Mean LDL-C levels were reduced significantly more with rosuvastatin 40 mg than with atorvastatin 80 mg at 8 weeks (−56%versus −52%, p < 0.001). The proportion of patients achieving the NCEP ATP III LDL-C goal at 8 weeks was significantly higher in the rosuvastatin 40 mg group (80%versus 72%, p < 0.01). Significant differences in the change from baseline in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (+9.6%versus +4.4%) and apolipoprotein (Apo)A-I levels (+4.2 versus −0.5) were observed between rosuvastatin and atorvastatin (all p < 0.05). Both treatments were well tolerated. Based on a US analysis, rosuvastatin used fewer resources and delivered greater efficacy.
Intensive lipid-lowering therapy with rosuvastatin 40 mg/day provided greater LDL-C-lowering efficacy than atorvastatin 80 mg/day, enabling more patients to achieve LDL-C goals. Rosuvastatin may therefore improve LDL-C goal achievement in high-risk patients with hypercholesterolemia.