Ezetimibe targets the Niemann–Pick C1–like 1
(NPC1L1) protein, thereby reducing absorption
of cholesterol from the intestine. When added
to statins, ezetimibe reduces LDL cholesterol
levels by an additional 23 to 24%, on average.
Polymorphisms affecting NPC1L1 are associated
with both lower levels of LDL cholesterol and a
lower risk of cardiovascular events. Whether
further lowering of LDL cholesterol levels achieved
with the addition of ezetimibe to statin therapy
leads to a benefit in clinical outcomes is unknown.