Medicure Reiterates its Commitment to Providing Exceptional Access to its Branded Pitavastatin (Zypitamag) to People Living With HIV

WINNIPEG, MB / ACCESSWIRE / August 29, 2023 / Medicure Inc. ("Medicure" or the "Company") (TSXV:MPH)(OTC:MCUJF), a company focused on the development and commercialization of pharmaceuticals and healthcare products for patients and prescribers in the United States market, reaffirms its commitment to providing affordable and straightforward access to its branded pitavastatin, ZYPITAMAG®, to people living with HIV through two important channels: its pharmacy subsidiary Marley Drug® and through the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Crisis Task Force formulary. Access to branded medications can be challenging, however Medicure recognizes that access to pitavastatin is more important than ever in light of the recently published REPREIVE study (Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV)¹, which reported the benefits of pitavastatin for people living with HIV who are at increased risk of developing heart and vascular diseases. The effect of ZYPITAMAG on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.

The progressive advancements in antiretroviral therapy have significantly enhanced the life expectancy in individuals with HIV, leading to a surge in age- and therapy-related co-morbidities^2,3. It is now recognized that people living with HIV have an escalated risk of heart and vascular diseases, and the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia or mixed dyslipidemia with pitavastatin may be beneficial³.

Unlike most statins, pitavastatin (ZYPITAMAG) is minimally metabolized by the CYP450 family of enzymes, reducing the likelihood of certain drug-drug interactions⁴. This makes pitavastatin particularly suitable for patients taking multiple medications, such as those living with HIV^2-5.

"I am pleased to emphasize Medicure's steadfast commitment to making ZYPITAMAG both accessible and affordable for those who may benefit from it, especially persons living with HIV. Our collaboration with the ADAP Crisis Task Force over the past years further reflects our dedication to affordability and accessibility, ensuring that this vital medication is within reach of those who need it. Also through our subsidiary Marley Drug, we can offer ZYPITAMAG at an affordable cash price to all Americans, without the need for insurance, prior authorizations or step through therapy," said Dr. Albert Friesen, Chief Executive Officer for Medicure.