AstraZeneca to discontinue trial for heart disease drug Epanova

pharmafile | January 13, 2020 | News story | Sales and Marketing AstraZeneca, Phase II Trial, Phase III trial, heart disease, triglycerides 

AstraZeneca expects a $100 million writedown for its heart disease drug Epanova, as it discontinues its late stage trial.

This trial was examining Epanova’s benefit to patients when mixed with dyslipidaemia. The Phase 3 STRENGTH trial was recommended to close by the Data Monitoring Committee.

STRENGTH is a large, global CV outcomes trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Epanova compared to placebo.

Mene Pangalos, Executive Vice President at BioPharmaceuticals R&D, said: “It was important to assess the potential benefit of Epanova in mixed dyslipidaemia. We are disappointed by these results, but we remain committed to addressing the needs of patients in the cardiovascular space where we have an extensive pipeline.”

Steven E. Nissen, Study Chair for the STRENGTH trial, said: “The academic leadership of the STRENGTH trial is obviously disappointed in this result, but we are very proud to have had the opportunity to answer this important scientific question.”

Elevated triglycerides affect a growing number of people and is often worsened by other factors such as diabetes or obesity. Lifestyle changes and potentially treating the underlying cause is likely to improve the condition and reduce cardiovascular risk.

Conor Kavanagh

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