The good news for Merck & Co's Zetia cholesterol fighter is that doctors do not seem unduly concerned about its latest setback in a clinical trial. The bad news is they think patient anxiety will cause its sales to drop anyway…

Dr. Stephen Kopecky, professor of medicine and cardiovascular disease at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, found data showing more serious adverse heart events with Zetia -- 9 vs 2 -- to be particularly worrisome, despite the small numbers. "It will push us more toward giving Niaspan," said Kopecky in a telephone interview.

Reuters by Bill Berkrot, 11/16/09

Tags: Cardiology, cholesterol, Zetia