designer491/iStock via Getty Images AstraZeneca ( NASDAQ: AZN ) said that when its PCSK9 inhibitor AZD0780 was added to Crestor (rosuvastatin), it lowered low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels 52% more than with the statin alone. Overall, the combination lowered LDL-C levels 78% from baseline. Preliminary data from the phase 1 trial of treatment-naive patients with hypercholesterolaemia showed dosing flexibility regarding taking it with food or fasting.

AZD0780, an oral drug, is currently in phase 2. While several other PCSK9 inhibitors are currently marketed -- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' ( REGN ) Praluent (alirocumab), Amgen's ( AMGN ) Repatha (evolocumab), and Novartis' ( NVS ) (inclisiran) -- they are all given via injection. Merck ( MRK ) and Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) are also developing oral PCSK9 inhibitors.

The former's MK-0616 is in phase 3, while the latter's NNC0385-0434 is in phase 2. More on AstraZeneca AstraZeneca: Plotting A Bold Path To $80 Billion Revenues, I'm Pausing For Breath AstraZeneca: A Triple Shot Of Income, Growth, And Value AstraZeneca: Strong In A Weak Market AstraZeneca, Daiichi Sankyo ADC misses key endpoint in phase 3 lung cancer trial Nona Biosciences and AstraZeneca sign global license and option agreement.