R&D In Brief
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Polypill for CVD prevention: Single daily pill containing six components including folic acid, low-dose aspirin would prevent 88% of heart attacks and 80% of strokes, researchers say in the June 28 British Medical Journal. N.J. Wald, et al., University of London, sought to determine the combination of drugs, vitamins and their doses "for use in a single daily pill to achieve a large effect in preventing cardiovascular disease with minimal adverse effects." With combination of three blood pressure-lowering drugs, a statin, .8 mg folic acid and 75 mg aspirin, researchers predict "about one in three people would directly benefit, each on average gaining 11-12 years of life without a heart attack or stroke." Accompanying editorial suggests trials to assess safety, tolerability are needed; researchers have filed UK patent application for Polypill...