Amgen acquires 'cheaper, oral' alternative to Repatha

Amgen is to acquire Dezima Pharma B.V., which recently published highly positive Phase IIb data with its CETP inhibitor TA-8995 suggesting it might have potential as a more cost-effective option for lowering cholesterol than the PCSK9 inhibitor approach. Amgen just had its cholesterol-lowering injectable PCSK9 inhibitor antibody Repatha (evolocumab) approved.

Amgen is to acquire Dezima Pharma B.V., which recently published highly positive Phase IIb data with its CETP inhibitor TA-8995 suggesting it might have potential as a more cost-effective option for lowering cholesterol than the PCSK9 inhibitor approach. Amgen just had its cholesterol-lowering injectable PCSK9 inhibitor antibody Repatha (evolocumab) approved.

Under the agreement, Amgen will pay $300m in cash and up to $1.25bn in additional payments if certain development and...

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