WASHINGTON - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says Merck's cholesterol drug Vytorin helps reduce heart attack, stroke and related problems in patients with kidney disease, a potential new use for the blockbuster drug.
The agency's review also found no new safety concerns with Vytorin, which came under scrutiny for potential cancer risks in 2009.
Merck & Co. has asked the FDA to approve the drug for a new use in reducing heart-related problems chronic kidney disease patients. The combination pill is already cleared to reduce bad cholesterol.
The FDA says that Vytorin lowered kidney disease patients' heart-related problems by 16 per cent compared with a placebo.
On Wednesday, a panel of non-government FDA advisers will vote on the new use.
Vytorin, a multibillion-dollar drug for Merck, combines two brand-name cholesterol pills Zocor and Zetia.
?? The Canadian Press, 2011