LONDON - Silence Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ:SLN), a biotechnology firm specializing in RNA interference (RNAi) therapies, has published additional results from its APOLLO phase 1 study of zerlasiran in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Zerlasiran is an siRNA (short interfering RNA) treatment designed to reduce Lp(a) levels, a genetic factor contributing to cardiovascular disease.
The study involved 32 healthy individuals and 36 patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and high baseline Lp(a) levels (≥150 nmol/L). Participants received varying doses of zerlasiran or a placebo. The primary objective was to assess the safety and tolerability of the drug, while secondary objectives included its effects on Lp(a) serum concentrations.
Results indicated that zerlasiran was well-tolerated, with sustained reductions in Lp(a) levels observed. The median change from baseline in serum Lp(a) concentrations 365 days after administration was +14% for the placebo group, compared to -30% and -29% for the 300 mg and 600 mg doses, respectively. In ASCVD patients, the median change from baseline after two doses was even more pronounced, with decreases of up to -99% seen, although these attenuated to between -60% and -89% after 201 days.
These findings are significant as high Lp(a) levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, and current treatment options are limited. Zerlasiran's ability to lower Lp(a) could potentially offer a new therapeutic approach for patients at high risk of ASCVD events.
Silence Therapeutics is currently evaluating zerlasiran in the ALPACAR-360 phase 2 study, focusing on subjects with baseline Lp(a) levels at or over 125 nmol/L at high risk of ASCVD events. The company's research aims to address the unmet medical need in reducing cardiovascular risk in people born with high levels of Lp(a).
The information presented is based on a press release statement from Silence Therapeutics.
InvestingPro Insights
Silence Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ:SLN) has been at the forefront of RNAi therapeutic development, with its latest study results on zerlasiran showing promise for cardiovascular disease treatment. As investors and industry observers look at the potential market reception for zerlasiran, InvestingPro provides key financial metrics and insights to gauge the company's performance and expectations.
Despite the clinical advances, InvestingPro Tips suggest that analysts are skeptical about the company's profitability in the near term, with no expectations for profitability this year. Additionally, the stock has struggled in recent times, with a notable decline over the last month. However, it's worth mentioning that the company has seen a strong return over the last year, which could indicate investor confidence in its long-term prospects.
Looking at the InvestingPro Data, Silence Therapeutics has a market capitalization of approximately $995.15 million USD, reflecting its position within the biotech industry. The company's revenue growth over the last twelve months was substantial at nearly 45%, showcasing its ability to expand its financial base amidst ongoing research and development efforts. However, this growth is contrasted by a quarterly revenue decline of about 56%, highlighting the volatility and challenges inherent in the biotech sector. The Price / Book ratio stands at a high 45.4, which may suggest the stock is trading at a premium compared to its book value, a point of consideration for value-focused investors.
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