CAS: 1478664-18-4

Ezetimibe is a research drug that is used to reduce cholesterol absorption in the intestines. It inhibits the enzyme, NPC1L1, which is responsible for transporting dietary cholesterol into the body. Ezetimibe has been shown to be effective in reducing LDL-cholesterol levels and may also lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. This medication can be used as an inhibitor drug to prevent or delay the progression of atherosclerosis. Ezetimibe blocks cholesterol uptake by binding to NPC1L1 and inhibiting its function. The stereoisomers of this drug are (3S,4S,3'R)-ezetimibe and (3R,4S,3'S)-ezetimibe; only the latter form binds to NPC1L1 with high affinity. When injected into single crystals of ezetimibe, x-rays produce diffraction patterns that can be used to identify impurities in the drug.