[Pharmacology of fenofibrate (author's transl)]

Fenofibrate is one of several compounds with substituted-2-phenoxy-isobutyric acids and esters. In ageing rats receiving a hyperlipidaemic diet or injections of triton, fenofibrate lowers blood lipids as much as, or more than other antilipaemic agents. It is active in man against the main types (IIa, IIb and IV) of hyperlipoproteinaemia (HLP), and this activity is sustained throughout treatment (20 months in one study). In comparative studies, the effects of fenofibrate (400 mg/day) on the lipoprotein fractions tested were superior to those of clofibrate (2 g/day) and slightly superior to those of gemfibrosil (800 mg/day) and bezafibrate (600 mg/day). The drug also enhanced the lipid-lowering effects of colestipol. In doses of 300 mg/day fenofibrate produced a significant 13-15% decrease in apoprotein B with a concomitant 19-28% increase in apoprotein A. Fenofibrate was also found to normalize platelet aggregation in patients with type IIb HLP. In animals fenofibrate is excreted in equal amounts in the urine and faeces; in man, urinary excretion predominates (85-90%). The serum half-life curve is diphasic, with a rapid (5 hours) slope and a slow (17 hours) slope. In a 10-day study conducted on 10 volunteers serum levels of fenofibric acid remained remarkably constant, indicating lack of accumulation. New data on the mode of action are needed to further differentiate fenofibrate from clofibrate.