Merck scraps experimental cholesterol drug
Merck has decided to abandon efforts to market a closely watched experimental cholesterol medicine after mediocre test results.
Merck’s decision Wednesday to not seek regulatory approval after years of testing marks the fourth time this type of once-promising drug has been scrapped. Merck had continued to study its drug, a so-called CETP inhibitor called anacetrapib, long after rivals had given up on similar drugs.
Merck raised hopes when it announced in June that anacetrapib not only lowered cholesterol, but also reduced heart attacks, deaths and other heart disease complications. But in August it disclosed the pill only cut those risks 9 percent.
That would have limited sales of the drug, if it had won regulatory approval, in part because cheap, genetic statin drugs lower cholesterol well for most people.
OKLAHOMA CITY
showcased the cards Wednesday. The decks are reminiscent of those distributed in 2003 to help U.S. troops identify most wanted terrorists during the Iraqi War. Bureau of Investigation Director Stan Florence says similar programs in Florida, Colorado, Connecticut and South Carolina have garnered information that helped solve about 40 homicides.
The cards are being sold at six of the state’s more than two dozen prisons at $1.42 per pack and will eventually be the only playing cards available at the facilities. Oklahoma has approximately 27,000 inmates.
CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA.