Laropiprant

Overview
Laropiprant (pINN; codenamed MK-0524A) is an investigational treatment for hypercholesterolemia. It is a prostanoid DP1 receptor antagonist. It will be marketed by Merck & Co. as a combination with niacin and will be sold under the tradenames Cordaptive and Tredaptive.

In October 2008, Merck expanded the THRIVE Trial from 20,000 to 25,000 patients in order to expedite a second bid for FDA approval of its experimental cholesterol drug, MK-0524A. MK-0524A is a combination of niacin and laropiprant, which is aimed at limiting facial flushing associated with niacin. In April 2008 the FDA decided to withhold approval for the experimental drug, deciding to wait until the results of the THRIVE Trial could be analyzed.