Genzyme says drug lowers cholesterol
Genzyme Corp. has told a society of cardiologists that tests of its potential cholesterol drug, mipomersen, have yielded encouraging results. Cambridge-based Genzyme is collaborating on mipomersen with Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Carlsbad, Calif.
The companies said data from a Phase 3 study were presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s Congress 2010 in Sweden.
“The study met its primary endpoint with a 28 percent reduction in LDL-cholesterol, compared with an increase of 5 percent for placebo,’’ the companies said.
“Having these data presented is a great milestone,’’ said Paula Soteropoulos, vice president of Genzyme’s cardiovascular business. “The data underscore our belief that mipomersen has the potential to help those familial hypercholesterolemia patients who are ‘left behind’ by current therapies.’’
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic disorder that results in elevated LDL cholesterol levels, the company said.
