Pharmaceutical companies are in a race to debut strong cholesterol-reducing drugs specifically targeted to those who don’t respond to traditional medications, cardiologists and researchers said this week.
Presenters at the American Heart Association scientific meeting in South Africa expressed hope that within years, millions of Americans who can’t lower their cholesterol by taking statins will be eligible for these new drugs, the New York Times reported. It also potentially means billions of dollars in sales for drug companies.
Notably, French drug company Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in New York said Monday it was starting a Phase 3 trial involving 18,000 people who had a recent heart attack or chest pain. The study is expected to take two years and will determine whether their medication can reduce the rate of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, the New York Times said.
High cholesterol is one of many common afflictions for long-term care residents. Statins have been shown to have other protective benefits, including against Alzheimer’s.
