Gemfibrozil is a fibrate-class lipid-lowering drug used to reduce high triglycerides and raise HDL cholesterol by activating PPARα, which increases fatty acid oxidation and decreases triglyceride synthesis. Developed in the late 1960s–1970s amid growing concern over cardiovascular disease, it became one of the first clinically used fibrates for patients whose lipid levels were not controlled by diet alone. Marketed as Lopid, gemfibrozil has proven effective in improving lipid profiles and reducing cardiovascular risk, though its use requires monitoring for potential side effects and drug interactions.
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