Abbott Laboratories has received FDA approval for its cholesterol treatment Simcor. The drug is a combination of a statin called simvastatin, which lowers “bad” cholesterol, and Abbott’s Niaspan, an extended-release version of niacin, which raises “good” cholesterol. The drug also lowers triglycerides, a type of blood fats. Abbott is conducting a study to determine Simcor’s effectiveness in preventing heart attacks and strokes. The results of this study are expected in 2011.

A diet comprising mainly of meat and fried foods increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, according to research published in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association. Metabolic syndrome refers to the presence of three or more cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar and low levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein or “good”) cholesterol.

The study also confirmed an earlier finding that the consumption of diet soda raises the risk of metabolic syndrome. Dairy products were found to prevent metabolic syndrome to some extent.

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.