Novartis (NVS.US) Discontinues ORION-17 Primary Prevention Trial for Cholesterol-Lowering Drug Leqvio in UK

Intelligent Finance APP learned that Novartis (NVS.US) stated on Wednesday that it had decided not to proceed with the primary prevention trial of ORION-17. It is understood that ORION-17 was originally planned as part of the company's collaboration with the UK National Health Service (NHS England), aiming to investigate the potential of the cholesterol-lowering drug Leqvio.

A spokesperson for Novartis stated in an email declaration: "After careful evaluation, we have decided not to proceed with the ORION-17 project. We continue to have high ambitions for Leqvio, and we are encouraged by the foundation we have built and the traction we have seen so far in the UK and around the world."

Previously, Novartis stated in 2021 that after the UK healthcare cost agency NICE approved the drug, the company had reached an agreement with UK healthcare providers regarding the use of the pharmaceutical manufacturer’s cholesterol-lowering drug Leqvio.

The pharmaceutical company said at the time that the agreement would help people at risk of heart disease who do not respond to conventional treatment widely access the Swiss drugmaker's medication through the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

Finally, the NHS stated that the agreement with Novartis "remains valid and is a groundbreaking approach to improving treatment for cardiovascular disease patients across China who meet the eligibility criteria."