Pfizer announces results of observational study

Pfizer has announced the results of an observational study of Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium).

The research found patients taking the drug had a 13 per cent reduced risk of cardiovascular events, in comparison to subjects taking simvastatin (Zocor) therapy.

Aged between 18 and 64 years old, the people in the study had no medical claims related to cardiovascular disease or prior statin use in the 12 months preceding the tests.

Terry Jacobson, professor of medicine at Emory University and director of the Office of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at Grady Health Systems, said: “Observational data such as this, which reflect the use of medicines in real-world clinical practice rather than in a controlled trial setting, may help healthcare providers and managed care companies improve clinical outcomes for patients.”

He went on to say statins with “greater potency” may result in larger cardiovascular risk reductions and economic assessments must be performed, in order to determine the cost of such care for patients.

Founded in 1849, Pfizer is based in New York, US, with six research and development locations – including one in Sandwich, Kent.

In 2007, the company’s revenues were $48.4 billion (32.3 billion pounds).