Fenofibrate and Dyslipidemia: Still a Place in Therapy?

Dyslipidemia is one of the major cardiovascular risk factors, but beyond statin treatment—which represents the cornerstone of therapy—a relevant practical uncertainty regards the use of fibrate derivatives. In the lack of successful results from the main cardiovascular trials, guidelines recommend the use of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists in selected cases, i.e. patients with true atherogenic dyslipidemia. However, recent observations indicate that fenofibrate treatment may provide a reliable complementary support against residual cardiovascular risk. We therefore summarize current evidence on fenofibrate, seeking to provide an updated interpretation of recent studies in the field.