AstraZeneca Licenses Novel Lp(a) Disruptor

AstraZeneca has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd to further develop a novel small molecule disruptor of Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), which could provide additional benefits for patients with dyslipidaemia. This collaboration enhances AstraZeneca’s cardiovascular portfolio, addressing major risk factors associated with chronic cardiovascular disease.

As part of the agreement, AstraZeneca gains access to CSPC's pre-clinical candidate, YS2302018, an oral Lp(a) disruptor. The goal is to develop it as a new lipid-lowering therapy for various cardiovascular conditions, either on its own or in combination with the oral PCSK9 inhibitor, AZD0780.

YS2302018, discovered by CSPC, has shown effectiveness in preventing Lp(a) formation. Elevated levels of Lp(a) and LDL cholesterol are known risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke.

Sharon Barr, Executive Vice President and Head of BioPharmaceuticals R&D at AstraZeneca, emphasized the importance of this addition to their cardiovascular pipeline, stating it could help patients manage dyslipidaemia and related cardiometabolic diseases more effectively. With cardiovascular disease being a leading global cause of death, developing novel therapies to tackle these risk factors is crucial for advancing patient care.

Dongchen Cai, Chairman of CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd, remarked on the significance of targeting Lipoprotein (a) in dyslipidemia and its connection to multiple cardiometabolic conditions. He expressed optimism about the partnership with AstraZeneca, anticipating that their expertise in clinical development and commercialization will help accelerate the progress of YS2302018 for the benefit of millions of patients worldwide.