The purpose of the study CTQJ230A12304, is to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of pelacarsen (TQJ230) compared to placebo in participants with ASCVD who have elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), and who are on background inclisiran treatment for elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).

This is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, parallel group study followed by an open-label treatment period.

Key Inclusion criteria:

• Male and female participants 18 to ≤80 years of age at Screening visit
• Established ASCVD, defined as documented coronary heart disease (CHD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD), or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) at Screening visit
• On stable dose of local guideline recommended lipid lowering therapy for at least 30 days prior to Screening visit
• Participants must successfully complete the run-in period of background inclisiran treatment in order to be randomized
• On standard of care (SoC) treatment for other CVD risk factors including hypertension and diabetes for at least 30 days prior to Randomization/Baseline visit
• Central laboratory reported Lp(a) ≥175 nmol/L at Screening visit
• Central laboratory reported LDL-C >70 mg/dL (or >1.8 mmol/L) at Screening visit

Key Exclusion Criteria:

• Prior treatment with inclisiran

• Any other PCSK9 inhibitor (e.g., evolocumab, alirocumab) use within 4 months prior to Screening visit

• Uncontrolled hypertension at Randomization/Baseline visit

• Heart failure New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV at Screening visit or at Randomization/Baseline visit (Day 1)

• Triglycerides ≥400 mg/dL at Screening visit

• History of malignancy of any organ system within the past 5 years

• Myocardial infarction, stroke or other major bleeding, coronary or lower limb re vascularization, major cardiac or non-cardiac surgery between Screening visit and Randomization/Baseline visit (Day 1)

• Central laboratory reported platelet count <140,000 per mm3

• Active liver disease or hepatic dysfunction at Screening visit

• Significant kidney disease at Screening visit

• Pregnant or nursing women at Screening visit

• Any uncontrolled chronic or serious medical condition which may pose an immediate risk to clinical stability of the study participant at Screening visit

  • Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.

Novartis is committed to sharing with qualified external researchers, access to patient-level data and supporting clinical documents from eligible studies. These requests are reviewed and approved by an independent review panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to respect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations. This trial data availability is according to the criteria and process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com.