Abbott cholesterol drug meets primary endpoint

Abbott has announced that Simcor, its combination of Niaspan (extended-release niacin) and simvastatin has met its primary endpoint of lowering non-HDL cholesterol while showing comparable LDL-lowering to simvastatin, significant reduction in triglycerides and an increase in HDL cholesterol.

The results from the phase III Seacoast trial were presented this week to the scientific sessions of the American Heat Association.
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Patients administered with a Simcor treatment containing 20 mg of simvastatin displayed an improved reduction in non-HDL cholestero compared to those receiving 20 mg of simvastatin alone.

In the trial, six per cent of patients discontinued treatment with the compound as a result of flushing.

Christie Ballantyne, of the Baylor College of Medicine and Methodist DeBakey Heart Centre, said: “With the Seacoast study, Simcor provided comparable LDL-lowering to simvastatin with significant benefit in raising good cholesterol and lowering triglycerides.

“This type of combination approach could be an important tool in treating patients with complex lipid disorders.”

She added that essential to control triglyceride and HDL levels, in addition to managing LDL cholesterol.

In September 2007, Abbott and AstraZeneca announced that they are to continue efforts to develop a combination of fenofibrate and rosuvastatin calcium to target all major lipids.