New Drugs Approved for Treating Hypercholesterolemia

Unique mechanisms of action

Lomitapide is a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitor. MTP resides in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby preventing the assembly of apo B–containing lipoproteins in enterocytes and hepatocytes. This inhibition leads to a reduction in the synthesis of chylomicrons and very low–density lipoprotein, resulting in a reduction in plasma LDL levels. This is the first MTP inhibitor approved by FDA for any indication.
Mipomersen is an oligonucleotide inhibitor of apo B-100 synthesis that reduces LDL cholesterol by preventing the formation of atherogenic lipids. It decreases the production of apo B, which provides the structural core for all atherogenic lipids, including LDL cholesterol, which carry cholesterol through the bloodstream.

VERY COOL! :)

Ref: Pharmacy Today 2013 (APhP)

Strategy for managing acid suppression in the ICU

http://www.pharmacypracticenews.com//ViewArticle.aspx?ses=ogst&d=Operations+%26+Management&d_id=53&i=ISSUE%3a+April+2013&i_id=950&a_id=22973

Every evening during a two-month verification phase, tele-ICU nurses assessed the risk for GI bleeding for each patient in the 38-bed ICU at one of the system’s hospitals. The three-week intervention phase that followed involved all adult ICU beds. On-site nurses and pharmacists recommended 102 conversions from IV to oral PPIs; 86 (84.3%) were accepted. Discontinuation of SUP was recommended 173 times; prescribers accepted 91 (52.6%) of the recommendations. The cost of SUP treatment decreased from $1.06 per adjusted patient-day to 77 cents and the projected annual cost savings from decreased SUP amounted to $78,052.

from Pharmacy Practice News 2013