GSK's darpladib study fails to meet target

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) said the third phase of its study of darpladib failed to meet its target for the prevention of stroke. The trial randomised 15,828 patients with chronic coronary heart disease to receive 160mg of darapladib or placebo once daily. No difference was witnessed in the treatment groups in the time to first occurrence of any major adverse cardiovascular event.Co-Chair of the study, Harvey White, said: "In the STABILITY study, the lack of effect on stroke was disappointing but not unexpected given the emerging epidemiology data. "While the study didn't meet its primary endpoint, the effects of darapladib on the reduction of coronary events are of potential interest. These findings take us a step further towards defining which patients may benefit from treatment with darapladib."RD