Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a severe condition that affects millions of people worldwide. There is scientific evidence that one of the main drivers of atherosclerosis development is the accumulation of fatty deposits within the wall of arteries. This leads to chronic inflammation and the formation of a hard plaque, which can restrict blood flow. The most severe complications arise if the plaque in the artery wall ruptures, causing a blood clot to form. If this dislodges from the vessel wall, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke, potentially resulting in death or severe disablement.

BioInvent is developing BI-204 for the treatment of atherosclerosis. As a first in class drug, BI-204 is specifically aimed at secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Every year in the major Western pharmaceutical markets there are around 3 million people diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome, mostly in the form of a myocardial infarction. These people are at increased risk of experiencing a new, major cardiovascular event. Over 30% of them will have at least one further heart attack within three years of their first. This programme was partnered in January 2008 with Genentech, which obtained the commercialisation rights for North America. BioInvent has retained the rights for the rest of the world. BI-204 is presently in phase II clinical trials.

BI-204 will address a new market segment, as it is expected to be used for the secondary prevention of acute myocardial infarction. The cardiovascular market is presently the largest group of drugs worldwide. Drug sales reached US $29 billion in 2006 (Datamonitor 2007).