Lovastatin is a fungal metabolite that inhibits 3-hydroxy, 3-methyl glutaryl coenzyme A reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthesis in human cells including the liver. Inhibition of this pathway causes the cells to increase their low density lipoprotein receptor numbers to compensate, causing a reduction in circulating low density lipoprotein levels with a consequent drop in circulating plasma cholesterol levels. The drug also raises high density lipoprotein levels significantly. A favorable outcome of the trial will have major public health implications for the prevention and control of atherosclerosis and its complications.