Breaking news: Inflammation Linked to Increased Heart Risk in ​Women Without Traditional Risk Factors

Madrid, ⁣Spain – ⁣April​ 9, 2025 – A new observational study reveals that‌ even low levels of inflammation can significantly increase the lifetime risk of cardiovascular events in apparently healthy women, even those without typical risk⁢ factors like high cholesterol or high blood pressure. The findings, presented at the ESC meeting in ‍Madrid and published in ⁢the European Heart journal, underscore the need for early identification ⁤and preventative‌ care for women in their 40s.

Researchers defined high sensitivity inflammation as greater than 3 milligrams per ⁤liter of⁢ blood. ‌While the study cannot prove causation, experts emphasize that chronic inflammation promotes plaque growth in arteries, plaque destabilization,⁢ and blood clot formation – all major contributors to heart attacks and strokes.

“Our‍ data ‌clearly ‌shows ⁤that ⁤apparently healthy ⁤women⁢ who suffer from inflammation run a considerable⁣ risk during their ⁤lifetime,”‌ stated Dr. Paul ⁤ridker of Mass General​ Brigham’s Heart and Vascular⁤ Institute. “We⁤ should identify ⁤these women ​in their forties, at a time when they can start preventive⁤ care, and not wait for the disease to settle in the 1970s, when it is indeed frequently enough too late to make a real difference.”

The ⁤research team​ leveraged data from previous randomized trials to demonstrate that statins can reduce the ⁤risk of heart attack and stroke by‌ more than a third in women with inflammation⁤ but lacking conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Dr. Ridker added, “While people with inflammation should set up an ⁢aggressive lifestyle and behavioral prevention efforts, treatment ⁢with statins coudl also play ‌an important role by ​helping to reduce risk in these people.”

In a related development, clinical trial⁢ data presented at the ESC meeting showed promising results for a ⁣new injectable drug, Leqvio (Inclisiran)‍ from Novartis. The drug, administered ​via subcutaneous injection twice a year‌ alongside maximum tolerated oral medications‍ like⁢ statins, significantly reduced LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels in patients who ⁢had not⁢ responded adequately to existing treatments.

The trial, conducted across 133 medical centers in ​Europe with 1,770 patients, found that 84.9%⁤ of patients receiving Leqvio reached recommended LDL ‌levels after 90 days, compared to‌ 31%‌ in the ⁤placebo⁣ group. After one year, LDL levels dropped ⁤an average of 59.5% with Leqvio​ versus 24.3% with placebo. Muscle-related adverse events were also ⁣lower in the ‍Leqvio ⁢group (11.9%) ⁣compared to ‍the placebo group (19.2%).Inclisiran ‍works‌ by blocking the production​ of PCSK9, a protein in ‍the liver ⁣that hinders LDL cholesterol removal from the blood. Professor Ulf Landmesser of deutsches Herzzentrum der Charité ⁣in Berlin, the study manager,⁢ concluded that Inclisiran “represents a practical, ⁢effective and well tolerated therapeutic option for the large number ⁤of patients at risk who currently do not respond adequately to other hypolipidal therapies.”

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Beats Q2 Expectations, Shares Fall on Pain Drug Setback

Boston, MA – July 29, 2024 – Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX.O) announced second-quarter results today that surpassed Wall Street estimates, fueled by robust demand for its cystic fibrosis therapies and recent product introductions. Despite the positive financial performance, the company’s stock experienced a meaningful drop in after-hours trading following the proclamation of the discontinuation of its experimental non-opioid pain reliever program.

Financial Highlights

Vertex reported a 12% increase in revenue, reaching $2.96 billion for the second quarter, exceeding analyst expectations of $2.91 billion. adjusted earnings per share (EPS) also exceeded forecasts, landing at $4.52 compared to the anticipated $4.26.These results demonstrate continued strength in Vertex’s core cystic fibrosis franchise.

Pain Relief Program Discontinued

The decline in stock price, exceeding 11% in after-hours trading, stems from Vertex’s decision to halt the development of its experimental pain reliever. Phase 2 clinical trial data revealed the drug did not demonstrate statistically significant pain relief,prompting the company to reassess its pain management strategy. This program represented a key diversification effort for Vertex beyond its established cystic fibrosis dominance.

Diversification into Gene Therapies and Beyond

Vertex has been actively diversifying its portfolio, investing heavily in gene therapies like CASGEVY, approved for sickle cell anemia and transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia, and exploring non-opioid pain relief options. CASGEVY, co-developed with CRISPR Therapeutics, represents a groundbreaking advancement in gene editing technology. The company is also focused on expanding access to its existing therapies globally.

Analyst Insights and Sales Data

While demand for Vertex’s daily analgesics is growing, analysts at Jefferies note that an accelerated uptake is necessary to meet the company’s annual targets. As of July 25th, Journavx, the daily analgesic, had accumulated 79,763 orders as its launch. The company’s flagship cystic fibrosis treatment, Trikafta, generated $2.55 billion in sales,slightly below analyst expectations of $2.62 billion, according to LSEG data.

European Approval and Global expansion

In july, the European Union granted approval for Alyftrek, a next-generation cystic fibrosis treatment. This approval strengthens Vertex’s leading position in the cystic fibrosis market and facilitates broader global access to its therapies. Alyftrek offers a unique daily treatment option for this rare, progressive genetic disease.

Understanding Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder characterized by the production of abnormally thick mucus, leading to respiratory and digestive problems. It results from a defect in the CFTR protein, which regulates the flow of salt and water in and out of cells. Approximately 70,000 people worldwide are living with cystic fibrosis.

Looking Ahead: 2025 Outlook

Vertex reaffirmed its revenue guidance for 2025, projecting earnings in the range of $11.85 billion to $12 billion. The company anticipates a minimal impact from current tariff rates and regulations. Investors will be closely watching Vertex’s progress in its gene therapy programs and its efforts to expand the reach of its existing and new therapies.

Source: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Investor Relations