NEJM publishes Niaspan vs. Zetia data

Researchers published in the New England Journal of Medicine that Niaspan extended-release niacin was superior to Zetia ezetimibe on the primary endpoint in the Phase IV ARBITER 6-HALTS trial in patients with coronary heart disease. Specifically, Niaspan significantly reduced mean carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) from baseline to 14 months compared with Zetia (p=0.003), with significant reductions in both mean and maximal carotid IMT vs. Zetia (p=0.001 and p<=0.001, respectively).

Niaspan also significantly increased mean HDL levels compared with Zetia (7.5 vs. -2.8 mg/dL, p<0.001), while Zetia significantly reduced mean LDL levels compared with Niaspan (-17.6 vs. -10 mg/dL, p=0.01). The open-label trial, which enrolled 363 patients receiving long-term statin therapy, was terminated early based on this prespecified analysis in 208 patients. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT), which markets Niaspan, sponsored the trial. Merck & Co. Inc. (NYSE:MRK) markets Zetia. ...