Piecing together PCSK9

Last week's Phase II data for anti-PCSK9 mAbs from Amgen Inc. and Pfizer Inc. revealed no surprises and kept intact the hypothesis that hitting the target is a new modality for lowering cholesterol with or without statin background therapy. The data do allow for a rough comparison between Amgen's molecule and the most advanced member of the class - twice monthly REGN727 from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Sanofi - and show no clear winner.

While Pfizer is keeping mum on how it hopes to differentiate its RN316 (PF-04950615) from the pack, Amgen thinks it could come down to dosing. Indeed, the biotech bellwether hopes to counter REGN727's six to nine month head start in the clinic by offering a monthly dosing option for AMG 145...