AstraZeneca Signs billion dollar deal with China's CSPC Pharma

AstraZeneca, a British company, has partnered exclusively with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group from China to further develop a new small molecule disruptor for Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), which could provide extra benefits for dyslipidemia patients. This asset enhances the company's cardiovascular portfolio to target the main risk factors of chronic cardiovascular disease.

As per the agreement, AstraZeneca will obtain rights to CSPC's pre-clinical compound YS2302018, an oral Lp(a) disruptor, to develop it into a new lipid-lowering treatment for various cardiovascular diseases, either alone or in combination with the oral small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor, AZD0780.

CSPC discovered YS2302018, which has been proven to effectively block the creation of Lp(a). Lp(a) is a type of LDL that has an important function in moving cholesterol through the bloodstream. Increased levels of Lp(a) and high LDL-cholesterol are recognized as risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and stroke.

The pharmaceutical firm will make an initial payment of $100 million to CSPC. CSPC can also potentially receive up to $1.92 billion for additional development and commercialization achievements as well as tiered royalties.