Did we IMPROVE-IT: thoughts on LDL targeting post-trial?

Abstract

Interview with Professor Chris Packard, MD, PhD by Tanya Stezhka (Commissioning Editor) The IMPROVE-IT trial, launched 9 years ago, has finally provided physicians with long-term efficacy and safety evidence for ezetimibe. The large-scale study in acute-coronary-syndrome patients showed a clear benefit in reducing cardiovascular events when added to simvastatin in this population. The size of the benefit was proportionate to the reduction in LDL cholesterol. We spoke to Professor Chris Packard (University of Glasgow, UK) about his interest in the trial, and the importance of lowering LDL and research in the wider clinical context.