Polypill proves cost-effective, even in poorer nations

A polypill designed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease would be cost-effective in Latin America, even in countries with low gross national incomes, according to an analysis published in the January issue of Health Affairs. The polypill, a tablet that combines antihypertensive medicines to lower blood pressure and a statin to lower cholesterol, has been tested in both developed and developing nations. One study in the U.K., for instance, found that polypill usage reduced mean systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and low density lipoprotein cholesterol by 12 percent, 11 percent and 39 percent, respectively

Trial of daily polypill to protect heart begins (UK)

The first trial of a 'polypill' for the over-50s is being launched in Britain today. The tablet, to be taken daily, combines several low dose drugs that could help protect against heart attacks and strokes. The idea of the pill, which is hoped will cut cholesterol and blood pressure, thus saving lives, was first conceived in 2003 by Professor Sir Nicholas Ward and Prof Malcolm Law from the Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine at Queen Mary University, London. Professors Ward and Law hope the trial will pave the way for anybody over 50 to buy cheaply from a pharmacy within a couple of years. The pill is being made by the Indian generics company Cipla. It contains simvastatin to lower cholesterol and three drugs in small does to reduce blood pressure – losartan, hydrochlorthiazide and amlodopine. The pill does not contain aspirin because of the side effects some people experience after taking it.

Polypill 'could become a reality'

"A cheap five-in-one pill can guard against heart attacks and stroke, research suggests. The concept of a polypill for everyone over 55 to cut heart disease by up to 80% was mooted over five years ago, but slow progress has been made since. Now a trial in India shows such a pill has the desired effects and is safe and well-tolerated by those who take it. Although The Lancet study is proof of concept, experts still question the ethics of a pill for lifestyle issues. Critics say the problems of high blood pressure and cholesterol should be tackled with diet and exercise rather than by popping a pill" - BBC