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Associated Press
6 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Screening for cardiovascular disease marker in community health centers may reduce risk
( NewMediaWire ) - July 23, 2025 - DALLAS — Elevated lipoprotein(a), also known as Lp(a), is an independent, inherited and causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. [1] Lp(a) is similar to low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or 'bad' cholesterol, yet is caused by genetics and is not impacted by lifestyle modifications. While it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans have high Lp(a) levels, many people are not aware of their risk. Research has found less than 1% of people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), which is caused by plaque buildup in the arteries, are tested for Lp(a). [2] The American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all, has launched the Lp(a) Community Health Centers Discovery Project, supported by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, to increase awareness about Lp(a). Additionally, the initiative will focus on improving shared decision making between health care professionals and individuals within community health centers (CHCs) on the importance of Lp(a) screening and ASCVD risk management. 'A simple, one-time Lp(a) test can give lifelong insight about overall heart disease risk — especially for people with a family history or who are otherwise at increased risk,' said Kaavya Paruchuri, M.D., American Heart Association volunteer and clinical operations director of the cardiovascular medicine section and director of the Lipid Apheresis Unit, Preventive Cardiology, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. 'Community health centers are vital for making this important tool available to more people and helping individuals take control of their heart health.' Ten CHCs throughout the U.S. signed onto the project in 2024, and 10 additional sites will be added this year. So far, participating CHCs have successfully added new Lp(a) screening processes resulting in increased testing at the sites. This reflects strong momentum for expanding Lp(a) testing access. Current participating CHCs include: In 2023, the American Heart Association launched an initiative called the Lp(a) Discovery Project to improve the number of patients screened for Lp(a) through professional and patient education. This initiative gathered insights from 10 health systems across the country who have established Lp(a) testing processes. Lessons learned from this initiative will be used to drive improvements across CHCs participating in the Lp(a) Discovery Community Health Centers Project. Studies have shown that elevated Lp(a) increases risk for ASCVD-related events such as aortic stenosis, heart attack, peripheral artery disease and stroke. [3] Although treatment options for high Lp(a) are limited, some lifestyle changes and medication therapies can assist with lowering a person's overall risk for heart disease. A baseline survey conducted as part of the Lp(a) Discovery Project found few U.S. adults are aware of Lp(a), which is accompanied by lack of concern and urgency to have levels checked. U.S. adults are not linking elevated Lp(a) to cardiovascular risk, but when they do, it motivates them to talk to their doctor. Health care professionals are the top source of Lp(a) awareness; their recommendation and personal experience is key to considering getting Lp(a) levels checked. Community Health Centers can express interest in participating in this initiative by completing the form at The deadline is August 15. Additional Resources: ### About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Michelle Rosenfeld: [email protected] For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and [1] Reyes-Soffer G, et al. Lipoprotein(a): A Genetically Determined, Causal, and Prevalent Risk Factor for Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology. October 14, 2021. 42(1). [2] Shah N, Mulder H, et al. Lipoprotein (a) Testing in Patients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in 5 Large US Health Systems. JAHA. November 4, 2024. 13(21). [3] Wilson D, et al. Use of lipoprotein(a) in clinical practice: A biomarker whose time has come. A scientific statement from the National Lipid Association. Journal of Clinical Lipidology. 2019. Tsimikas S, Marcovina S. Ancestry, Lipoprotein(a), and Cardiovascular Risk Thresholds: JACC Review Topic of the Week. JACC. August 2022. 80(9):934–946.
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Merck Enters Exclusive License Agreement for HRS-5346, an Investigational Oral Lipoprotein(a) Inhibitor, for Cardiovascular Disease from Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
RAHWAY, N.J., March 25, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merck (NYSE: MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, and Jiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. ("Hengrui Pharma"), a global pharmaceutical company focused on scientific and technological innovation, today announced that the companies have entered into an exclusive license agreement for HRS-5346, an investigational oral small molecule Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), inhibitor currently being evaluated in a Phase 2 clinical trial in China. "Elevated blood concentrations of Lp(a) provides a well-documented risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, affecting as many as 1 in 5 adults globally," said Dr. Dean Y. Li, president, Merck Research Laboratories. "HRS-5346, an investigational oral small molecule inhibitor of Lp(a) formation, is an important addition that expands and complements our cardio-metabolic pipeline." Under the agreement, Hengrui Pharma has granted Merck exclusive rights to develop, manufacture and commercialize HRS-5346 worldwide, excluding Greater China region. Hengrui Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $200 million and is eligible to receive milestone payments associated with certain development, regulatory and commercial milestones up to $1.77 billion, as well as royalties on net sales of HRS-5346, if approved. "We are pleased to partner with Merck, a global leader in cardiovascular care. We believe Merck's clinical expertise and global scale will help accelerate the development of HRS-5346 and potentially provide more patients with an additional option to reduce their risk of atherosclerosis," said Dr. Frank Jiang, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Hengrui Pharma. Closing of the proposed transaction is subject to approval under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act and other customary conditions. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025. Merck expects to record a pre-tax charge of $200 million, or approximately $0.06 per share, to be included in GAAP and non-GAAP results in the quarter the transaction closes. About Lipoprotein(a)Produced in the liver, lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a type of lipoprotein that carries cholesterol, fats and proteins in the blood. Lp(a) can accumulate in blood vessel walls, forming atherosclerotic plaques similar to LDL cholesterol. These plaques can limit blood flow to vital organs and result in conditions such as heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. Elevated Lp(a) is a genetically determined condition and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Approximately 1.4 billion people worldwide have elevated levels of Lp(a). About Hengrui PharmaJiangsu Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (Hengrui Pharma) is an innovative, global pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and commercialization of high-quality medicines to address unmet clinical needs. With a global R&D team that includes 14 R&D centers and more than 5,500 professionals, Hengrui Pharma's therapeutic areas of focus include oncology, metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, immunological and respiratory diseases, and neuroscience. To date, Hengrui has commercialized 19 new molecular entity drugs and 4 other innovative drugs in China. Founded in 1970 with the core principle of putting patients first, Hengrui Pharma remains committed to advancing human health by striving to conquer diseases, improve health, and extend lives through the power of science and technology. About MerckAt Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USAThis news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site ( View source version on Contacts Merck Media Contacts: Robert Josephson(203) 914-2372 Justine Moore(347) 281-3754 Hengrui Media Contacts: Simona Kormanikova(332) 220-2797 Camilla White(332) 345-8318 Merck Investor Contacts: Peter Dannenbaum(732) 594-1579 Steven Graziano(732) 594-1583 Sign in to access your portfolio
