Pilot study of pirinixil (BR 931) in various forms of hyperlipoproteinemias

The lipid lowering activity of pirinixil (BR 931), a new agent chemically unrelated to clofibrate, was tested in 12 patients (3 M and 9 F), 6 with predominant plasma cholesterol elevation (types IIA and IIB), and 6 with triglyceride elevation (type IV). Two different daily doses were tested (125 mg b.i.d. and 250 mg b.i.d.), according to a cross-over double blind protocol with treatment sequences of 6 weeks each. Both plasma total cholesterol and triglycerides were lowered 14% with the higher drug dosage. The most significant effects were noted in type II hyperlipoproteinemias, all three type IIB patients exhibiting a highly significant cholesterol reduction. Conversely, in type IV hyperlipoproteinemia, a highly significant very low density (VLDL) cholesterol and triglyceride reduction did not correspond to marked changes in triglyceridemia. In some patients, an increase of high density lipoprotein cholesterol was noted. The drug was very well tolerated, with occasional transient rises of CPK activity.