Had this study not been conducted, AstraZeneca could have continued to tout the superior laboratory effects of Crestor, without have evidence that the extra reduction in bad cholesterol may not matter.

FORBES: AstraZeneca Study is Good News for the Public, Bad News for AstraZeneca

If the findings hold up, they could open a totally new approach to heart disease, with the potential to slash heart attacks far beyond the 30%-to-40% reduction seen with cholesterol-lowering drugs alone.

FORBES: Prevention Puzzle

Needham's Monane notes that Merck 's (nyse: MRK - news - people ) cholesterol-blockbuster drug Zocor takes at least a year to show a statistically significant reduction in the volume of artery plaque.

FORBES: Magazine Article