Big
Pharma fails
big.
For
the second time this year, a closely watched drug designed to
increase HDL, or good cholesterol, has encountered a huge setback.
The latest involves Tredaptive, a drug sold by Merck in Europe, but
newly released study results found the pill failed to prevent heart
attacks, strokes and deaths more than traditional statin drugs that
lower LDL, or bad cholesterol.
Moreover,
Tredaptive significantly raised the incidence of some types of
non-fatal, but serious side effects. The results of the trial, which
followed more than 25,000 patients for almost four years, prompted
Merck to say that regulatory approval will not be sought in the US.
Every
drug supposed to have a sound story regarding the mechanism of
action. Regarding Tredaptive:
Niacin
in cholesterol lowering doses (500–2000 mg per day) causes facial
flushes by stimulating biosynthesis of prostaglandin D2, especially
in the skin. PG D2 acts as a vasodilator via DP1 receptors,
increasing blood flow and thus leading to flushes. Laropiprant acts
as a DP1 antagonist, reducing the vasodilation.
Who
cares that all these stories are just bogus?
Who
will fail next?
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