|
 Novartis will now do a Phase 3 trial of TQJ230, also known as
AKCEA-APO(a)-LRx, against an inherited form of cardiovascular
disease where people have elevated levels of lipoprotein (a) that
the company said cannot be lowered via diet and lifestyle changes.
Novartis's cardiovascular disease franchise suffered after patent
expirations in 2012 on blockbusters such as Diovan opened the field
to cheaper rivals. Now that its three-year-old Entresto heart drug
topped $1 billion in sales in 2018, the company is hoping that
TQJ230 will eventually help augment a heart-disease portfolio that
is growing after years of stagnation.
"We're excited about the novel, RNA-targeting approach that could be
a gamechanger for people with elevated lipoprotein(a)," said John
Tsai, Novartis's drug development head. "If our Phase 3 trial
succeeds, we expect that TQJ230 will become the leading treatment
option."
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Ionis's experimental drug targets the body's RNA, which takes
genetic information from DNA to help produce proteins, to interfere
with the production of potentially harmful lipoprotein(a) that can
lead to hardening of the arteries, thrombosis and stroke.
Novartis and Ionis, which helped develop Biogen's spinal muscular
atrophy drug Spinraza, initially struck a deal last year to work
together on the cardiovascular drugs. The companies did not release
financial terms of the latest deal on Monday.
(Reporting by John Miller; editing by Thomas Seythal and Louise
Heavens)
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