Merck Sharpe and Dohme-backed study honoured by AHA

Merck Sharpe and Dohme's recent study into the efficacy of ezetimibe among hyperlipidemic patients has been honoured by an industry body.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has selected the study, conducted in partnership with KineMed, Radiant Research and various academic institutions, to be a part of the forthcoming Best of AHA Specialty Conference Poster Session.

This study has been recognised as significant for the evidence it provided on the therapeutic mechanism of ezetimibe as relates to the body's flow of cholesterol, which had not previously been measured in humans.

Michael Davidson, founder and executive medical director of Radiant Research, said this has helped to underline the important role played by the intestines in reverse cholesterol transport.

Dr Marc Hellerstein, chief of the scientific advisory board at KineMed, added: "The techniques used in this study provide a model for characterising the actions of anti-atherogenic agents in man."

Earlier this month, Merck Sharpe and Dohme presented clinical trial data from two recent studies of the hepatitis C treatment boceprevir, which underlined its efficacy.