Successful Trial of Lipitor: Promising Results Lead to Early Termination

The Lipitor trial, aimed at combating cholesterol, was stopped early due to its success in reducing heart attacks and strokes by a third among 5000 patients. The trial involved 10,000 people at risk of heart disease or strokes but with normal cholesterol levels. It had two parts: finding the best drug combination to lower blood pressure and determining if lowering cholesterol in people with normal levels offers extra benefits. Due to the trial's success, specialists now want to treat the 5000 placebo patients, citing an ethical obligation.

What was the main reason for stopping the trial two years earlier than planned?

How many patients were involved in the Lipitor test?

What are the two main objectives of the trial?

What is the significance of lowering cholesterol in people with normal levels according to the trial?

What ethical obligation do specialists feel towards the patients who received placebos?