When combined with Zocor in Vytorin, Zetia does lower C-reactive protein (CRP), which doctors use to try and measure artery inflammation.

FORBES: The Statin Showdown

And he says imaging studies like ENHANCE have not been proven to be any more meaningful that reductions in LDL or C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation.

FORBES: What's Next For Vytorin?

If the FDA adopts the panel's recommendation -- the agency isn't required to do so, but typically does in such cases -- it would mark the first time that a statin was approved for heart-disease-free people with healthy cholesterol levels but other risk factors, including high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation.

CNN: FDA considers statin use for those with normal cholesterol