Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

From MRKs’ PR on the CETP drug:

In part 1 of the study, 539 patients aged 18–75 years and with moderate elevations in LDL-C were randomized to either anacetrapib (at 10, 40, 150, or 300 mg doses) plus placebo, or anacetrapib (at 10, 40, 150, or 300 mg doses) plus atorvastatin 20 mg for eight-week period.

In other words, the variable between the two sets of corresponding dosing arms was Lipitor rather than anacetrapib. Does anyone here know the reason for this trial design?