POC for PCSK9

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. and partner Sanofi have become the first companies to report Phase II proof-of-concept data that validate blocking PCSK9 as a strategy for lowering LDL-C in patients not controlled on standard statin therapy. The companies hope to cement their first-mover status by moving into Phase III by mid-2012.

Despite the success of statins, the need for new ways to lower LDL-C has never been greater, according to Regeneron EVP and CSO George Yancopoulos. "Statins lower cholesterol by 40-50% when taken by intensive dosing regimens, but there are still millions of people not reaching their cholesterol goal who are thus left at high cardiovascular risk," he said...