AstraZeneca Drops Moderna-Partnered, Phase 2 Heart Disease Drug Candidate

AstraZeneca Plc AZN has removed a Moderna Inc MRNA-partnered cardiovascular disease candidate from its phase 2 pipeline.
The Moderna-partnered candidate is AZD8601, a therapy based on mRNA encoding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A).
In EPICCURE Phase 2a trial, the investigators injected the mRNA directly into the myocardium of patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery.
Related: AstraZeneca Q2 Highlights: Profits Fall, COVID-19 Vaccine Sales Dip, Lifts Annual Sales Guidance.
Seven patients received AZD8601, and four got the placebo.
AstraZeneca touted the results as positive, pointing to trends in the three exploratory endpoints, including left ventricular ejection fraction, an elevated biomarker in heart failure, and functional patient-reported outcomes.
However, in its quarterly update, AstraZeneca removed the asset from its phase 2 pipeline. Moderna, the co-developer of AZD8601, still lists the candidate in its pipeline.
AstraZeneca also removed Wee1 inhibitor adavosertib from its phase 2 pipeline for r ovarian cancer, solid tumors, and uterine serous cancer.
Price Action: MRNA shares are up 2.84% at $162.56, and AZN stock is down 0.63% at $66.30 during the market session on the last check Friday.