It is hoped that Pharma Fix-a-Form labels could soon be being printed for an all-in-one pill to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other conditions.

A study funded by the Wellcome Trust gave test subjects a polypill containing a combination of four drugs that are known to cut cholesterol and blood pressure.

When compared with a placebo, the polypill was able to reduce the likelihood of the patient suffering a heart attack, stroke, kidney failure or colon cancer by as much as 50 per cent.

Lead author Professor Anthony Rodgers from the George Institute for Global Health said a study will now take place to determine whether there are any dangerous long-term side-effects.

If there are not, pharmaceutical labels for the combination drug could soon be printed so it can be rolled out across the NHS.

Dr Lorna Layward from the Stroke Association said this could particularly benefit people who need to take several tablets each morning and night.

"Calculating when each pill needs to be taken can often be confusing and so combining the pills into one could make taking the medication much simpler," she added.

Some 150,000 people in Britain have a stroke every year.

Denny Bros Ltd, 27 May 2011