A clinical trial has shown that the combination cholesterol drug Vytorin is no more effective than a high dose of one of its generically available components.  Vytorin, developed by Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp., is a combination of Schering-Plough's Zetia and Merck's Zocor. Merck and Schering-Plough market Zetia and Vytorin jointly and split the profits.

Amid concerns about whether Vytorin posed a risk of liver damage, Wall Street and industry analysts have been anxiously awaiting details on results of the study begun in 2002.  The results which were expected to be issued at the conclusion of the study have been delayed by at least two years. On November 19, 2007, a statement was issued saying an independent panel of clinical and biostatistical experts was created to help analyze the data. The companies, however, insisted that the data would be shown at the American College of Cardiology meeting in March.  On January 14, 2008, the long-delayed study was finally released which shows the expensive new drug Vytorin had no benefit on the buildup of artery plaque over the older drug Zocor and could even put users at greater risk, even though Vytorin cut bad cholesterol 40% more than Zocor.  Patients on Vytorin actually had more heart attacks, cardiovascular deaths and heart procedures than those who got Zocor, although researchers said the differences were small and could be due to chance.  In addition, patients on Vytorin ended the study with slightly more plaque in their arteries, a result that could also be due to chance.

If you purchased Vytorin, with or without insurance reimbursement, and wish to discuss your possible legal remedies, or have other information regarding Vytorin that you would like to report, please submit a form, This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it  or contact our Washington, D.C. office toll free at (877) 337-8000.