And -- Just Like That -- Liptruzet™. . . Is "Ghosted" -- Vanishes: FDA

I should note that at least one study suggested that the single pill combination of atorvastatin and ezetimibe (and that's all Liptruzet™ is) provided no clinical benefit -- as to outcomes -- from patients with cardiovascular risks due to elevated cholesterol levels. The very same story was told (by proxy, at least) in the ENHANCE debacle, as well. So the discontinuance is no surprise -- it was likely rarely prescribed after 2012.

The very informative (but reg. req'd) Monthly Prescribing Reference has the story, here:

. . . .Merck has reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that all Liptruzet (ezetimibe/atorvastatin) tablets have been discontinued.

All lots of Liptruzet were initially recalled in January 2014 after defective outer laminate foil pouches were discovered. The foil pouches could potentially allow air and moisture inside the packaging, which would alter the effectiveness or characteristics of Liptruzet. Following the recall, Merck has decided to not resupply Liptruzet. . . .

So, Merck's march toward new wave oncology (the high end, immuno-biotech version of it) therapies -- and the obviously much higher margins -- continues. We will keep you posted, on this lonely, but lovely Wednesday. Ah, well. . . so it goes, but I will need to know whose DNA she harbors, “Roger” that. . . Onward. . .