Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development and commercialization of novel therapies for the treatment of rare diseases. Founded in 2005, Aegerion Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to the development of innovative products that address the unmet medical needs of patients with serious and life-threatening diseases. Uses Aegerion Pharmaceuticals is committed to the development of therapies that target rare diseases with significant unmet medical needs. One of the company's most well-known products is Juxtapid® (lomitapide), a medication used to treat homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). HoFH is a rare genetic disorder characterized by extremely high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood, which can lead to premature cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Juxtapid works by inhibiting the production of LDL-C in the liver, thereby reducing the levels of LDL-C in the blood. In clinical trials, Juxtapid has been shown to significantly reduce LDL-C levels in HoFH patients by up to 50%. Dosage Juxtapid is available in capsule form, with each capsule containing either 5mg or 10mg of lomitapide. The recommended starting dose of Juxtapid is 5mg once daily, taken with food. The dose can be increased to 10mg once daily after two weeks, depending on the patient's response and tolerance to the medication. It is important to note that the maximum recommended dose of Juxtapid is 30mg per day, and that the medication should never be taken without food, as it can cause serious side effects such as gastrointestinal distress and liver toxicity. Side Effects Like all medications, Juxtapid may cause side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of Juxtapid include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and indigestion. These side effects typically occur within the first few weeks of treatment and may subside with continued use of the medication. More serious side effects of Juxtapid may include liver toxicity, which can lead to liver failure and death. As such, patients taking Juxtapid require careful monitoring of their liver function with frequent blood tests. Other potentially serious side effects of Juxtapid may include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and an increased risk of bleeding due to a decrease in vitamin K-dependent clotting factors. Interactions Juxtapid is known to interact with several other medications, including warfarin, a popular blood thinner. Juxtapid can increase the effects of warfarin, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. As such, patients taking Juxtapid and warfarin together must be closely monitored for signs of bleeding. Juxtapid may also interact with other medications that are metabolized by the same enzymes in the liver, leading to increased levels of these medications in the blood. This can cause serious side effects and may require adjustments to the doses of the medications. Generic Juxtapid is not currently available in a generic form, and it is unclear when a generic version of the medication may become available. Demographic Juxtapid is approved for use in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). HoFH is a rare genetic disorder that affects approximately one in one million people worldwide. The disorder is more common in certain populations, including those of French Canadian and Lebanese descent. In conclusion, Aegerion Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company committed to the development of innovative therapies that address the unmet medical needs of patients with rare diseases. One of the company's most well-known products is Juxtapid, a medication used to treat homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. While Juxtapid is effective in reducing LDL-C levels, it may cause serious side effects and must be used with caution. Patients taking Juxtapid require careful monitoring of their liver function and blood clotting factors, and must avoid taking certain medications that may interact with Juxtapid.