Results from a phase III clinical trial testing nicotinic acid/laropiprant in combination with simvastatin have been released.
In people with primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia, 12 weeks treatment with a combination of nicotinic acid/laropiprant and simvastatin reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by nearly 48%, increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels by approximately 28%, and reduced overall triglyceride levels by 33%.
A total of 609 people participated in the study, published in the British Journal of Cardiology. The primary endpoint of the study was a change in LDL-C levels in participants treated with a combination of 2 g nicotinic acid/laropiprant and simvastatin (20 mg or 40 mg) compared with those treated with nicotinic acid/laropiprant alone. Secondary endpoints included change in LDL-C, HDL-C and triglyceride levels in patients treated with 2 g of the drug and simvastatin (pooled) compared with those treated with simvastatin alone.
In the other treatment arms, 2 g nicotinic acid/laropiprant alone (n=192) reduced LDL-C by 17%, increased HDL-C by approximately 23% and reduced triglycerides by nearly 22%. Simvastatin alone (pooled; n=585) reduced LDL-C by 37%, increased HDL-C by 6%, and reduced triglycerides by nearly 15%.
Practice nurses use NICE lipid targets in everyday practice
A new survey of UK healthcare professionals, conducted by TNS Healthcare UK, reveals that the majority of practice nurses who took part (n=100) recognise NICE lipid targets as best practice for lipid management for high risk (type 2 diabetes and secondary prevention) patients. Further, the nurses surveyed believed that it would be useful for the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) to include specific lower lipid targets for these patients, in line with NICE guidance.
The survey (which comprised 100 each of GPs, practice nurses, cardiologists and diabetologists), found that most nurses (69%) would typically treat people with type 2 diabetes to the NICE lipid targets in everyday practice.
New Clinimed website
CliniMed has a new user-friendly website. In the wound care section you can find information on Clinimed’s wound care products and general information on wound care. Products include CliniSorb®, a charcoal dressing for malodorous wounds. There is also information on skin care products, LBF®, a no-sting barrier wipe that protects the area around a wound, and Appeel®, a no-sting adhesive remover for dressing removal.
Free samples of wound care products can be ordered on-line (www.clinimed.co.uk).
Amid accumulating evidence of benefits with new diabetes drugs, Vinod Patel asks whether the costs can be justified.
9 Nov 2023