Novartis has formed a collaboration and option agreement with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, a Carlsbad, California-based pharmaceutical company, and Ionis’ subsidiary, Akcea Therapeutics, based in Cambridge, Masachusetts, to license two cardiovascular treatments.

The two compounds, investigational antisense therapies, have the potential to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with high levels of lipoproteins known as Lp(a) and ApoCIII. The compounds being developed by Ionis are designated AKCEA-APO(a)-LRx and AKCEA-APOCIII-LRx.

In addition, Novartis has entered into a stock purchase agreement with Ionis. Novartis will be able to exercise its options to license and commercialize AKCEA-APO(a)-LRx and AKCEA-APOCIII-LRx following the achievement of specified development milestones and prior to the initiation of Phase III studies for each program. Upon in-licensing, Novartis will be responsible for worldwide development and commercialization of both assets. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Source: Novartis