CSL trials new heart attack treatment

CSL (ASX:CSL) is conducting early studies into a potential new therapeutic option for reducing recurrent heart attack risk.

The company has presented data from pilot studies of CSL112, a formulation of apolipoprotein A-I, at the American Heart Association 2012 Scientific Sessions in Los Angeles.

Apolipoprotein A-I is the main component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which plays a role in the removal of cholesterol from arteries.

The trial results show that infusions of CSL 112 rapidly elevated measures of cholesterol efflux capacity and raised blood levels of apolipoprotein A-I, two biomarkers associated with reverse cholesterol transport.

Rapidly removing cholesterol from arteries following a heart attack may help stabilise vulnerable plaque legions, lowering the risk of subsequent attacks.

CSL global strategic director for cardiovascular therapeutics Dr Samuel Wright said the treatment candidate could represent a new approach to addressing recurrent heart attack risk.

“Development of products that increase cholesterol efflux from the artery wall represents an emerging area in atherosclerosis discovery,” he said.

“Prior approaches have centred on addressing only HDL cholesterol levels. CSL112 holds promise as a new therapy that may be used in addition to other treatments, such as anti-platelet agents, to provide early event reduction.”

The study involved 36 healthy subjects receiving one of three dosing regimens or a placebo.

Analysis of the safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of the treatment candidate showed no serious adverse events related to the treatment, nor any significant changes in platelet function, vital signs or ECG.

Separate studies suggest that CSL112 can have strong anti-inflammatory properties in human blood ex vivo, and positive effects on other biomarkers for heart attack risk – including PreBeta1-HDL levels and global cholesterol efflux capacity from macrophages.

CSL (ASX:CSL) was up nearly 1% to $47.45 as of 4pm Tuesday.