Rationale
The discovery of the proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin 9 (PCSK9) in 2003, and its subsequent rapid emergence as a therapeutic target, is today transforming the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Just as the introduction of ‘statins’ in the 1980’s has significantly reduced mortality and other cardiovascular complications, the introduction of therapeutic antibodies that target PCSK9 has the potential to bring another paradigm shift to the treatment of a disease that still remains one of the leading global causes of death, mortality and disability.
The introduction of therapeutic antibodies that target PCSK9 has the potential to bring another paradigm shift to the treatment of a disease.
Current new antibody drugs targeting PCSK9 provide an exceptional level of clinical validation for this new target—having demonstrated reductions in LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol in the range of 60% across numerous randomized clinical trials. In addition to antibodies, numerous other modalities, primarily biologic molecules—including siRNA, adnectins and other peptides—targeting PSCK9 are in clinical development. Liphorus aims to alleviate the need for injections and provide treatment by oral administration, greatly improving convenience and compliance and, thereby, the addressable market for this class of drugs.
