AstraZeneca study reinforces efficacy of Crestor

AstraZeneca has published new clinical data that adds to the body of evidence supporting the efficacy of its drug Crestor as a treatment for atherosclerosis.

Results from a new trial called Saturn has been presented by the company during the American Heart Association annual scientific sessions, showing the benefits of intensive statin treatment in combating the condition.

It was shown that use of the rosuvastatin-based Crestor over two years resulted in a statistically significant regression in LDL-C cholesterol and plaque in the arteries, while also helping to increase levels of healthy HDL-C cholesterol.

Safety and tolerability performance was also in line with those of previous studies of Crestor, which is approved for sale in 109 countries.

Howard Hutchinson, chief medical officer at AstraZeneca, said: "These results are good news for patients with cardiovascular disease and provide further support of what we already know about Crestor."

This comes after the company published third quarter revenue and earnings results that were in line with expectations last month.