FDA rejects Merck's drug application

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. -- U.S. regulators won't accept drugmaker Merck's application for a new combination cholesterol pill that includes rival Pfizer's Lipitor, the world's top-selling drug.

Merck & Co. disclosed the rare move by the Food and Drug Administration in a regulatory filing on Monday.

The company had said about 2 1/2 years ago that it planned to make and market a cholesterol pill combining Pfizer Inc.'s Lipitor with Zetia, a cholesterol pill Merck jointly sells with partner Schering-Plough Corp.

In September, Merck applied to the FDA for approval of its combo pill.

The FDA hasn't responded to requests for comment.

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