Novartis Targets Large Scale UK Roll Out of Cholesterol Drug

By Carlo Martuscelli

Novartis AG (NOVN.EB) said Monday that it is aiming to ensure widespread access in the U.K. to its investigational cholesterol medicine Inclisiran as soon as it secures regulatory approval.

The Swiss drug maker said it wants to collaborate with the British government to ensure the supply and administration of the cholesterol-reducing drug to all eligible patients in the country's National Health Service.

Inclisiran is currently in Phase 3 clinical study. The pharmaceutical company said it expects to file for marketing approval in the first quarter of this year. The first indication that is being sought is to provide the cholesterol-lowering drug to at-risk patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Novartis gained the asset when it bought Medicines Co. in a $9.7 billion deal in November. The current roll-out plans are based on a memorandum of understanding that the acquired company signed with the U.K. government.

A company spokesperson said that the Swiss drug maker is engaged in talks to finalize the more detailed aspects of the agreement with British authorities.

Plans also include a new clinical trial for patients that are at a high-risk of having their first cardiac event.

Write to at [e-mail]; @carlomartu

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 13, 2020 13:25 ET (18:25 GMT)

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