The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price is on the move this morning following the release of its research and development (R&D) investor briefing.
At the time of writing, the biotherapeutics company's shares are down 0.3% to $303.15.
What was in the update?
This morning CSL released a comprehensive update on all its R&D activities. This includes its work across a number of programs to prevent and treat COVID-19 such as UQ/CSL V451 and AZD1222.
UQ/CSL V451 is a recombinant virus spike protein (molecular clamp technology) formulated with MF59 adjuvant under a partnership with the University of Queensland and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Phase 1 trials are ongoing, with phase 2 and 3 trials expected in December if everything goes to plan.
AZD1222 is an adenovirus vector designed to express spike protein of COVID-19 virus in situ. It has partnered with AstraZeneca on this one. It is currently undergoing phase 3 trials.
What else did CSL talk about?
CSL revealed that its AEGIS-II Phase 3 study of CSL112 (ApoA-1) for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome has now resumed following a COVID-19 related pause.
More than 10,000 people have been enrolled to date. It is aiming to launch the product in 2023-2025.
Management also spoke about the results of its Phase 2 clinical trials of Garadacimab, a treatment in hereditary angioedema (HAE).
It advised that Garadacimab met its primary end points, with a statistically significant reduction in HAE attacks. It also sees opportunities for the therapy in the treatment of fibrotic disease, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory disease.
Finally, another topic of interest was the aquisition of Clazakizumab (CSL300) earlier this year. It is an anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody being used in the IMAGINE Phase 3 trial for the treatment of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection. This is the leading cause of long-term rejection in kidney transplant recipients.
In June, Goldman Sachs estimated that Clazakizumab, if successful, could generate peak non-risk adjusted sales of US$5.4 billion by FY 2032 and risk adjusted sales of US$1.3 billion.
Based on trials to date, management appears optimistic that the therapy could improve outcomes for transplant recipients.
Foolish Takeaway.
Overall, based on this pipeline, CSL appears well-placed to both save lives and generate strong returns for investors over the 2020s.
