OIL & GAS INVESTORS / Zocor reduces Stroke by 28%
TORONTO, Feb. 18 /CNW/ - Findings from one of the largest medical studies
in history, published this month in the American Journal of Cardiology,
provide clear evidence that the cholesterol-lowering medicine ZOCOR(R)
(simvastatin) lowers the risk of cerebrovascular events in people with
coronary heart disease by more than a quarter. Entitled Effect of Simvastatin
on Ischemic Signs and Symptoms in the Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study
(4S), it is the first intervention trial to ever demonstrate a direct link
between cholesterol-reduction and stroke prevention.
Stroke is Canada's third leading cause of death and the leading cause of
disability. It kills more than 15,000 Canadians each year, and represents
approximately $2.5 billion in annual direct health expenditures.(1) Ischemic
strokes, responsible for three-quarters of all strokes, occur when a blood
clot blocks the flow of blood to the brain. Established drugs used to help
prevent stroke (most frequently antiplatelet agents such as Aspirin) seek to
halt the formation of blood clots and prevent vascular occlusions.
Although researchers have already proven cholesterol reduction with
ZOCOR(R) leads to a significant reduction in heart attack, it has only now
been definitively demonstrated that positive benefits can be achieved in
stroke prevention.
''Today's news is extremely important for Canadians at risk for stroke,''
said Dr. Peter Gladstone, Cardiologist, Toronto Hospital and Director of the
Cardiology Training Program. ''The stroke prevention toolbox physicians have
traditionally turned to has been limited. Antiplatelet agents can be
accompanied by side effects which limit their use. Reducing the risk of stroke
by lowering cholesterol with ZOCOR(R) represents an extremely promising new
treatment strategy and one which is associated with very minor side effects,''
he commented.
Principal Study Findings:
The study included 4,444 men and women between 35 and 70 years of age.
Each had coronary heart disease (history of heart attack or angina) and
moderately elevated cholesterol levels. Patients received daily doses of
either 20 mg or 40 mg of ZOCOR(R).
As reported this month in the American Journal of Cardiology, ZOCOR(R)
patients in the trial experienced a:
- 28 per cent risk reduction of cerebrovascular events
- 28 per cent risk reduction of transient ischemic attacks (TIA) or
mini-strokes, considered warning signs of imminent full-blown stroke
- 48 per cent reduction in the development of carotid bruit (a narrowing
of the blood vessel in the neck)
''These results clearly indicate that ZOCOR(R) has a valuable role in
preventing strokes and their horrific consequences,'' stated Dr. Gladstone.
Stroke in Canada
Stroke accounts for seven per cent of all deaths in Canada. According to
recent Heart and Stroke Foundation statistics, stroke accounted for 99 deaths
per 100,000 people in Ontario in 1995.
Stroke is characterized as damage occurring in the brain when blood flow
is interrupted by either a blocked or burst artery. This interruption deprives
the brain of oxygen causing brain cells to die. Hemorrhagic stroke, usually
associated with high blood pressure, occurs when blood vessels in the brain
rupture and damage surrounding tissue.
Symptoms of a stroke, such as weakness or paralysis on one side of the
body, can develop abruptly or gradually. Approximately one-third of major
strokes are fatal, a third result in some disability and a third have no
lasting ill effects. Risk factors for stroke include hypertension, smoking,
alcohol, diet and lack of exercise.
ZOCOR(R) was approved in Canada in August, 1990. In May, 1996, the
product became the first and still is the only medication in its class to
receive special Health Canada designation as a ''life-saving'' medicine.
ZOCOR(R) is used in combination with diet to reduce cholesterol levels in
patients with primary hypercholesterolemia when diet alone has not been
successful.
Merck Frosst Canada Inc. is based in Kirkland, Qu‚bec and is Canada's
leading research-based pharmaceutical company. The company markets an
extensive line of cardiovascular products for high blood pressure, elevated
cholesterol and heart failure as well as a broad range of vaccines. Merck
Frosst is also a recognized leader in the treatment of osteoporosis, HIV/AIDS,
glaucoma, prostate disease and other diseases.
The company employs over 1,300 people, of whom approximately 200 are
world-class scientists working at the Merck Frosst Centre for Therapeutic
Research, the largest biomedical research facility in Canada. The company
currently spends more than $65 million per year in the research and
development of innovative pharmaceutical products. Merck Frosst has just
modernized its manufacturing facility at a cost of $75 million and has
invested an additional $13 million to expand its research facilities.
(1) Source: Heart & Stroke Foundation of Ontario |
