There's more positive press for statins. A new study undertaken by the Cleveland Clinic's Steve Nissen shows that statins were able to reduce the buildup of plaque on artery walls. From Nissen's perspective, the news is that statins offer the first non-surgical method for attacking lethal blockages. That's a big plus for AstraZeneca, which owns Crestor. Critics contend the 500-patient study was flawed because it didn't include a control group, and others have voiced safety concerns about cholesterol-lowering drugs like Crestor. You can expect plenty of new, high-profile studies to examine the effects of statins, though. And right now they look like the kind of revolutionary advance that Nissen is talking about.
- here's the Washington Post report [1]
PLUS: AstraZeneca says a safety and tolerability trial of NYX-059 for ischemic strokes achieved its aim. Report [2]
Links:
[1] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/13/AR2006031300784.html
[2] http://www.forbes.com/home/feeds/afx/2006/03/14/afx2592064.html