AstraZeneca boosts cardiovascular pipeline via deal with CSPC

UK pharma major AstraZeneca (LSE: AZN) has entered into an exclusive license agreement with China’s CSPC Pharmaceutical (HKEX: 1093) to advance the development of an early stage, novel small molecule lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) disruptor that has the potential to offer additional benefits for patients with dyslipidemia.

This asset further strengthens the British company’s cardiovascular portfolio to help address the major risk factors driving chronic cardiovascular disease. CSPC’s shares closed up 5.5% at HK$7.12 following the announcement.

Under the deal, AstraZeneca will receive access to CSPC’s pre-clinical candidate small molecule, YS2302018, an oral Lp(a) disruptor, with the aim of developing this as a novel lipid-lowering therapy with potential in a range of cardiovascular disease indications alone or in combination, including with the oral small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor, AZD0780.