AstraZeneca deal has positive read for Silence Therapeutics, says Morgan Stanley

After AstraZeneca (AZN) announced an exclusive license agreement with CSPC Pharmaceuticals to develop YS2302018 for the treatment of elevated Lp(a), an independent cardiovascular risk factor, Morgan Stanley noted that Silence Therapeutics’ (SLN) Zerlasiran is currently in a Phase 2 study and has demonstrated “very promising,” robust Lp(a) knockdown. The firm, which believes the deal provides positive readthrough to Silence, further validating the potential of Lp(a) approaches, reiterates an Overweight rating and $49 price target on Silence shares.