawal from the market, Triparanol has had a lasting impact on the field of cholesterol-lowering drugs. The drug's mechanism of action served as a model for the development of statins, a class of drugs that are now widely used to treat hypercholesterolemia.