Astra Pill Halves High Cholesterol; Raises Blockbuster Hopes (1)

AstraZeneca Plc’s experimental cholesterol drug significantly reduced “bad” cholesterol in a mid-stage trial, boosting hopes for a potential blockbuster that could be part of a powerful combination medicine targeting weight loss and related ailments.

The once-a-day pill led to a 50.7% reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often called LDL, when given on top of statins, according to data presented at the American College of Cardiology in Chicago. High levels of this form of cholesterol are a key risk factor in strokes and heart attacks.

Shares of Astra rose as much as 2% in early trading in London Tuesday. The ...