Researched1987 · Atomic & Space Age (1945 – 1990)

Statins and heart prevention

Akira Endo found the first statin in a mould in the 1970s; lovastatin reached the market in 1987, and the 4S trial (1994) showed it saves lives.

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Inspired by penicillin, Endo screened fungi for blockers of cholesterol synthesis and isolated compactin from Penicillium citrinum in 1973. In the 4S trial of 4,444 heart patients, simvastatin cut total mortality by about 30 percent.

Prerequisites

Antibiotics1928
Randomized controlled trial1948

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GLP-1 weight-loss drugs2021Like statins, GLP-1 drugs are valued for lowering heart attack and stroke risk

Sources

laskerfoundation.org
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Statins and heart prevention

Prerequisites

Unlocks

Sources

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