PCSK9

2024 Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine Recognizes Pioneering Work in Immunology CLEVELAND, March 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The eleventh annual Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine has been awarded to Arlene H. Sharpe, MD, PhD, Kolokotrones University Professor and Chair of the Department of Immunology at Harvard Medical School. The award recognizes her breakthrough discoveries in immune regulation, which have established foundational principles in immunology and led to new cancer therapies that act by boosting the immune response to cancer. The Harrington Prize for Innovation in Medicine, established in 2014 by the Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals and the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI), honors physician-scientists who have moved science forward with achievements notable for innovation, creativity and potential for clinical application. Dr. Sharpe's research in immunology has led to significant advances in medical treatments. Her work helped identify key pathways that restrain the activity of T lymphocytes (immune cells) to fight cancer. Her work defined the PD-1 pathway and its immunoinhibitory functions as well as the inhibitory functions of CTLA-4 to restrain the activity of the immune system. Dr. Sharpe's research thus laid the foundation for the development of 'immune checkpoint inhibitors', drugs that target PD-1 and related pathways. These therapies, including pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have been approved by the FDA for treating numerous types of cancer. They work by preventing inhibition of T cell function, thereby unleashing the body's immune system to fight cancer cells more effectively. This approach has become a cornerstone in cancer treatment strategies. "Dr. Sharpe's body of work has shaped our understanding of the role of the T cell in regulating the immune response. Her innovative scientific discoveries are among the best examples of bench-to-bedside work in the past three decades," said Benjamin D. Humphreys, MD, PhD, Joseph Friedman Professor of Renal Diseases in Medicine and Chief, Division of Nephrology, Washington University in St. Louis and 2023-2024 President of the ASCI. "Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that allow for dramatic remission, and even cures, of cancers that had previously been considered untreatable. Dr. Sharpe's foundational insights have thus been harnessed to transform cancer therapy. Her work provides a beautiful example of physician impact through creative science," said Jonathan S. Stamler, MD, President, Harrington Discovery Institute, Robert S. and Sylvia K. Reitman Family Foundation Distinguished Professor of Cardiovascular Innovation and Professor of Medicine and of Biochemistry at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University. A committee composed of members of the ASCI Council and the Harrington Discovery Institute Scientific Advisory Board reviewed nominations from leading academic medical centers globally before selecting the 2024 Harrington Prize recipient. In addition to sharing the Prize's $20,000 honorarium, Dr. Sharpe will deliver the Harrington Prize Lecture at the 2024 AAP/ASCI/APSA Joint Meeting on April 5, will be a featured speaker at the 2024 Harrington Scientific Symposium May 22-23, and will publish an essay in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The Harrington Prize has recognized outstanding and diverse innovations in medicine: 2014: Harry Dietz, MD, Johns Hopkins University, for his contributions to the understanding of the biology and treatment of Marfan syndrome, a disorder leading to deadly aneurysms in children and adults. 2015: Douglas R. Lowy, MD, The National Cancer Institute, in recognition of his discoveries that led to the development of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. 2016: Jeffrey M. Friedman, MD, PhD, The Rockefeller University, for his discovery of leptin, which controls feeding behavior and is used to treat related clinical disorders. 2017: Jointly awarded to Daniel J. Drucker, MD, Mount Sinai Hospital, Canada, Joel F. Habener, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Jens J. Holst, MD, DMSc, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, for their discovery of incretin hormones and for the translation of these findings into transformative therapies for major metabolic diseases such as diabetes. 2018: Helen H. Hobbs, MD, UT Southwestern Medical Center, for the discovery of the link between a gene mutation (PCSK9) and lower levels of LDL, which has improved the treatment of high cholesterol. 2019: Carl H. June, MD, University of Pennsylvania, for advancing the clinical application of CAR T therapy for cancer treatment, and for his sustained contributions to the field of cellular immunology. 2020: Stuart H. Orkin, MD, Harvard University, for breakthrough discoveries on red blood cells that offer new treatments for patients with sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia, which are among the most common genetic disorders. 2021: Warren J. Leonard, MD, and John J. O'Shea, MD, NIH, for their respective contributions to the field of immunology, from fundamental discovery to therapeutic impact. 2022: James E. Crowe Jr., MD, and Michel C. Nussenzweig, MD, PhD, for their groundbreaking work, which has elucidated fundamental principles of the human immune response and enabled the use of human antibodies to treat COVID-19. 2023: Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, and Albert M. Maguire, MD, for their groundbreaking translational research to restore sight in inherited genetic diseases. SOURCE Harrington Discovery Institute

- Application based on integrated global data dossier completed for Lerodalcibep by LIB - Hasten to begin bridging studies to support planned BLA submission in China CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- LIB Therapeutics, Inc. (LIB), a privately-held, late-stage biopharmaceutical company advancing Lerodalcibep, a potential best in class PCSK9 inhibitor for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD), today announced that its regional partner in China, Hasten Biopharmaceuticals Co, Ltd. (Hasten), has received notification of acceptance for the clinical trial application for Lerodalcibep by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) of the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in China. In September 2023, LIB announced that it had entered into an agreement granting Hasten the rights to develop and commercialize Lerodalcibep in Greater China (Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) and will be responsible for clinical development and regulatory approval in these territories. The acceptance of the Lerodalcibep clinical trial application by the NMPA was based on the integrated data dossier provided by LIB, including CMC, non-clinical and clinical studies completed in the U.S., Europe, and rest of world as well as the clinical development plan in China proposed by Hasten. “We are excited for Hasten to begin the bridging studies necessary to seek approval and to bring Lerodalcibep to a large and growing population in China with CVD who need substantial additional LDL-C reductions, despite being on statin therapy,” said David Cory, Chief Executive Officer of LIB. “We are preparing our own Lerodalcibep BLA submission to the FDA, to be followed by MAA submission to EMA. Lerodalcibep has a potential best in class LDL-C lowering pro will be differentiated as a more patient-friendly, once-monthly, small-volume, single subcutaneous injection that will not require refrigeration at home or in travel.” About Lerodalcibep Lerodalcibep is a potential best in class, novel, small binding protein, third-generation PCSK9 inhibitor, and has been developed as a more convenient, once-monthly dose in a small injection volume and with long-ambient stability. Combined with sustained LDL-C reductions demonstrated in clinical trials, Lerodalcibep is expected to expand treatment options for the millions of patients around the world with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and those at very high and high risk for ASCVD, including the 30 million individuals with more severe inherited high-cholesterol called familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The global Phase 3 LIBerate program with over 2,700 patients enrolled a diverse population of patients with CVD, without CVD at very high and high risk for CVD, including heterozygous and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Key registration placebo-controlled trials included Lerodalcibep once-monthly for up to 52 weeks, and over 2,400 patients continued in the 72-week open-label extension trial. LIB is preparing a biologics license application (BLA) for submission to the Food and Drug Administration followed by a marketing authorization application (MAA) for submission to the European Medicines Agency. About Hasten Biopharmaceutical Company, Ltd. Hasten Biopharmaceutical Co., Ltd., which integrates R&D, production and commercial promotion and covers the whole industrial chain, was established in 2020. Hasten is committed to becoming a leader in the healthcare industry. Through joining hands with the stakeholders such as relevant government institutions, medical and health professionals and industry partners, Hasten provides high-quality medicines and solutions to benefit patients and create social value. About LIB Therapeutics, Inc. LIB Therapeutics is a privately-held, late-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to bringing novel, safe and convenient subcutaneous and oral PCSK9 inhibitors to the millions of patients with cardiovascular disease and the 30 million individuals with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), who require additional large reductions in low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) despite maximally tolerated statins and other lipid lowering agents. For more information, please visit: .

Approval extends treatment of Praluent to children aged 8 and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) TARRYTOWN, N.Y., March 11, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) announced the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the approval of Praluent® (alirocumab) as an adjunct to diet and other low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapies to include pediatric patients aged 8 and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). “Many children with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) are able to substantially improve their LDL-C (bad cholesterol) with currently available therapies. But for those children whose LDL-C remains dangerously high, this approval is an important milestone as it gives these children and their families an additional option to help reduce and manage their LDL-C levels much earlier in their lives,” said Mary P. McGowan, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of the Family Heart Foundation. Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited condition caused by mutations in one of several genes that control how the body processes cholesterol, which can lead to very high levels of LDL-C (bad cholesterol). FH can come in two forms: HeFH, which develops when one mutated gene is inherited from one parent; and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), which develops when a mutated gene is inherited from both parents. Praluent is approved to treat both children and adults with HeFH and adults with HoFH. The approval is based on a Phase 3, randomized multicenter trial evaluating pediatric patients aged 8 to 17 with HeFH, who had LDL-C levels of 130mg/dL or greater and were already being treated with lipid-lowering medications. Patients were randomized to receive Praluent (N=101) or placebo (N=52) every two or four weeks in two consecutive cohorts. Patients who received Praluent every four weeks had 31% lower LDL-C than placebo at 24 weeks (97.5% Confidence Interval: -45.0% to -17.9%; p<0.0001). Improvements in additional key lipid parameters were also observed. Results from the trial were recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics. No new adverse reactions were identified in this trial, and the safety pro consistent with the safety pro in adults with HeFH. Across Praluent trials in patients with primary hyperlipidemia (N=2,476), the most common adverse reactions (≥5%) more frequently observed with Praluent than placebo have been injection site reactions (7%), and influenza (6%) and diarrhea (5%). “The approval of Praluent for the treatment of high cholesterol was a historic landmark achievement, as it was the first approved therapy targeting the genetically-validated PCSK9 target for heart disease,” said George D. Yancopoulos, M.D., Ph.D., Board co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer at Regeneron, and a principal inventor of Praluent. “Praluent has made a meaningful impact in the treatment of adults with familial hypercholesterolemia, and we are proud that our innovation will now be able to help appropriate children with the heterozygous form of this disease manage their dangerously high levels of LDL-C.” About the Praluent HeFH Pediatric Trial The randomized multicenter Phase 3 trial consisted of a 24-week double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluating the efficacy and safety of Praluent in pediatric patients aged 8 to 17 years with HeFH (N=79). The primary endpoint was the percent change in LDL-C from baseline to week 24 in the Praluent and placebo treated patients. At baseline, patients were on a low-fat diet and being treated with background lipid-lowering therapy. In the trial, patients were randomized 2:1 to receive Praluent or placebo every 2 or 4 weeks. The Praluent dose was based on body weight. About Praluent Praluent inhibits the binding of PCSK9 to the LDL receptor and thereby increases the number of available LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells to clear LDL, which lowers LDL-C levels in the blood. Praluent was developed by Regeneron and Sanofi under a global collaboration agreement and invented by Regeneron using the company's proprietary VelocImmune® technology that yields optimized fully-human monoclonal antibodies. In the U.S., Praluent is currently indicated: to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adults with established cardiovascular disease as an adjunct to diet, alone or in combination with other low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapies in adults with primary hyperlipidemia including HeFH to reduce LDL-C as an adjunct to other LDL-C-lowering therapies in adults with HoFH to reduce LDL-C along with diet and other LDL-C lowering treatments in children aged 8 years and older with HeFH to reduce LDL-C In addition to the U.S., Praluent is approved in 60 countries, including the European Union, Japan, Canada, Switzerland and Brazil. About Regeneron’s VelocImmune Technology Regeneron’s VelocImmune technology utilizes a proprietary genetically engineered mouse platform endowed with a genetically humanized immune system to produce optimized fully human antibodies. When Regeneron's President and Chief Scientific Officer George D. Yancopoulos was a graduate student with his mentor Frederick W. Alt in 1985, they were the first to envision making such a genetically humanized mouse, and Regeneron has spent decades inventing and developing VelocImmune and related VelociSuite® technologies. Dr. Yancopoulos and his team have used VelocImmune technology to create a substantial proportion of all original, FDA-approved fully human monoclonal antibodies currently available. This includes Evkeeza® (evinacumab-dgnb), REGEN-COV® (casirivimab and imdevimab), Dupixent® (dupilumab), Libtayo® (cemiplimab-rwlc), Praluent, Kevzara® (sarilumab), Inmazeb® (atoltivimab, maftivimab and odesivimab-ebgn) and Veopoz® (pozelimab-bbfg). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATIONS INDICATIONS PRALUENT is an injectable prescription medicine used: in adults with cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of chest pain conditions (unstable angina) requiring hospitalization. along with diet, alone or together with other cholesterol-lowering medicines in adults with high blood cholesterol levels called primary hyperlipidemia (including a type of high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [HeFH]), to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or bad cholesterol. along with other LDL-lowering treatments in adults with a type of high cholesterol called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, who need additional lowering of LDL-C. along with diet and other LDL-C lowering treatments in children aged 8 years and older with HeFH to reduce LDL-C. It is not known if PRALUENT is safe and effective in children who are younger than 8 years of age or in children with other types of high cholesterol (hyperlipemias). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use PRALUENT if you are allergic to alirocumab or to any of the ingredients in PRALUENT. Before you start using PRALUENT, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including allergies, and if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements. PRALUENT can cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions that can be severe and require treatment in a hospital. Stop using PRALUENT and call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction including a severe rash, redness, hives, severe itching, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue. The common side effects of PRALUENT include: redness, itching, swelling, or pain/tenderness at the injection site, flu or flu-like symptoms, diarrhea, muscle pain, muscle spasms and bruising. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Talk to your doctor about the right way to prepare and give yourself a PRALUENT injection and follow the “Instructions For Use” that comes with PRALUENT. In children aged 12 to 17 years, it is recommended that PRALUENT be given by or under the supervision of an adult. In children aged 8 to 11 years, PRALUENT should be given by a caregiver. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please click here for full Prescribing Information. About Regeneron Regeneron (NASDAQ: REGN) is a leading biotechnology company that invents, develops and commercializes life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Founded and led for over 35 years by physician-scientists, our unique ability to repeatedly and consistently translate science into medicine has led to numerous FDA-approved treatments and product candidates in development, almost all of which were homegrown in our laboratories. Our medicines and pipeline are designed to help patients with eye diseases, allergic and inflammatory diseases, cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, hematologic conditions, infectious diseases and rare diseases. Regeneron is accelerating and improving the traditional drug development process through our proprietary VelociSuite® technologies, such as VelocImmune, which uses unique genetically humanized mice to produce optimized fully human antibodies and bispecific antibodies, and through ambitious research initiatives such as the Regeneron Genetics Center, which is conducting one of the largest genetics sequencing efforts in the world. For more information, please visit or follow Regeneron on LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements and Use of Digital Media This press release includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties relating to future events and the future performance of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Regeneron” or the “Company”), and actual events or results may differ materially from these forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” variations of such words, and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements concern, and these risks and uncertainties include, among others, the nature, timing, and possible success and therapeutic applications of products marketed or otherwise commercialized by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, “Regeneron’s Products”) and product candidates being developed by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees (collectively, “Regeneron’s Product Candidates”) and research and clinical programs now underway or planned, including without limitation Praluent® (alirocumab) for the treatment of pediatric patients aged 8 to 17 with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia; uncertainty of the utilization, market acceptance, and commercial success of Regeneron’s Products and Regeneron’s Product Candidates and the impact of studies (whether conducted by Regeneron or others and whether mandated or voluntary), including the studies discussed or referenced in this press release, on any of the foregoing; the likelihood, timing, and scope of possible regulatory approval and commercial launch of Regeneron’s Product Candidates and new indications for Regeneron’s Products; the ability of Regeneron’s collaborators, licensees, suppliers, or other third parties (as applicable) to perform manufacturing, filling, finishing, packaging, labeling, distribution, and other steps related to Regeneron’s Products and Regeneron’s Product Candidates; the ability of Regeneron to manage supply chains for multiple products and product candidates; safety issues resulting from the administration of Regeneron’s Products (such as Praluent) and Regeneron’s Product Candidates in patients, including serious complications or side effects in connection with the use of Regeneron’s Products and Regeneron’s Product Candidates in clinical trials; determinations by regulatory and administrative governmental authorities which may delay or restrict Regeneron’s ability to continue to develop or commercialize Regeneron’s Products and Regeneron’s Product Candidates; ongoing regulatory obligations and oversight impacting Regeneron’s Products, research and clinical programs, and business, including those relating to patient privacy; the availability and extent of reimbursement of Regeneron’s Products from third-party payers, including private payer healthcare and insurance programs, health maintenance organizations, pharmacy benefit management companies, and government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid; coverage and reimbursement determinations by such payers and new policies and procedures adopted by such payers; competing drugs and product candidates that may be superior to, or more cost effective than, Regeneron’s Products and Regeneron’s Product Candidates; the extent to which the results from the research and development programs conducted by Regeneron and/or its collaborators or licensees may be replicated in other studies and/or lead to advancement of product candidates to clinical trials, therapeutic applications, or regulatory approval; unanticipated expenses; the costs of developing, producing, and selling products; the ability of Regeneron to meet any of its financial projections or guidance and changes to the assumptions underlying those projections or guidance; the potential for any license, collaboration, or supply agreement, including Regeneron’s agreements with Sanofi and Bayer (or their respective affiliated companies, as applicable) to be cancelled or terminated; the impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics, or pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic) on Regeneron's business; and risks associated with intellectual property of other parties and pending or future litigation relating thereto (including without limitation the patent litigation and other related proceedings relating to EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection), other litigation and other proceedings and government investigations relating to the Company and/or its operations, the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings and investigations, and the impact any of the foregoing may have on Regeneron’s business, prospects, operating results, and financial condition. A more complete description of these and other material risks can be found in Regeneron’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statements are made based on management’s current beliefs and judgment, and the reader is cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements made by Regeneron. Regeneron does not undertake any obligation to update (publicly or otherwise) any forward-looking statement, including without limitation any financial projection or guidance, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Regeneron uses its media and investor relations website and social media outlets to publish important information about the Company, including information that may be deemed material to investors. Financial and other information about Regeneron is routinely posted and is accessible on Regeneron's media and investor relations website ( ) and its LinkedIn page ( ). Contacts: Media Relations Mary Heather Tel: +1 914-847-8650 mary.heather@regeneron.com Investor Relations Mark Hudson Tel: +1 914-847-3482 mark.hudson@regeneron.com