Solvay reports positive cholesterol drug trials

BRUSSELS, June 2 (Reuters) - Belgian drugs and chemicals maker Solvay (SOLB.BR) said on Monday that the third of three phase III trials of its cholesterol-fighting drug TriLipix in combination with other drugs had proved successful.

The latest study combined Solvay and Abbott Laboratories' (ABT.N) TriLipix, a next-generation fenofibrate, with AstraZeneca's (AZN.L) statin Crestor, generically known as rosuvastatin.

The treatment proved safe and effective in the 12-week study of 1,445 patients, Solvay said.

Results were published at the National Lipid Association's 2008 scientific sessions in Seattle.

Two other studies, results of which were published in March, combined TriLipix with Merck's (MRK.N) Zocor, generically known as simvastatin and Pfizer's (PFE.N) Lipitor, or atorvastatin.

Solvay is a world leader in fenofibrates, which typically work to raise HDL "good" cholesterol and lower triglycerides. Statins are more focused on reducing LDL "bad" cholesterol levels.

Solvay has rights to TriLipix outside the United States. The drug is seen as a successor to Solvay and Abbott's popular Tricor.

A submission to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for monotherapy and for use with statins has already been made.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), more than 100 million American adults have elevated total cholesterol. (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; editing by Rory Channing)