Bristol-Myers Squibb selects Isis compound for development

Bristol-Myers Squibb has selected a compound from Isis that targets proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin nine (PCSK9) as a development candidate for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, it has been announced.

The development candidate is an antisense inhibitor of PCSK9 that can aid the regulation of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

PCSK9, one of a family of proteases, helps to regulate the amount of LDL-cholesterol in the blood through its interactions with the LDL-receptor.

The new compound is designed to selectively inhibit the production of PCSK9 and both firms believe it could become a complementary treatment to the lipid-lowering therapies currently used to prevent and tackle cardiovascular conditions.

The move marks the selection of the first development candidate as a result of the two companies’ ongoing collaboration to identify antisense drugs capable of targeting PCSK9.

Isis vice-president of antisense drug discovery, said: “This newest development candidate is the third clinical candidate to arise from our cardiovascular drug discovery program within the past four years, and we look forward to working with Bristol-Myers Squibb to advance this drug through development.”

Bristol-Myers Squibb, which is based in New York, currently has global sales of $19.3 billion (9.80 billion pounds).