AstraZeneca will lag this time
AstraZeneca’s shares were heavily discounted after the publication of trial results that failed to meet researchers’ expectations.
The drug Wainua, developed in collaboration with Ionis Pharmaceuticals, did not demonstrate efficacy in preventing heart problems in patients with a rare, potentially fatal disease.
“The CARDIO-TTRansform study aimed to investigate the role of Wainua, a gene‑silencing drug, used as an adjunct to current standard care in reducing the frequency of recurrent cardiovascular events and mortality,” explained the company’s executive vice‑president, Sharon Barr.
“Although the study did not achieve its primary endpoint, we believe the results contribute to a better scientific understanding of treatment methods for hundreds of thousands of patients worldwide suffering from this progressive and often fatal disease,” she added.
Bloomberg notes that AstraZeneca, under the leadership of CEO Pascale Soriot, has earned a reputation as a “powerhouse in oncology drugs.”
The firm, known for conducting rigorous clinical trials, rarely records negative outcomes, which, according to Michael Leuchten, a Jefferies analyst, could impact its reputation.
Although the latest trial results do not threaten the goal of achieving US$80 billion in sales by 2030, the expert believes the “most likely bigger problem for the company is a certain loss of credibility.”
“AstraZeneca and Ionis will review the full data set to better understand the outcomes, which will be presented to the scientific community at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) congress in August 2026,” was stated in an official release.
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AstraZeneca and Ionis Pharmaceuticals shares fall after bad news
AstraZeneca’s share price fell on Thursday, July 9 by 9.27% to 129.20 GBP.
Chart. AstraZeneca share price
Source: TradingView.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals’ share price fell by 22.5% to 65.49 USD in pre‑market trading.
Chart. Ionis Pharmaceuticals share price
Source: TradingView.
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Sources: Bloomberg, AstraZeneca.
