While Silence Therapeutics’ zerlasiran and Lilly’s muvalaplin produced high response rates in patients with elevated lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), in Phase II trials, both candidates are coming in behind more advanced drugs that Amgen and Novartis are developing. However, Lilly may have the most potential thanks to its ability to lower Lp(a) at rates comparable to short interfering RNA (siRNA) drugs and its oral availability.
Could Lilly’s Muvalaplin Be An Lp(a) Dark Horse?
The drug maker’s muvalaplin is only in Phase II – behind candidates from Amgen and Novartis – but an analyst said it has “mega-blockbuster” potential, assuming it has the right biological activity.

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Pipeline Watch is a weekly snapshot of selected late-stage clinical trial events and approvals announced by pharmaceutical and biotech companies at medical and industry conferences, in financial and company presentations, and in company releases and statements.