AstraZeneca: Mercury II study shows Crestor improves cholesterol in high-risk patients

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., May 15 - AstraZeneca said results from the Mercury II trial, published online this month by the American Heart Journal, provide additional evidence of the efficacy of Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) in improving cholesterol levels in high-risk patients as defined by Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) 3 LDL-C guidelines.

The 16-week, randomized, open label study of 1,993 high- and very high-risk patients showed that starting with or switching to Crestor (10 mg or 20 mg) from atorvastatin or simvastatin provided greater reductions in LDL-C, or bad cholesterol, and brought more patients to their ATP 3 LDL-C goals, according to a news release.

Results show that 43% of the patients who were switched to Crestor 10 mg from atorvastatin 10 mg achieved LDL-C goals, compared to 22% who remained on atorvastatin 10 mg.

Also, 48% of those switched to Crestor 20 mg from atorvastatin 20 mg achieved LDL-C goals compared to 35% who stayed on atorvastatin 20 mg.

Additionally, 40% of the patients who were switched to Crestor 10 mg from simvastatin 20 mg achieved LDL-C goals compared to 16% who remained on simvastatin 20 mg, while 53% of those switched to Crestor 20 mg from simvastatin 40 mg achieved LDL-C goals compared to 34% who stayed on simvastatin 40 mg.

Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) is a once-daily prescription medication for use as an adjunct to diet in the treatment of various lipid disorders.

Located in Wilmington, Del., AstraZeneca researches, develops, manufactures and markets prescription pharmaceuticals and health care services.

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