Simvastatin Enters the Marketplace

On Friday, June 23, the FDA approved Simvastatin, a generic form of the cholesterol drug Zocor®, which just had it's patent expire. Zocor was the number 2 cholesterol drug on the market, behind Lipitor. Users can expect lower prices for those who can use the generic version, and after the 180 day exclusive received by IVAX and Ranbaxy Pharmacueticals, lower prices still.

In an interesting play to keep their marketshare, theStreet.com is reporting that Merck signed a deal with UnitedHealthCare that would allow it's patients to receive Zocor® at a price lower than that of Simvastatin, the generic.

Simvastatin

Technorati Tags: Cholesterol Lower Cholesterol Generic Zocor Simvastatin

New Trial to Test Increasing Good Cholesterol (HDL)

The BBC is reporting a new international trial that will test the relationship between increasing HDL cholesterol levels and lowering risk of heart attack and stroke.

It's been shown previously that using statins or other cholesterol lowering durgs could reduce the risk of vascular disease in those at risk.

The proposed trial will be looking to see if increasing HDL levels could lower the risk to those who already have vascular disease. About 20,000 people will take part in the trial. The main ingredients being tested is niacin in combination with another drug which has been shown to reduce the side effects of the niacin.

Read more at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/5029616.stm

Technorati Tags: Cholesterol Lower Cholesterol HDL niacinVascular Disease