FDA Clears Abbott’s “Good Cholesterol” Drug

April 9, 2007 — The FDA has approved Abbott's new coated Niaspan (niacin extended-release tablets) for boosting HDL cholesterol -- the "good" cholesterol.

Niaspan is the only FDA-approved, once-daily extended-release prescription niacin formulation for the treatment of lipid disorders with an ability to significantly raise HDL cholesterol.

Collective results from three major clinical studies show an average 22 percent increase of HDL for patients receiving 2000 mg of Niaspan at bedtime. Niacin is also indicated for the secondary prevention of heart attacks, and in combination with a bile acid binding resin, niacin is indicated to promote regression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with history of coronary artery disease.

"More and more, physicians and their patients understand that good cholesterol management means trying to bring all lipid parameters to optimal levels," said Richard Karas, M.D., Ph.D., professor of medicine, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, MA. "Introducing a new coated tablet that may enhance patient convenience is an important factor in improving our ability to provide good cholesterol management for our patients," he added.

More information visit www.rxabbott.com/pdf/niaspan.