Compounds resulting from the administration of torcetrapib to a mammal, and the use of such compounds as an indicator or biomarker to the presence or exposure of torcetrapib in the plasma of a mammal including humans. The invention is also directed to cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors, pharmaceutical compositions containing such inhibitors and the use of such inhibitors to elevate certain plasma lipid levels, including high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol and to lower certain other plasma lipid levels, such as low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglycerides.