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 For Zocor, 2001 was a very good year. It grew substantially faster than the overall statin class as a whole both in the United States and internationally. And when one of our competitors was removed from the market, Zocor picked up a share of the business. Global sales for Zocor amounted to $6.7 billion, a 26 percent increase over 2000, making it by far Merck’s best-selling medicine.
These successes stemmed from the recognition of what we term “The Triple Power” efficacy of Zocor to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglycerides while raising the levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol.
Life-saving benefits of Zocor demonstrated in new study
During the year, the benefits of Zocor were strongly demonstrated in a landmark trial: the five-year Heart Protection Study conducted by Oxford University in the United Kingdom. More than 20,000 people with or at high risk of heart disease participated in the study, including substantial numbers of people who were diabetic, elderly, female and/or had previously suffered heart attacks. Study participants were given a daily dose of either Zocor 40 mg or a placebo with or without antioxidants. Those on Zocor showed a sharp reduction in the rate of heart attacks and strokes without any difference in the rate of adverse side effects when compared with those on placebo. Merck intends to file for regulatory approval to include this information in the prescribing information for Zocor.
New guidelines broaden cholesterol market
Also in 2001, the U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program broadened its definition of those at highest risk from coronary heart disease, the world’s leading killer. This change substantially increased the number of Americans who are eligible for cholesterol-reduction therapy by a further 10 million people.
With the new studies and strong worldwide marketing for Zocor in place, Zocor remains poised for continued growth.
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For Zocor, 2001 was a very good year. It grew substantially faster than the overall statin class as a whole both in the United States and internationally. And when one of our competitors was removed from the market, Zocor picked up a share of the business. Global sales for Zocor amounted to $6.7 billion, a 26 percent increase over 2000, making it by far Merck’s best-selling medicine.