U.S. gene study raises hope for Merck cholesterol drug Zetia

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U.S. gene study raises hope for Merck cholesterol drug Zetia

By Julie Steenhuysen CHICAGO (Reuters) - Rare mutations in a single gene may help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of a heart attack by half, U.S. researchers said on Wednesday in a study that could have implications for Merck and Co's closely watched heart drug Zetia. The study involved individuals with mutations in a gene called NPC1L1, the gene targeted by Zetia, a cholesterol fighter known generically as ezetimibe. While common cholesterol fighters known as statins keep the body from making cholesterol, Zetia blocks the body's ability to absorb cholesterol in the gut. ...

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