Pharmaceutical Executive
Many more high-risk patients could benefit from statin therapy than currently receive the cholesterol-lowering drugs, according to a major UK study set up by the Medical Research Council and the British Heart Foundation.
Many more high-risk patients could benefit from statin therapy than currently receive the cholesterol-lowering drugs, according to a major UK study set up by the Medical Research Council and the British Heart Foundation. Patients given Merck's Zocor (simvastatin) were 33 percent less likely to develop stroke, myocardial infarction, or revascularization, even if their blood cholesterol levels were normal or low.
More than 20,000 adults with coronary or other occlusive arterial disease or diabetes took simvastatin or placebo for five years. The study results, published in the Lancet, indicate that five years of treatment would prevent 70–100 people in a thousand from experiencing a major vascular event. Long-term statin use was also shown to be safe, with no significant adverse effects related to liver toxicity, cancer, or other non-vascular hospital admissions.
The study's authors have called for new prescribing guidelines, so that all those at risk of cardiovascular events would be eligible for long-term statin therapy, including other products such as Merck's Mevacor (lovastatin), Bristol-Myers Squibbs' Pravachol (pravastatin), Novartis' Lescol (fluvastatin), and Pfizer's Lipitor (atorvastatin). A significant increase in the number of patients taking statins would lead to a dramatic increase in prescription expenditures, but the cost would be offset against the savings resulting from fewer hospitalizations.
Beyond the Prescription: Pharma's Role in Digital Health Conversations
April 1st 2025Join us for an insightful conversation with Jennifer Harakal, Head of Regulatory Affairs at Canopy Life Sciences, as we unpack the evolving intersection of social media and healthcare decisions. Discover how pharmaceutical companies can navigate regulatory challenges while meaningfully engaging with consumers in digital spaces. Jennifer shares expert strategies for responsible marketing, working with influencers, and creating educational content that bridges the gap between patients and healthcare providers. A must-listen for pharma marketers looking to build trust and compliance in today's social media landscape.
Beyond the Prescription: The Role Pharma Plays in Digital Health Conversations
April 1st 2025As social media continues to influence healthcare communication, it presents both challenges and opportunities for the pharmaceutical industry. In this interview, Jennifer Harakal of Canopy Life Sciences discusses balancing compliance with effective digital engagement to build trust and facilitate meaningful healthcare conversations.