AstraZeneca announced positive results from a phase 2 trial of its oral small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor, AZD0780. The study found that the highest dose of 30mg daily reduced low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels by 50.7% after 12 weeks in patients with lipid disorder. This is comparable to other treatments available on the market.
The trial involved 428 patients who received AZD0780 or a placebo, along with standard statin therapy and sometimes ezetimibe. The results show that 84% of patients taking the 30mg dose met American Heart Association guidelines for LDL-C levels, compared to 13% in the placebo group.
While the treatment had some side effects, such as adverse events, AstraZeneca believes AZD0780 has the potential to be a game-changer for managing cholesterol and related risks. The company is positioning its oral option as a more convenient alternative to existing injectable PCSK9 inhibitors.
Source: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/astrazenecas-oral-pcsk9-inhibitor-halves-cholesterol-phase-2-trial