# Novartis Lp(a) Drug Fails to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Phase 3 Trial

Novartis, in partnership with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, reported that its investigational drug designed to lower levels of lipoprotein(a), a known cardiovascular risk factor, did not reduce patients’ risk of heart attack, stroke, or other major cardiovascular events. The result came from the first late-stage clinical trial for a therapy targeting this molecule.

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of lipid that has been linked to an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Despite being identified decades ago, no approved drug has yet demonstrated that lowering Lp(a) translates into fewer clinical events. The Novartis trial was closely watched by the biotech industry as a potential proof-of-concept for this therapeutic approach.

The failure is significant for the life sciences because Lp(a) is considered a largely untreatable risk factor, and multiple companies are developing drugs to lower it. If the Novartis-Ionis candidate could not show a cardiovascular benefit, it raises questions about the underlying hypothesis that reducing Lp(a) alone is sufficient to prevent heart attacks and strokes. The result may also affect the development timelines and investment decisions for other Lp(a) programs in the pipeline.

Novartis and Ionis have not yet released detailed trial data. Further analysis may help researchers understand whether the drug’s mechanism, dosing, or trial design contributed to the outcome.

Source: [original report](https://www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/novartis-lpa-drug-fails-lower-cardiovascular-risk-closely-watched-ph-3-trial)