Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) is out to an early lead with Vyndaqel, a drug that treats cardiomyopathy caused by transthyretin (TTR)-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR-CM), in which the TTR protein aggregates in the heart and ultimately interferes with its function. During the third quarter, the drug's first full quarter on the market in the U.S., Pfizer logged $79 million in sales of Vyndaqel.
While things are humming along, the big pharma needs to watch its back, because Eidos Therapeutics (NASDAQ: EIDX) is coming up from behind with its drug candidate, AG10.
Data from a long-term extension of a phase 2 clinical trial presented at this week's meeting of the American Heart Association showed that 8.5% of patients taking AG10 had all-cause mortality -- that is, the patient died or needed a cardiac transplant -- and 25.5% of patients were hospitalized for cardiovascular issues after a median of 15 months.