With only early-stage data in hand, The Medicines Co.’s (MDCO) PCSK9 candidate, the centerpiece of its budding lipid franchise, is far behind competitors. But MDCO is counting on a highly differentiated technology, as well as changing practice patterns among interventional cardiologists to help bolster the drug’s uptake. And its last-to-market position may enable it to take optimal advantage of evolving cholesterol management guidelines.
Last February, MDCO entered the PCSK9 race by licensing exclusive global rights to Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s ALN-PCS program for...