Amryt Pharma receives NHS funding for Lojuxta

AIM-listed biopharmaceutical company Amryt Pharma has seen its Lojuxta formula be granted funding as an NHS treatment for adult patients with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolaemia in England.

From 2018, patients with HoFH, an ultra-rare, life-threatening genetic condition, being treated on the NHS in England can be prescribed Lojuxta, Amryt's "first in class" medicine aimed at reducing the production and uptake of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often referred to as "bad cholesterol", when used as an adjunctive therapy to other lipid-lowering medications.

Amryt referred to the deal as a "vital step" in helping adults with HoFH across England receive a better standard of care due to its potential to transform their lives with one simple capsule a day.

Joe Wiley, chief executive of Amryt Pharma, said, "We are delighted that NHS England has recognised the significant unmet need in the current treatment of HoFH in England and the potential Lojuxta has to significantly improve the lives of HoFH patients."

"This decision today is in line with our strategy to make Lojuxta available to more patients across Amryt's territories and it is estimated that funding approval will have a positive impact on revenue from 2019 and beyond. We look forward to working with the NHS to make this treatment available to patients in need of this life-changing therapy as soon as possible," added Wiley.

Amryt expects Lojuxta to be available to HoFH patients during the fourth quarter of the year.

As of 1040 BST, Amryt share had picked up 0.062% to 16.11p.