Novartis announced that pelacarsen missed the main goal of its Lp(a)HORIZON study. The investigational drug lowered lipoprotein(a), but did not achieve the targeted reduction in cardiovascular events. Developed initially by Ionis Pharmaceuticals, it will now be the subject of a full data presentation at an upcoming medical congress. The announcement gives the initial outcome of a study focused on events such as heart attacks and strokes, without naming a presentation date or venue.
Novartis reported on Friday evening that pelacarsen had missed the main goal of its Lp(a)HORIZON study. The targeted events included cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke and urgent procedures to restore coronary blood flow requiring hospitalization. The company said the anticipated reduction in cardiovascular risk was not achieved across the overall study population, although lipoprotein(a) levels fell with the investigational drug.[1], [2]
Ionis Pharmaceuticals discovered pelacarsen and carried out its early development. In 2019, Novartis exercised its option to license the development and commercialization rights. Its licensing and collaboration agreement with Ionis also provides manufacturing rights. Pelacarsen remains an investigational medicine. Friday’s announcement disclosed the outcome of the cardiovascular study conducted for that drug.[1], [2]
Novartis Chief Medical Officer Shreeram Aradhye said the findings were not the results the company had hoped for. He emphasized their scientific value for understanding the relationship between lowering Lp(a) and cardiovascular outcomes. According to the company, the Lp(a)HORIZON data will be presented at an upcoming medical congress. The announcement did not identify the meeting, its venue or a date.[1], [2]
