The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Abbott's new coated Niaspan (niacin extended-release tablets). Niaspan is the leading medication for boosting HDL cholesterol - the "good" cholesterol.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in the United States, and studies have shown that every 1 per cent increase in HDL cholesterol is associated with a 2 per cent decrease in heart disease risk.

"Niaspan has the proven ability to elevate good cholesterol, a known risk factor in cardiovascular disease," said Eugene Sun, MD, vice president of Global Pharmaceutical Clinical Development, Abbott. "With the FDA approval of a new Niaspan coated tablet, our next step is to expand upon two published studies to determine the effect on flushing intensity. We'll do that by initiating larger clinical studies."

Niaspan is the only FDA-approved, once-daily extended-release prescription niacin formulation for the treatment of lipid disorders with an ability to significantly raise HDL cholesterol. Collective results from three major clinical studies show an average 22 per cent increase of HDL for patients receiving 2000 mg of Niaspan at bedtime. Niacin is also indicated for the secondary prevention of heart attacks, and in combination with a bile acid binding resin, niacin is indicated to promote regression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with history of coronary artery disease.

"More and more, physicians and their patients understand that good cholesterol management means trying to bring all lipid parameters to optimal levels," said Richard Karas, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, Tufts-New England Medical Centre, Boston, MA. "Introducing a new coated tablet that may enhance patient convenience is an important factor in improving our ability to provide good cholesterol management for our patients," he added.