Study shows Roche dyslipidemia treatment well-tolerated

Basel, Switzerland Data from a phase II trial shows that Roche's investigational cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibitor R1658 is well tolerated and does not raise blood pressure. The company presented these findings at the 57th Annual Scientific Session of the American College of Cardiology.

Roche is developing R1658 as a treatment for dyslipidemia, a condition that results in abnormal lipid and lipoprotein levels in the bloodstream and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Results showed that, after four weeks, R1658 taken alone or in combination with Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Pravachol, Pfizer’s Lipitor or Merck’s Zocor was generally well-tolerated and did not cause an increase in cardiovascular adverse events or changes in blood pressure compared with a placebo. Side effects included gastrointestinal disorders, headache and dizziness.