logo-loader

Acasti Pharma has global ambitions for its CaPre Omega-3 therapeutic

Last updated: 08:30 28 May 2019 EDT, First published: 08:03 28 May 2019 EDT

Snapshot

CaPre, a potent form of Omega-3, has been shown to reduce triglycerides, but also lower 'bad cholesterol' levels, and raise 'good' ones

Scientist at work
  • Biopharma group seeking to commercialize innovative CaPre Omega-3 drug to treat heart disease and diabetes
  • Well-funded with an advanced candidate in Phase 3 trial, expected to be completed before year-end
  • Huge potential market in the US and beyond, which is expected to grow

What Acasti Pharma does:

Acasti Pharma Inc (NASDAQ:ACST) (CVE:ACST) is a biopharma company developing an advanced Omega-3/phospholipid prescription drug called CaPre to treat hypertriglyceridemia (high levels of triglycerides in the blood), which is known to contribute to heart disease.

CaPre has also shown in two Phase 2 clinical trials that it not only effectively reduces triglycerides, but also has the potential to lower LDL or 'bad' cholesterol levels, raise HDL or 'good' cholesterol levels, and lower hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which is an important biomarker of long term glucose control in diabetic patients. 

Two important Omega-3s found in CaPre are not only responsible for the significant reduction of triglycerides, but also the increase seen in the Phase 2 studies in HDL (good) cholesterol.

In addition, Acasti says CaPre is unique from other Omega-3 drugs in that it also contains phospholipids derived from krill oil. These phospholipids not only significantly enhance the bioavailability and absorption of CaPre, but they are also the reason for the reduction in LDL ('bad') cholesterol and HbA1c in diabetic patients that was reported in the phase 2 studies. 

The phospholipids in CaPre act to block the synthesis and absorption of LDL cholesterol, and they also appear to improve the metabolism of glucose in patients with diabetes. The company says none of the competitive Omega-3 therapeutic products on the market or in development can deliver all these important clinical benefits.

How is it doing: 

Acasti expects to complete the last phase of clinical development of CaPre in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia, by the end of 2019. There are two Phase 3 studies of CaPre, currently underway, one exclusively in the US, and the other in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

In total, 500 patients are involved. Topline results from the first trial named TRILOGY 1, are expected to be reported by the end of this year, while topline results for the second trial TRIOLOGY 2, are expected to be reported in January of 2020. 

Full data reports for both trials will be available in the first quarter of 2020. Acasti remains on track to file its NDA (new drug application) in mid-2020. 

The company plans to commercialize CaPre directly in the US, and through development and commercialization partnerships in other major countries around the world.

Acasti says the initial market potential for CaPre is compelling, since there are between 3 million and 4 million patients in the US alone with severe hypertriglyceridemia.

Third-party outcome studies have also pointed to the importance of lowering triglycerides in around 50 million people in the US who have triglyceride levels above 150mg/dL (mg per deciliter), which represents a significant potential market expansion opportunity for CaPre in the future.

These studies have shown that reducing triglycerides can lead to at least a 25% reduction in cardiovascular events, including death.  However, only about 10% of people with elevated triglycerides are receiving treatment.  Consequently, physicians and market experts reckon the hypertriglyceridemia market could grow significantly over the next several years.

In February this year, Acasti said it believed that its $47.9 million in net proceeds from public offerings, together with existing cash, was adequate to support its operations beyond completion of the Phase 3 clinical trials.

In May, Acasti told investors it had bolstered its IP (intellectual property) portfolio, with the receipt of patents related to the development of CaPre in Israel, Mexico and Chile.

The new patents, valid until 2030, relate to the product's composition and methods of use. This year, a certificate has also been issued by the European patent office, also valid until 2030.  In total, the company has about 30 patents in the U.S. and around the world that provide very broad IP protection.

Inflexion Points:

  • The company is nearing completion of its Phase 3 clinical studies, which are designed to confirm CaPre’s “Trifecta Effect”.   
  • The company says there are  currently only two branded competitors, and if CaPre achieves its targeted endpoints in its phase 3 studies, it could become the “best-in-class” therapy for hypertriglyceridemia. 
  • Discusssions are ongoing with multiple potential strategic partners around the world for licensing and commercialization rights.
  • The company is well-funded beyond the completion of Phase 3

What the boss says:

Acasti CEO Jan D'Alvise commented: "The great thing about these Omega-3s is they are very, very good at lowering triglycerides. They're very potent, but they don't have side-effects. I think what you're seeing now, especially with the recent outcome data that shows that these Omega-3s can significantly reduce heart disease, is more and more physicians prescribing these Omega-3s."

"The market now in the United States is roughly US$1.4 billion and is expected to grow significantly. This market in the future could be as big as the statin market which approached US$20 billion."

Acasti Pharma outlines key benefits of recent Grace Therapeutics acquisition

Acasti Pharma Inc (TSX-V:ACST, NASDAQ:ACST). CEO Jan D’Alvise joined Proactive New York to discuss the Laval, Québec-based group's recent acquisition of Grace Therapeutics including its therapeutic pipeline consisting of three clinical stage and pre-clinical stage assets. D’Alvise walked...

on 8/10/21