Merck, known outside the United States and Canada as MSD , today announced that the HPS2-THRIVE (Heart Protection Study 2-Treatment of HDL to Reduce the Incidence of Vascular Events) study of TREDAPTIVE™ (extended-release niacin/ laropiprant ) did not meet its primary endpoint.

Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that data from two Phase 2 trials with  SAR236553 / REGN727 , an investigational, high-affinity, subcutaneously administered, fully-human antibody targeting PCSK9 ( proprotein convertasesubtilisin / kexin type 9), were presented at the American College of Cardiology’s (ACC) 61st Annual Scientific Meeting in Chicago.  

Bayer’s cooperation partner, Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C. has submitted a Supplemental New Drug Application ( sNDA ) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the oral anticoagulant Xarelto ( rivaroxaban ) in combination with standard antiplatelet therapy to reduce the risk of (thrombotic) cardiovascular events in patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS).

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company and Pfizer Inc. announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for review a New Drug Application (NDA) for Eliquis ( apixaban ), an investigational compound for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced positive preliminary results from the Phase 2 study program in which patients with elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were treated with REGN727/SAR236553.

Maternal cigarette smoking in the first trimester was associated with a 20 to 70 percent greater likelihood that a baby would be born with certain types of congenital heart defects, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is increasing awareness about a health plan for uninsured Americans with pre-existing conditions created by the Affordable Care Act.

Low doses of an inexpensive, FDA-approved hypertension medication may improve the results of nanotherapeutic approaches to cancer treatment.

Nearly 26 million Americans have diabetes, and another 79 million have prediabetes. That's about 30 percent of all Americans with a diabetes problem.

Using inexpensive air filters may help reduce cardiovascular disease risk that results from exposure to air pollution, according to researchers.