Fenofibrate is a peroxisome proliferator receptor alpha activator used to lower LDL-C, total-C, triglycerides, and Apo B, while increasing HDL-C in hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. Fenofibrate is a fibric acid derivative like clofibrate and gemfibrozil.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed · 9 references
Fenofibrate activates peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha (PPARα), increasing lipolysis, activating lipoprotein lipase, and reducing apoprotein C-III. PPARα is a nuclear receptor and its activation alters lipid, glucose, and amino acid homeostasis. Activation of PPARα activates transcription of gene transcription and translation that generates peroxisomes filled with hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species, and hydroxyl radicals that also participate in lipolysis. This mechanism of increased lipid metabolism is also associated with increased oxidative stress on the liver. In rare cases this stress can lead to cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis.
- Primary indication
- Fenofibrate is indicated as adjunctive therapy to diet: - To reduce triglyceride (TG) levels in adults with severe hypertriglyceridemia (TG greater than or equal to 500 mg/dL) - To reduce elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)...Curator reviewed · 3 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C20H21ClO4 · 360.831 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 1997 · United States, 2002 · European Union, 2016
- Also known as
- Finofibrate · Procetofen
- Brand names
Resolves to
YMTINGFKWWXKFG-UHFFFAOYSA-NSMILESCC(C)OC(=O)C(C)(C)OC1=CC=C(C=C1)C(=O)C1=CC=C(Cl)C=C1What you can answer from here — as of September 23, 2026
Which drugs share a target with Fenofibrate, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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