Amgen Provides Updates on Efforts to Advance Bold Ambition of Halving the Number of Heart Attacks and Strokes by 2030
Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) today announced new data reinforcing the safety and efficacy of Repatha ® (evolocumab) from the FOURIER Open Label Extension (OLE) [FOURIER-OLE] trial at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2023 in Philadelphia . These presentations will focus on the reduction of a known cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, LDL "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C). Amgen will also present new research from the Phase 2 OCEAN(a)-DOSE study of its investigational small interfering RNA (siRNA) olpasiran that will focus on a primarily genetically determined and presumed independent CVD risk factor, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. 1,2,3,4,5
Repatha Data Reinforces Benefits of Low LDL-C
Data from the EBBINGHAUS sub-study of the FOURIER-OLE is the first to evaluate the impact of long-term lowering of LDL-C on cognitive function following administration of Repatha in adult patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The data showed patients treated with Repatha did not experience any apparent cognitive decline following a median achieved LDL-C of 34 mg/dL through a median follow-up period of 5.1 years.
"Cardiovascular disease is a leading public health crisis in the United States . Amgen remains steadfast in our commitment to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, starting with lowering levels of LDL-C, one of the most modifiable risk factors," said Paul Burton , senior vice president and chief medical officer at Amgen. "Repatha continues to be an effective option in helping people with cardiovascular disease manage their LDL-C, and this FOURIER-OLE data further demonstrates that long-term lowering of LDL-C levels come with no decline in cognitive function."
An additional analysis combining FOURIER and FOURIER-OLE data for 152 OLE participants originally randomized to receive Repatha showed that long-term treatment with this medication had no significant impact on measures of executive function, working and episodic memory, and psychomotor speed over time as compared to baseline. No new safety signals were identified in the analyses.
"The neurocognitive data highlighting long-term use of evolocumab is highly encouraging for the cardiovascular community," said Robert Giugliano , M.D., S.M., Senior Investigator, TIMI Study Group, Staff Physician, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School , and FOURIER-OLE investigator. "In addition to reiterating the neurocognitive safety of evolocumab, this study provides reassuring information for patients and clinicians that sustained very low levels of LDL-C over the long-term does not increase cognitive impairment."
Olpasiran Research on Risks Associated with Elevated Lp(a)
Amgen also shared new research from the OCEAN(a)-DOSE study on Lp(a) involving its investigational olpasiran. Evidence suggests that elevated Lp(a) contributes to cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke and peripheral arterial disease. 3,4 Data will be presented on the intraindividual variability in serial Lp(a) concentration among placebo-treated patients in the OCEAN(a)-DOSE trial. Additional research presented at AHA will include Mass General Brigham Lp(a) registry data on whether the association between Lp(a) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) differs based on baseline ASCVD status. This research investigates the threshold for defining Lp(a) in patients both with and without ASCVD.
LDL-C Action Summit & LDL Awareness to Action Implementation Consortium
Amgen will reconvene the LDL-C Action Summit and the newly formed LDL Awareness to Action Implementation Consortium ahead of AHA. The LDL-C Action Summit brings together key CVD community stakeholders to discuss strategies and opportunities for collaboratively improving lipid management, while the Consortium convenes leading cardiovascular healthcare systems and research institutions to focus on improving LDL-C testing and accelerating the implementation of evidence-based approaches into clinical practice. Both initiatives are part of Amgen's commitment to advancing its bold ambition of halving the number of heart attacks and strokes by 2030.
For more information on the Amgen abstracts, see below.
Abstracts and Presentation Times:
Amgen Sponsored Abstracts
Repatha ® (evolocumab)
- Long-Term Efficacy of Evolocumab in Patients With and Without Multivessel Coronary Artery Disease (FOURIER OLE)
Abstract #Sa3071, Poster Session, Zone 3, Science and Technology Hall, Level 2, Saturday, Nov. 11 from 3-4:15 p.m. EST - Association Between Achieved LDL-C Levels and Long-Term Cardiovascular and Safety Outcomes: An Analysis of FOURIER-OLE
Invited Encore Oral Presentation, Room 121B , Sunday, Nov. 12 from 3:30-3:35 p.m. EST (previously published in Circulation , Feb. 2023 ) - Low Rates of Achievement of LDL-C the United States : Findings from the cvMOBIUS Registry
Abstract #Su3278, Poster Session, Zone 3, Science and Technology Hall, Level 2, Hall A-D, Sunday, Nov. 12 from 3-4:15 p.m. EST - Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Testing Following Myocardial Infarction Hospitalization Among Medicare Beneficiaries in the United States , by State
Abstract #Su3242, Poster Session, Zone 3, Science and Technology Hall, Level 2, Sunday, Nov. 12 from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. EST - Long-Term Neurocognitive Safety of LDL-C Lowering With Evolocumab: Open-Label Extension Data From FOURIER
Abstract #304, Oral Presentation, Room 204C, Monday, Nov. 13 from 10:30-10:40 a.m. EST - Persistence and Adherence to Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/kexin type 9 Monoclonal Antibodies and Ezetimibe in Real-World Settings
Abstract #Mo3065, Poster Session, Zone 3, Science and Technology Hall, Level 2, Monday, Nov. 13 from 10:30-11:45 a.m. EST - 104-Week Safety and Effectiveness of Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol-Lowering Therapy with Evolocumab in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia/ Hypercholesterolemia in Japan : Results of Post-Marketing Surveillance
Abstract #Mo3012, Poster Session, Zone 3, Science and Technology Hall, Level 2, Monday, Nov. 13 from 10:30-11:45 a.m. EST
Olpasiran
- Intraindividual Variability in Serial Lipoprotein(a) Concentration Among Placebo-Treated Patients in the OCEAN(a)-DOSE Trial
Abstract #Sa1005, Poster Session, Zone 1, Science and Technology Hall, Level 2, Saturday, Nov. 11 from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. EST - The Association of Lipoprotein(a) with Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Among Individuals With and Without Baseline Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: The Mass General Brigham Lp(a) Registry
Abstract #MDP278, Moderated Digital Poster 4, Science and Technology Hall, Level 2, Monday, Nov. 13 from 12:10-12:15 p.m. EST
Investigator-Sponsored Studies (ISS)
- Stem Cell Factor Associated with Critical Limb Ischemia in Patients with Peripheral Artery Disease
Abstract #Su3229, Poster Session, Zone 3, Science and Technology Hall, Level 2, Sunday, Nov. 12 from 3:30-4:45 p.m. EST - CAD Polygenic Risk Score and Incident Complex Coronary Revascularization in Adults with Atherosclerosis
Abstract #565, Poster Session, Zone 2, Science and Technology Hall, Level 2, Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 from 9:50-9:55 a.m. EST
Amgen's Cardiovascular Ambition
Cardiovascular disease is a leading public health crisis in the United States , with a heart attack or stroke occurring every 40 seconds. High levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol are a main culprit for cardiovascular events. Amgen is committed to advancing a bold ambition: to halve the number of heart attacks and strokes by 2030. To change the cardiovascular disease treatment landscape, Amgen is working together alongside community stakeholders, healthcare systems and research institutions to drive urgency and action around the importance of LDL-C testing.
For more information about LDL and to learn how to get a free LDL-C test*, visit WhatIsMyLDL.com .
*Terms and conditions apply. Programs subject to change; quantities may be limited.
About Repatha ® (evolocumab)
Repatha is a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Repatha binds to PCSK9 and inhibits circulating PCSK9 from binding to the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor (LDLR), preventing PCSK9-mediated LDLR degradation and permitting LDLR to recycle back to the liver cell surface. By inhibiting the binding of PCSK9 to LDLR, Repatha increases the number of LDLRs available to clear LDL from the blood, thereby lowering LDL-C levels. Repatha has been studied for 12 years in 50 clinical trials with over 51,000 patients.
Repatha is approved in more than 75 countries, including the U.S., Japan , Canada and in all 28 countries that are members of the European Union. Applications in other countries are pending.
About Olpasiran
Olpasiran (formerly known as AMG 890) is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) that targets lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a). We look forward to studying this treatment further in the Phase 3 clinical trial OCEAN(a)-Outcomes, which is currently recruiting.
Repatha ® (evolocumab) Important U.S. Product Information
INDICATIONS
Repatha ® is indicated:
- In adults with established cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization
- 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 heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), to reduce LDL–C
- As an adjunct to diet and other LDL-C-lowering therapies in pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with HeFH, to reduce LDL-C
- As an adjunct to other LDL–C-lowering therapies in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), to reduce LDL–C
The safety and effectiveness of Repatha ® have not been established in pediatric patients with HeFH or HoFH who are younger than 10 years old or in pediatric patients with other types of hyperlipidemia.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
- Contraindication: Repatha ® is contraindicated in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to evolocumab or any of the excipients in Repatha ® . Serious hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema have occurred in patients treated with Repatha ® .
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, have been reported in patients treated with Repatha ® . If signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue treatment with Repatha ® , treat according to the standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve.
- Adverse Reactions in Adults with Primary Hyperlipidemia: The most common adverse reactions (>5% of patients treated with Repatha ® and more frequently than placebo) were: nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, back pain, and injection site reactions.
From a pool of the 52-week trial and seven 12-week trials: Local injection site reactions occurred in 3.2% and 3.0% of Repatha ® -treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively. The most common injection site reactions were erythema, pain, and bruising. Hypersensitivity reactions occurred in 5.1% and 4.7% of Repatha ® -treated and placebo-treated patients, respectively. The most common hypersensitivity reactions were rash (1.0% versus 0.5% for Repatha ® and placebo, respectively), eczema (0.4% versus 0.2%), erythema (0.4% versus 0.2%), and urticaria (0.4% versus 0.1%).
- Adverse Reactions in the Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial: The most common adverse reactions (>5% of patients treated with Repatha ® and more frequently than placebo) were: diabetes mellitus (8.8% Repatha ® , 8.2% placebo), nasopharyngitis (7.8% Repatha ® , 7.4% placebo), and upper respiratory tract infection (5.1% Repatha ® , 4.8% placebo).
Among the 16,676 patients without diabetes mellitus at baseline, the incidence of new-onset diabetes mellitus during the trial was 8.1% in patients treated with Repatha ® compared with 7.7% in patients that received placebo.
- Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients with HeFH: The most common adverse reactions (>5% of patients treated with Repatha ® and more frequently than placebo) were: nasopharyngitis, headache, oropharyngeal pain, influenza, and upper respiratory tract infection.
- Adverse Reactions in Adults and Pediatric Patients with HoFH: In a 12-week study in 49 patients, the adverse reactions that occurred in at least two patients treated with Repatha ® and more frequently than placebo were: upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, gastroenteritis, and nasopharyngitis. In an open-label extension study in 106 patients, including 14 pediatric patients, no new adverse reactions were observed.
- Immunogenicity: Repatha ® is a human monoclonal antibody. As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity with Repatha ® .
Please contact Amgen Medinfo at 800-77-AMGEN (800-772-6436) or 844-REPATHA (844-737-2842) regarding Repatha ® availability or find more information, including full Prescribing Information , at www.amgen.com and www.Repatha.com.
About Amgen
Amgen is committed to unlocking the potential of biology for patients suffering from serious illnesses by discovering, developing, manufacturing and delivering innovative human therapeutics. This approach begins by using tools like advanced human genetics to unravel the complexities of disease and understand the fundamentals of human biology.
Amgen focuses on areas of high unmet medical need and leverages its expertise to strive for solutions that improve health outcomes and dramatically improve people's lives. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen has grown to be one of the world's leading independent biotechnology companies, has reached millions of patients around the world and is developing a pipeline of medicines with breakaway potential.
Amgen is one of the 30 companies that comprise the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also part of the Nasdaq-100 index. In 2023, Amgen was named one of "America's Greatest Workplaces" by Newsweek, one of "America's Climate Leaders" by USA Today and one of the "World's Best Companies" by TIME.
For more information, visit Amgen.com and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn , Instagram , TikTok , YouTube and Threads .
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References:
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- Reyes-Soffer G, et al. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2022;42(1):e48-e60.
- Kronenberg F, et al. Eur Heart J . 2022;43(39):3925-3946.
- Tsimikas S, Stroes ESG. Atherosclerosis. 2020;300:1-9.
- Tsimikas S, et al. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2018;71(2):177-192.
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