Pfizer's Lipitor curbs repeat strokes by 16%, major coronary events by 35%, data shows

By Elaine Rigoli

Tampa, Fla., Aug. 9 - Pfizer, Inc. said patients taking Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) tablets 80 mg who had a prior stroke reduced their chances of having an additional stroke and major coronary event such as heart attack, according to results from the first major study designed to examine the benefits of lipid lowering in stroke patients.

In the trial, Lipitor was shown to reduce the risk of an additional stroke by 16% and major coronary events such as heart attack, cardiac death or resuscitated cardiac arrest by 35% compared to a placebo.

Patients entered the Sparcl trial with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (mini-stroke) within the previous six months, only mildly elevated cholesterol levels and no history of heart disease, the company said in a news release.

Up to one in five Americans who survive a first stroke will have another stroke within five years, according to data from the National Stroke Association.

Pfizer is a pharmaceutical company based in New York.

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