A Comprehensive Review on the Drug: Fenofibrate

Abstract

Fenofibrate is currently used as antihyperlipidemic drug, which has a direct effect on lowering cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL (Low-Density Lipids), VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipids) levels along with raising the level of HDL (High-density Lipids) in the blood. It also plays a significant role in insulin resistance metabolic disorder. This drug is mainly used for controlling diseases related to lipids like hypercholesterolemia, severe hypertriglyceridemia and dyslipidaemia. Along with statins, it significantly controls the level of hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. It belongs to the group of drugs called 'Fibrate'. Fenofibrate was patented in 1969. In 1974, it was synthesized as a derivative of clofibrate and launched at the French market. It was marketed in 1975. In 2017, it was available as a generic medicine. Presently this API is being marketed in around 85 countries all over the world. Fenofibrate is a BCS Class-II drug having poor water solubility. The poor aqueous solubility of this drug causes low bioavailability and limited permeability through the GIT membrane. This API degrades at higher temperatures and in a humid environment, with one of the resultant degradation products being fenofibric acid. In the present review, we have discussed the historical development, pharmacology, analytical profile with its physicochemical properties and ongoing research scenario on this API.