The high-dose rosuvastatin once weekly study (the HD-ROWS).

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Pharmacology
• Metabolic Disorders

Background:

• Alternative statin dosing regimens are clinically relevant for managing patient adherence and cost barriers.
• Prior research indicates comparable low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reductions with alternative dosing strategies when total weekly doses are similar.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of rosuvastatin 80 mg once weekly versus atorvastatin 10 mg daily in altering lipid profiles and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).
• To assess lipid and hsCRP changes at specific time points following the last administered dose.

Main Methods:

• An 8-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group pilot study.
• Participants (n=20) with dyslipidemia received either rosuvastatin 80 mg weekly or atorvastatin 10 mg daily.
• Lipid panels and hsCRP levels were measured at baseline and at 1-4 and 5-8 days post-dose.

Main Results:

• Both regimens demonstrated comparable and significant reductions in total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol (mean -29%).
• No significant differences were observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, or hsCRP between the groups.
• Both treatment regimens were well-tolerated with no major adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Rosuvastatin 80 mg once weekly provides comparable lipid-modifying effects to atorvastatin 10 mg daily when assessed at key intervals post-dose.
• These findings support the use of once-weekly statin dosing as a viable alternative for lipid management.