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Akcea reaches license agreement with Novartis for antisense drug for elevated Lp(a)
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Akcea Therapeutics and Ionis Pharmaceuticals announced that Novartis has decided to license an antisense drug for the treatment of patients with elevated levels of lipoprotein(a) and established CVD.
The strategic collaboration agreement notes that Akcea Therapeutics and Ionis Pharmaceutical will equally split a $150 million license fee, according to a press release from Akcea. In addition, Akcea Therapeutics will settle a $75 million obligation to Ionis Pharmaceuticals in common stock from Akcea. Novartis will be responsible for future development activities related to the antisense drug (AKCEA-APO(a)-LRx, Akcea) including a phase 3 CV outcomes study and global commercialization activities, which is currently pending regulatory approval.
“AKCEA-APO(a)-LRx, our most advanced [Ligand Conjugated Antisense] medicine, is a particularly exciting and important new medicine because of its potential to treat millions of patients with cardiovascular disease,” Brett Monia, PhD, chief operating officer for Ionis, said in the press release.
Data from a phase 2 study on the antisense drug were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions in 2018. As Cardiology Today previously reported, the N-acetyl-galactosamine-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide significantly reduced Lp(a), oxidized phospholipid apolipoprotein B, oxidized phospholipid apolipoprotein(a), LDL and ApoB levels in patients with pre-existing CVD and a baseline Lp(a) level greater than 60 mg/dL.
“AKCEA-APO(a)-LRx is the first and only medicine to do this,” Paula Soteropoulos, CEO for Akcea, said in the press release. “We believe that this therapy has the potential to be a significant advance for millions of people affected by cardiovascular disease around the world.”
Disclosures: Monia is an employee of Ionis. Soteropoulos is an employee of Akcea.