Bristol-Myers Squibb received FDA approval last month for Ovcon 35, a spearmint-flavored, chewable oral contraceptive containing a progestin (norethindrone) and an estrogen (ethinyl estradiol).
A study presented at the American Heart Association's annual meeting found that patients taking Pfizer's cholesterol-lowering medication Lipitor (atorvastatin calcium) had a significant reduction in the progression of atherosclerosis compared with patients taking Pravachol (pravastatin). Researchers measured- the total plaque volume in a cross-section of the artery wall over the length of the vessel. They found that the study demonstrates the benefits of aggressively managing cholesterol levels to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
Late last month, the FDA approved Eli Lilly's Cialis (tadalafil) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Clinical studies showed patients experienced improved sexual function within 30 minutes of taking the drug and experienced improved ED for up to 36 hours following dosing. Twenty-two clinical trials in more than 4,000 patients showed Cialis was effective in treating ED in patients ages 27 to 87.
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