Eli Lilly’s investigational siRNA therapeutic lepodisiran has shown impressive results in reducing lipoprotein(a) levels, positioning it as a durable asset in the competitive market for Lp(a)-lowering therapies. According to data from the Phase II ALPACA study, lepodisiran can elicit up to a nearly 94% reduction in Lp(a) levels.
The study enrolled 320 patients with elevated Lp(a) levels and showed that the 400-mg dose of lepodisiran cut Lp(a) levels by 93.9%. A key secondary endpoint, measuring average Lp(a) levels from day 30 to 360, also demonstrated a 94.8% decrease.
What’s more, Lilly believes its investigational siRNA molecule has the potential for a different dosing regimen, with a once every six months schedule being a clear differentiator in the market. However, analysts at BMO Capital Markets caution that significant improvements are needed in Lp(a) diagnostic testing to shape a commercial market for lepodisiran.
Lepodisiran targets the mRNA encoding apolipoprotein(a), an important structural component of Lp(a). Phase I data showed a 94% reduction in Lp(a) levels at 48 weeks, and Lilly is currently enrolling its Phase III ACCLAIM-Lp(a) program to test the effect of lepodisiran on cardiovascular events. The company’s other cardiovascular portfolio includes muvalaplin, an oral pill that reduced Lp(a) by nearly 86% at 12 weeks for a 240-mg dose.
As the market for Lp(a)-lowering therapies continues to evolve, Eli Lilly’s lepodisiran stands out with its promising durability and potential dosing regimen. However, more work is needed to further develop the commercial market for this innovative treatment.
Source: https://www.biospace.com/drug-development/lillys-rna-silencer-lowers-key-cardiovascular-biomarker-by-almost-94