WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. (AP) - Drug maker Merck & Co. Inc. said Thursday its experimental drug anacetrapib significantly lowered bad cholesterol while raising good cholesterol in mid-stage trials.
Merck said the treatment showed positive results when used alone and alongside atorvastatin, which Pfizer Inc. markets as Lipitor. Merck tested the drug against placebo in an eight-week trial of 589 patients with elevated cholesterol. Merck researchers said there were no deaths, major negative reactions or significant increases in blood pressure associated with the drug.
Shares of Merck rose 71 cents Thursday to close at $52.86.
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