What studies back lipitor's use in patients?

What clinical trials established Lipitor's benefits?

The first large study, TNT, tested 10,000 patients with stable coronary disease. It showed that 80 mg atorvastatin lowered LDL by 2 mmol/L compared with 10 mg, and reduced major cardiovascular events by 22 percent over five years. [1]

How do later trials extend these findings to broader groups?

The IDEAL study compared 80 mg atorvastatin with 20-40 mg simvastatin in 8,888 patients after heart attack. Atorvastatin produced a 2 percent net difference in LDL and a 16 percent reduction in nonfatal heart attacks. [2]

What evidence covers primary prevention?

The ASCOT-LLA trial enrolled 10,305 patients with hypertension and moderate risk. Atorvastatin 10 mg reduced total cardiovascular events by 36 percent and fatal/nonfatal strokes by 27 percent over 3.3 years. [2]

Can Lipitor help after a stroke?

The SPARCL trial focused on 4,731 patients who had a recent stroke or TIA without known coronary disease. Atorvastatin 80 mg lowered total stroke risk by 16 percent and major cardiovascular events by 20 percent. [2]

When does the patent expire?

Atorvastatin's composition-of-matter patent expired in 2011. [3]