AstraZeneca Licenses CSPC's Cardiovascular Drug for $2 Billion

Dyslipidemia, characterized by abnormal levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, which cause approximately 17.9 million deaths annually, making them the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Despite existing treatments, many patients struggle to maintain healthy levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly known as 'bad cholesterol.'

CSPC has developed an oral medication aimed at inhibiting the production of a low-density lipoprotein called lipoprotein (a). This lipoprotein plays a crucial role in transporting cholesterol through the bloodstream. By targeting lipoprotein (a), CSPC's drug has the potential to treat and prevent various cardiovascular conditions either as a standalone therapy or in combination with another small molecule candidate from AstraZeneca. This candidate works by reducing low-density lipoproteins by inhibiting an enzyme known as PCSK9.

Under the agreement, CSPC is set to receive $100 million upfront. Additionally, the company could earn up to $1.92 billion in milestone payments related to the development and commercialization of the drug, along with tiered royalties. Sharon Barr, AstraZeneca’s executive vice president and head of biopharmaceuticals R&D, emphasized that the new asset "could help patients to more effectively manage their dyslipidemia and related cardiometabolic diseases." She highlighted the critical importance of advancing innovative therapies that can be used alone or in combination to tackle known risk factors and improve patient care, given the vast unmet needs with cardiovascular disease being a primary cause of death globally.

The market for cardiovascular disease treatments was valued at an impressive $144 billion in 2023, with projections indicating growth to $208 billion by 2030 at an annual rate of 4%. This expansion is driven by an increase in sedentary lifestyles across the population, which is contributing to a higher incidence of cardiovascular diseases among both young and elderly individuals.

This deal underscores the heightened interest from major pharmaceutical companies in cardiovascular disease treatments. At the beginning of 2023, AstraZeneca acquired CinCor, a U.S. drug developer, for $1.8 billion. Other notable transactions include Novo Nordisk's acquisition of the German company Cardior Pharmaceuticals for up to €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in March and Bayer obtaining the European marketing rights for a cardiovascular disease treatment from Eidos Therapeutics in the U.S. for an upfront payment of up to $310 million during the same month.

AstraZeneca has also shown significant interest in addressing obesity. Last year, the company signed a $2 billion licensing agreement with China’s Eccogene, securing global rights to Eccogene's oral once-daily glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist. This highlights AstraZeneca's broader strategy to expand its portfolio in cardiometabolic health, encompassing both cardiovascular diseases and obesity management.