This enzyme belongs to the family of oxidoreductases, to be specific those acting on the CH-OH group of donor with NAD+ or NADP+ as acceptor.

This enzyme participates in biosynthesis of steroids including cholesterol.

The statin class of anticholesterol drugs act through inhibiting this enzyme.

The systematic name of this enzyme class is (R)-mevalonate:NADP+ oxidoreductase (CoA-acylating).

Other names in common use include: As of late 2007, 12 structures have been solved for this class of enzymes, with PDB accession codes 1DQ8, 1DQ9, 1DQA, 1HW8, 1HW9, 1HWI, 1HWJ, 1HWK, 1HWL, 2Q1L, 2Q6B, and 2Q6C.