The studies diagnosed patients with active lupus and randomized them to receive Benlysta plus standard therapy, or an inactive infused solution (placebo) plus standard therapy.

FORBES: Human Genome Sciences' Benlysta Approved To Treat Lupus

Worse, however, was the finding that Tredaptive plus statin therapy resulted in a statistically significant increase in non-fatal adverse events observed, such as diabetic complications, new onset diabetes, GI and musculoskeletal effects.

FORBES: Niacin, Statins And Difficulties Of Drug Discovery

Data from the Women's Health Initiative and other large-scale trials suggest estrogen plus progestin therapy moderately reduces risk for fractures but increases the chance of developing strokes, dementia, deep vein thrombosis, urinary incontinence and gallbladder disease.

CNN: Government panel: Hormone therapy 'not recommended'

In justifying his strong buy rating on the company, Carl Byrns at Dain Rauscher Wessels points to an anti-viral drug: Peg-intron plus ribavirin combination therapy for Hepatitis C.

FORBES: Dog Watch: Schering-Plough

Patients were given either Tredaptive plus a statin, versus only statin therapy.

FORBES: Will Merck's Failure With Tredaptive Impact How Drugs Are Approved in Europe?

HPS2-THRIVE randomized 25, 673 high-risk patients who could tolerate niacin to either placebo or extended-release niacin plus laropiprant (Tredaptive, Merck), an anti-flushing agent, in addition to background therapy.

FORBES: HPS2-THRIVE: A 'Disappointing But Clear' Result