Biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca plc (STO:AZN) (LON:AZN) (Nasdaq:AZN) announced on Monday that it has entered into a licence agreement with CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Ltd (HKG:1093) to develop a novel small molecule Lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)) disruptor, YS2302018.

This asset strengthens AstraZeneca's cardiovascular portfolio and could potentially offer additional benefits for patients with dyslipidaemia.

Under the terms of the agreement AstraZeneca will receive access to CSPC's pre-clinical candidate small molecule, YS2302018, an oral Lp(a) disruptor, with the aim of developing it as a novel lipid-lowering therapy with potential in a range of cardiovascular disease indications alone or in combination, including with the oral small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor, AZD0780.

AstraZeneca will pay CSPC USD100m upfront and could pay up to USD1.92bn in further development and commercialisation milestones plus tiered royalties.