RxTrials Institute Drug Pipeline Alert

AstraZeneca and Abbott confirmed they will advance the development of Abbott’s ABT-335 and AstraZeneca’s Crestor in a fixed-dose combination into Phase III clinical trials to target all three major blood lipids – LDL-C cholesterol, HDL-C cholesterol and triglycerides. 

Abbott’s ABT-335 (fenofibrate)  is currently in late-stage clinical trials. Based on the progress made in the ABT-335 and Crestor (rosuvastatin calcium) fixed-dose combinations development program, the companies said they have decided to move forward with this fixed-dose combination therapy.

ABT-335 is an investigational compound that is part of a class of medications called fibrates. Fibrates have been shown to raise HDL-C, reduce triglycerides and moderately lower LDL-C. Crestor is part of a class of medication called statins, which has been shown to significantly reduce LDL-C while raising HDL-C.

Following successful completion of the clinical program, a U.S. regulatory application for the new combination therapy is targeted for submission in 2009.