After review of Phase IIb data, Pfizer hands back CV program to Ionis

Although Pfizer once saw antisense program vupanorsen as a $3 billion-plus market opportunity, the pharma has determined that data from a Phase IIb study aren’t sufficient to warrant continued investment, and is returning its rights to partner Ionis.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) said Monday it will cease further development of vupanorsen (PF-07285557) to reduce cardiovascular risk and treat severe hypertriglyceridemia after reviewing data from the placebo-controlled Phase IIb TRANSLATE-TIMI 70 trial. Although the study met its primary endpoint in November by showing a significantly reduction non-HDL-C, Pfizer cited the magnitude of the treatment’s benefit on both non-HDL-C and triglycerides, plus safety signals, as factors contributing to its decision...