Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp. are running newspaper ads to protect the reputation of the cholesterol-lowering Vytorin drug, after having announced disappointing results last week. The latest ENHANCE study, which aimed at measuring Vytorin’s ability to reduce clogged arteries, showed the drug to be only minimally more effective than a generic statin. Cardiologists are now questioning the use of Vytorin, which combines Zetia and Zocor (or simvastatin) into one pill.

The ENHANCE study was only an initial study and was not as thorough as clinical trials.