Dive Brief:
- AstraZeneca has publicized results from the Pegasus Trial showing that the anticoagulant Brilinta (ticagrelor) combined with aspirin can prevent recurrent cardiovascular (CV) events well beyond the one-year mark. Stock went up accordingly.
- Brilinta is currently indicated for use with aspirin for about a year in patients with acute coronary sydrome (ACS) in order to prevent recurrent CV events, such as myocardial infarction.
- AstraZeneca projects strong sales for Brilinta, with forecasts of $1.3 billion by 2020 and $3.5 billion by 2023. In 2013, Brilinta earned $283 million in sales.
Dive Insight:
Since AstraZeneca (AZ) avoided being acquired by Pfizer last year, it has been on a mission to make good on its goal to achieve $45 billion in annual sales by 2023. Brilinta has emerged as an important part of that strategy. Based on a strong clinical trial program, AZ is proving that Brilinta has uses beyond the initial FDA indication. Pegasus included more than 21,000 patients in 31 countries, and AZ is also recruiting for trials that will evaluate Brilinta's effectiveness in preventing stroke, peripheral arterial disease and diabetes.