Controversies surround heart drug study questions about Vytorin and trial sponsors' conduct

The results of the clinical trial, Effect of Ezetimibe Plus Simvastatin Versus Simvastatin Alone on Atherosclerosis in the Carotid Artery (ENHANCE), is creating a controversy among cardiologists. The antiatherogenic drug, Vytorin, was found to be inefficient in decreasing the levels of low-density lipoprotein in the body. Some physicians questioned whether the medication should now be in use; others in the cardiology community urged caution in overinterpreting the results, larger trials due for completion in a few years should better answer efficacy and safety questions.