What is Saroglitazar (a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma/alpha agonist)?

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Last updated: March 11, 2025 • View editorial policy

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From the Research

Saroglitazar is a dual PPAR-α/γ agonist medication that has been shown to be effective in reducing triglyceride levels and improving insulin sensitivity, making it a valuable treatment option for patients with diabetic dyslipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 1.

Key Characteristics of Saroglitazar

  • It is typically prescribed at a dose of 4 mg once daily, taken orally with or without food.
  • The medication works by activating both peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) and gamma (PPAR-γ), which helps reduce triglycerides, improve insulin sensitivity, and decrease liver fat accumulation.
  • Patients taking saroglitazar should monitor their liver function tests periodically, as recommended by their healthcare provider.
  • Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, and dizziness.
  • The medication should be used with caution in patients with severe renal or hepatic impairment.

Efficacy and Safety of Saroglitazar

  • A recent study published in the Journal of lipid research found that saroglitazar was noninferior to fenofibrate in reducing triglyceride levels in hypertriglyceridemic patients 1.
  • Another study published in PloS one found that saroglitazar was effective and safe in improving dyslipidemia in patients, with significant decreases in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total cholesterol levels 2.
  • Saroglitazar has also been shown to be well-tolerated, with no significant increase in adverse effects such as serum creatinine levels, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase 2.

Clinical Use of Saroglitazar

  • Saroglitazar represents an innovative approach to managing metabolic disorders, as it addresses both lipid abnormalities and insulin resistance simultaneously.
  • It is particularly useful for patients with type 2 diabetes who also have dyslipidemia or fatty liver disease.
  • The medication can be used as an adjunct to other treatments, such as statins or fibrates, to achieve optimal lipid profiles and improve cardiovascular outcomes.

References

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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