Merck is setting a good example by evaluating the drug in steps, carefully assessing its effect on patients, and not proceeding toward approval before testing the effect of the drug on patient outcomes in a large study.

FORBES: Merck Does The Right Thing

But he calls for Bristol-Myers to do a large study to examine the drug's long-term effect on the heart.

FORBES: Bristol, Merck Drug May Double Heart Risk

This study is another reminder that the effect of a drug on cholesterol levels may not predict what happens to patients.

FORBES: AstraZeneca Study is Good News for the Public, Bad News for AstraZeneca