CSL Seqirus has signed an agreement Esperion Therapeutics for the exclusive license and distribution agreement to commercialise NEXLETOL (bempedoic acid) and NEXLIZET (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) in Australia and New Zealand.
Bempedoic acid inhibits adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase, a factor in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) synthesis in the liver. It works on a different pathway than current cholesterol-lowering therapies.
Under the agreement, Esperion will be responsible for product supply, and CSL Seqirus will be responsible for commercialisation, including regulatory approval, reimbursement, and marketing.
High cholesterol is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease. According to the latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in three Australian adults had raised LDL cholesterol levels.
Danielle Dowell, CSL Seqirus executive director of commercial operations for the Asia Pacific, said the agreement is an important step in helping address unmet need for Australians with high cholesterol.
"We’re committed to helping reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in Australia and New Zealand, and we are delighted to be working with Esperion to help make new treatment options available," said Ms Dowell.
“These products are an important addition to CSL Seqirus' portfolio of in-licensed medicines in Australia, alongside our work in respiratory diseases, pandemic preparedness and antivenoms.”
“We are excited to partner with CSL Seqirus to provide physicians and patients with additional options to treat high LDL-C cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in Australia and New Zealand,” said Sheldon Koenig, the president and CEO of Esperion. “This partnership expands the reach of our potentially lifesaving medications to another large market, further enhancing our global reach.”
Dr Jonathan Anderson, CSL Seqirus executive medical director for international, said that reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease is a key health priority.
"Elevated LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for the occurrence of significant cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke. There remains a high unmet need in cholesterol management and an ongoing need for additional treatment options as many high-risk patients are not meeting their cholesterol targets,” said Dr Anderson.