Torcetrapib

Torcetrapib (CP-529414) was a drug developed by Pfizer to treat hypercholesterolemia (elevated cholesterol levels) and prevent cardiovascular disease. Its development was halted when the drug was associated with off target toxicity including an increase in blood pressure and adverse effects on the aldosterone axis.

Mechanism
Torcetrapib is a cholesterylester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor. This inhibition results in higher HDL cholesterol levels and reduces LDL cholesterol levels. Torcetrapib development began around 1990. The drug was first administered to humans in 1999. Manufacturing at production scale began in Ireland in 2005.

Development and research
Pfizer had previously announced that torcetrapib would be sold in combination with Pfizer's statin, atorvastatin (Lipitor); however, following media and physician criticism, Pfizer had subsequently planned for torcetraipib to be sold independently of Lipitor.

A 2004 trial showed that torcetrapib could increase HDL and lower LDL with and without an added statin.

End of study
On December 2 2006 Pfizer discontinued the pivotal phase III trial evaluating torcetrapib's safety and efficacy because of an increase in mortality and cardiovascular events associated with the drug's use. The cost of advancing the development of the drug to Phase III was over 800 million dollars.