Pyridazine derivatives as novel acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors

Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (E.C.2.3.1.26, ACAT) is a microsomial enzyme that catalyses the formation of cholesteryl esters by acylation of cholesterol with long chain fatty acylCoA. ACAT plays important roles in cellular homeostasis and in the early stages of atherosclerosis. Therefore, ACAT inhibitors have been identified as useful agents in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis and coronary diseases. In addition, recently their application has been proposed for Alzheimer's disease.