The GALAXY Program: an update on studies investigating efficacy and tolerability of rosuvastatin for reducing cardiovascular risk

Abstract

The GALAXY Program is a series of clinical studies investigating the efficacy and tolerability of rosuvastatin in line with the hypothesis that the statin with the greatest efficacy for improving the atherogenic lipid profile and beneficially modifying inflammatory markers will also slow progression of atherosclerosis and improve cardiovascular outcomes. Completed studies report that rosuvastatin is more effective than comparator statins in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, improving the lipid profile and enabling patients to achieve lipid goals, including revised, more stringent goals, even in high-risk patients. Studies have also reported that rosuvastatin can arrest and even regress atherosclerosis. Ongoing outcomes studies will determine whether these beneficial effects of rosuvastatin translate into reduced morbidity and mortality.

Keywords::

• atherosclerosis
• cardiovascular disease
• cholesterol
• lipid-lowering therapy
• rosuvastatin
• statins