AstraZeneca inks billion dollar deal with China's CSPC Pharma to strengthen cardiovascular pipeline

British firm AstraZeneca has entered into an exclusive license agreement with China-based CSPC Pharmaceutical Group (CSPC) 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 dyslipidaemia. This asset further strengthens the company’s cardiovascular portfolio to help address the major risk factors driving chronic cardiovascular disease.  

Under the terms of the agreement, 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.

YS2302018 was discovered by CSPC and has been shown to effectively prevent the formation of Lp(a). Lp(a) is a form of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) that plays a key role in the transport of cholesterol in the blood stream. Elevated levels of Lp(a), as well as elevated LDL-cholesterol, are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and stroke.

CSPC will receive an upfront payment of $100 million from AstraZeneca. CSPC is also eligible to receive up to $1.92 billion for further development and commercialisation milestones plus tiered royalties.