AstraZeneca Bolsters Cardiovascular Pipeline with Pre-Clinical Lipid-Lowering Therapy Agreement

LONDON, UK I October 07, 2024 I AstraZeneca has secured an exclusive licensing deal with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd (CSPC) to further develop a pioneering small molecule Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) disruptor. This innovative molecule, designed to manage dyslipidaemia, aims to enhance AstraZeneca’s cardiovascular treatment offerings, addressing significant risk factors that contribute to chronic cardiovascular diseases.

As per the agreement's stipulations, AstraZeneca will gain access to CSPC's pre-clinical candidate, YS2302018. YS2302018 is an oral Lp(a) disruptor, intended to emerge as a novel lipid-lowering therapy. It holds potential for use in various cardiovascular disease conditions, both independently and in conjunction with other treatments, such as the oral small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor, AZD0780.

YS2302018, discovered by CSPC, has demonstrated efficacy in preventing Lp(a) formation. Lp(a) is a variant of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) crucial for cholesterol transport within the bloodstream. Elevated Lp(a) levels, along with increased LDL-cholesterol, are recognized risk factors for cardiovascular diseases like coronary artery disease and stroke.

Sharon Barr, Executive Vice President and Head of BioPharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca, stated, “This asset is a significant addition to our cardiovascular pipeline and could aid patients in managing their dyslipidaemia and related cardiometabolic conditions more effectively. Considering the extensive unmet need, with cardiovascular disease being a leading global cause of death, developing therapies that can either stand alone or complement existing treatments to address known risk factors is vital and aligns with our strategy.”

Dongchen Cai, Chairman of the Board at CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd, emphasized, “Lipoprotein (a) is a critical target for dyslipidaemia and is implicated in various cardiometabolic diseases. Through our agreement with AstraZeneca, leveraging their global expertise in clinical development and commercialization, we anticipate accelerating the advancement of YS2302018. This novel small molecule Lp(a) disruptor could significantly benefit millions of patients worldwide suffering from these conditions.”

Financial terms entail CSPC receiving an initial payment of $100 million from AstraZeneca. Additionally, CSPC stands to gain up to $1.92 billion upon achieving further development and commercialization milestones, along with tiered royalties.

Regarding dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease, elevated levels of Lp(a) and LDL-cholesterol are primary risk factors. These factors are responsible for an estimated 2.6 million deaths globally each year. The global prevalence of dyslipidaemia continues to rise despite current treatment options. Over 70% of patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) fail to meet their LDL-C targets, highlighting a substantial unmet need for more diverse and effective treatments.

AstraZeneca is committed to developing a range of medications that address risk factors and slow the progression of chronic cardiovascular disease. This includes AZD0780, an oral small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor under investigation for treating dyslipidaemia.

In the broad domain of Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolism (CVRM), AstraZeneca aims to enhance understanding of the interconnections between heart, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. This holistic approach is a cornerstone of AstraZeneca’s strategy to develop treatments that protect organs, halt disease progression, and potentially lead to regenerative therapies. Ultimately, AstraZeneca’s mission is to improve and save the lives of millions by targeting the underlying mechanisms of CVRM diseases, facilitating earlier and more effective detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

AstraZeneca, a global, science-driven biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Cambridge, UK, focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in various therapeutic areas. These include Oncology, Rare Diseases, and BioPharmaceuticals, encompassing Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. AstraZeneca’s innovative treatments are distributed in over 125 countries, benefiting millions of patients worldwide.