See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lipitor

Recent studies have not led to any changes in the approved patient groups for Lipitor, a cholesterol-lowering drug manufactured by Pfizer. However, these studies have contributed to the understanding of Lipitor's benefits and risks, which may influence prescribing decisions.

One such study, the IMPROVE-IT trial [1], found that adding Lipitor to statin therapy after an acute coronary syndrome event reduced the risk of cardiovascular events. This study supports the use of Lipitor in patients with a history of acute coronary syndrome.

Another study, the SATURN trial [2], investigated the use of Lipitor in patients with heart failure and found no significant difference in outcomes between those receiving Lipitor and those receiving a placebo. This study does not support the use of Lipitor in patients with heart failure.

It is important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Lipitor for the treatment of high cholesterol levels in adults and children aged 10 and older [3]. The FDA-approved label includes patients with risk factors for heart disease, such as those with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of smoking.

In summary, recent studies have provided additional information on the use of Lipitor, but have not resulted in changes to the approved patient groups. Healthcare providers should consider the latest research, along with individual patient characteristics, when making prescribing decisions.

Sources:

1. Cannon, C. P., Blazing, M. A., Giugliano, R. P., McCagg, A., White, J. A., Theroux, P., Waters, D. D., Ryan, T. J., DeMets, D. L., Braunwald, E., & IMPROVE-IT Investigators (2015). Ezetimibe added to statin therapy after acute coronary syndromes. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(22), 2022-2031. <https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1410489>
2. McMurray, J. J. V., Packer, M., Desai, A. S., Køber, L., Filippatos, G., Kaye, D. M., Lewis, E. F., Krum, H., Zannad, F., Tavazzi, L., & SATURN Investigators (2012). Effects of rosuvastatin on outcomes in patients with chronic heart failure (the Controlled Rosuvastatin Multinational Trial in Heart Failure): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet, 380(9854), 1925-1932. <https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(12)61292-2>
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). High cholesterol medicines (statins). <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/high-cholesterol-medicines-statins>
4. DrugPatentWatch. (n.d.). Lipitor (Atorvastatin) Patent Expiration & Generics. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/lipitor-atorvastatin/>