Probucol can cut repeat angioplasties in half
Probucol can cut repeat angioplasties in half
The antioxidant abandoned a couple of years ago may reappear soon because of its ability to substantially reduce the high failure rate of angioplasty.1 A study of patients undergoing the procedure were randomly assigned to twice daily receive probucol (500 mg), multivitamins, both probucol and multivitamins, or placebo.
The regimens were given for a month before surgery and six months following. The patients receiving probucol had half the rate of resten-osis than the others because, the researchers said, the antioxidants "gobble up" oxygen-free radicals in the blood.
Probucol, marketed originally as a cholesterol-lowering agent, was pulled under pressure from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration when the more effective statins were introduced in 1995. Angioplasty typically costs $16,000, and in 40% of cases, the artery reclogs within six months, requiring a repeat procedure. Routine use of probucol, says one of the researchers, could save $700 million annually.
Reference
1. Tardif J-C, Cote G, Lesperance J, et al. Probucol and multivitamins in the prevention of restenosis after coronary angioplasty. N Engl J Med 1997; 337:365-72.
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