Some cholesterol med-makers do have reason to rejoice today. AstraZeneca stopped a study of its blockbuster Crestor, saying the pill had already demonstrated clear benefits over placebo. The 15,000-strong study aimed to determine whether Crestor cut the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients without symptoms and with low cholesterol, but with high levels of C-reactive protein, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease.
Analysts said the trial news would give Crestor an edge over its rival--yes, you guessed it--Vytorin. Launched in the U.S. in 2003, Crestor initially lagged, but a 2006 study showing it could hold back the progression of atherosclerosis, and even help shrink arterial plaque, helped it gain market share.
- see AstraZeneca's press release [1]
- read the story [2] in the Wall Street Journal
Related Articles:
It's Crestor vs. Lipitor in AZ trial. Report [3]
AZ hits back at Crestor imitators. Report [4]
FDA hands Crestor a fighting chance. Report [5]
AZ's Crestor flubs key heart failure trial. Report [6]
AZ hit with Crestor patent challenge. Report [7]
Crestor less safe than competing statins. Report [8]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/crestor-outcomes-study-jupiter-closes-early-due-unequivocal-evidence-benefit
[2] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120696447747576883.html?mod=health_home_stories
[3] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/its-crestor-vs-lipitor-az-trial/2008-01-15
[4] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/az-hits-back-crestor-imitators/2007-12-12
[5] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/fda-hands-crestor-fighting-chance/2007-11-09
[6] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/az-s-crestor-flubs-key-heart-failure-trial/2007-11-05?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=link
[7] http://www.fiercepharma.com/story/az-hit-with-crestor-patent-challenge/2007-11-01?utm_medium=nl&utm_source=link
[8] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/crestor-less-safe-than-competing-statins/2005-05-24