I thought I heard on the news today that Pizer's new cholesterol medication that was supposed to raise HDL medications has been taken off the market. Apparently it caused heart attacks. Been looking for the news item on the web, but I haven't found it - has anyone heard this?
Pfizer was developing a product (contained Lipitor) that was expected to better control cholestorel than the product Lipitor alone. There were an unexpected high rate of death during a late-stage clinical test. The product will not go on the market. The price drop in Pfizer stock is due to unrealized future gains from the sale of the product. I'm not sure about any litigation regarding the deaths as I believe participants in the clinical test sign a release to any legal controversy.
I thought I heard on the news today that Pizer's new cholesterol medication that was supposed to raise HDL medications has been taken off the market. Apparently it caused heart attacks. Been looking for the news item on the web, but I haven't found it - has anyone heard this?
Lenin,
Tomah and I are referring to the NEW drug that as I have stated in prior post is a drug combined with Lipitor (atorvastatin). TORCETRAPIB alone was felt to be inadequate in lowering LDL. Expectation was to build on the PROVEN efficacy and safety of LIBITOR and increase HDL with combination Torcetrapib by the combination.
You can research the subject using the symbol PFE online with stock broker's site of choice. Lipitor is "all over place", but not the clinical trial results of Torcetrapib/atorvastatin.
Besides the fact that Pfizer's patent on Lipitor is running out and they needed a new miracle drug, the stated purpose was to find a drug that would raise good cholesterol (HDL) not just lower bad cholesterol (LDL). Which is an interesting (?) goal since the B vitamin niacin, especially used in conjunction with a statin, already does that.
I've seen several news articles on this issue. We probably won't find specific clinical trial results because they halted the clinical trial due to the safety issues.
Last edited by Connie122516; 12-06-2006 at 11:32 AM.
Reason: do not post commercial websites for any reason
almost volunteered for that, now glad I didn't. Plain immediate release niacin has raised my hdl from 20 to 50 and the flushing is not that bad if you take after eating or take asprin first. everyone hope's for a magic pill but diet & being active seems to be the key.
I don't have a cholestoral problem. All tests over the years has been total about 187 and HDL 46. If there was a problem, I don't believe I would get involved with a clinical trial for drug efficacy prior to FDA approval, and then who knows?
Niacin therapy in combination with other drugs have markedly increased HDL and a decrease in lipoprotein, but there has been adverse side effects with high doses and those with arrythmia are more susceptable to adverse effects than the general public.
I have a question: If you were getting good results from your current regimen (and no side effects?), what was the pitch to try and get you into the program of a clinical trial to increase your HDL??
A single drink of alcohol is said to increase HDL. I haven't tried that, but I have been thinking about it. HDL at 46 isn't all that good.
