Is Crestor dangerous? There have been rumors to that effect for years. Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration said no, arguing that there was no scientific evidence to implicate the drug. A new study by a team at the Tufts New England Medical Center concludes otherwise, however. Researchers compared AstraZeneca's heart drug with three other statins, including Lipitor, Zodor and Pravachol. The team recorded more adverse events for Crestor, a finding which indicates the drug is "marginally more dangerous."
Analysts note the FDA is unlikely to require that the drug be pulled as it has already issued an opinion on the issue. The news is expected to impact sales of the drug, however, as cardiologists respond by switching to drugs with less controversial safety profiles.
- see this AP story for more on the new Crestor study
PLUS: New England Journal of Medicine Editor-in-Chief Jeffery M. Drazen said pharma companies "are making a mockery" of efforts to create transparency in the industry. Drazen told reporters that big companies are not reporting enough useful information in the data they are voluntarily submitting for clinical trials. Story (Wall Street Journal sub. req.)