FDA confirms benefits of Crestor in more patients

WASHINGTON The Food and Drug Administration has confirmed the findings of a AstraZeneca study released last November. The study showed that patients with lower cholesterol and few heart risks could still benefit from taking Crestor, setting the stage for a dramatic expansion in use of the drug.

Now the British drugmaker wants the FDA to broaden Crestor's labeling based on those results.

But the FDA's review also cites several safety concerns, including a higher rate of diabetes in patients taking Crestor.