Therapy of Atherosclerosis: When?

A pharmacological company looks for the practical application of its discoveries by seeking the introduction onto the market of drugs of value which may be helpful to mankind and undeniably to the well-being of the company itself. A few years ago, our department became involved with a new multinational program of research with the purpose of developing new therapies for atherosclerosis. The relevance of this disease is underscored by two clear facts: 1. Atherosclerosis accounts for a cumulative coronary incidence of about 50%. 2. Atherosclerosis is responsible for 25%–30% of all deaths (Breslow et al. 1989).