statin

noun

stat·​in ˈsta-tᵊn 

: any of a group of drugs (such as lovastatin and simvastatin) that inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol and promote the production of LDL-binding receptors in the liver resulting in a usually marked decrease in the level of LDL and a modest increase in the level of HDL circulating in blood plasma

Examples of statin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One example: Many drugs widely prescribed to older adults, including statins for high cholesterol, were studied mostly in men, with results extrapolated to women. —Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune Well, 18 June 2024

Merck eventually developed a different statin, called lovastatin, and began clinical trials in 1980. —Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 June 2024

For people with a high risk of cardiovascular disease, statins are a sort of longevity drug. —Jacob Sweet, Vox, 8 May 2024

Millions fewer people may need statins Statins are widely used to lower cholesterol levels, but a new analysis suggests that many fewer Americans may actually need these drugs — as many as 40% fewer than what current guidelines suggest. —Elaine Chen, STAT, 11 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

from -statin (as in lovastatin)

First Known Use

1985, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

statin

noun

stat·​in ˈstat-ᵊn 

: any of a group of lipid-lowering drugs (as lovastatin and simvastatin) that function by inhibiting a liver enzyme which controls the synthesis of cholesterol and by promoting the production of LDL-binding receptors in the liver resulting in a usually marked decrease in the level of LDL and a modest increase in the level of HDL circulating in blood plasma