Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. (AAA/Negative/A-1+) announced disappointing results from its 5,000-patient Overture trial for heart-failure drug Vanlev. Standard&Poor's said this announcement will not affect the company's current ratings or outlook. The results showed Vanlev to be only marginally more effective than an existing treatment, Merck's Vasotec. Bristol-Myers has been counting on Vanlev as one of the high-potential, near-term drug prospects that would restore the company to higher earnings growth. The company has seen the patents expire on a number of its significant drugs. The recent trail data suggests, however, that Vanlev may not now be as significant a contributor to growth. Vasotec, which has gone off its patent, can now be obtained in cheaper generic versions. Standard&Poor's
