June 2008 IMS scrips -- Bottom line: Vytorin/Zetia STILL losing share -- in a "shrinking" US Market. . . .

These are moderate declines, compared to two motnhs ago (still, close to a 5 percent, month-over-month sequential decline), but it is an especially ominous sign that the overall "cholesterol market" in the U.S. is "shrinking" -- in this economy, that might well-mean that the under-, and un-insured have stopped taking their meds, altogether.

Or, it could mean that people are being counseled to adopt healthier lifestyles before trying any drug -- statin or other -- at all.

Overall, a 26.6 percent decline since the start of the year. Wow. [Click to enlarge.]



This is not good news. Meanwhile, 1.09 million shares traded -- essentially flat, after-hours -- on the NASDAQ, thus far.