The Phase I trial of IONIS-ENAC-2.5Rx for cystic fibrosis represents the first time an antisense medicine delivered directly to the lung has shown a significant reduction in ENaC messenger RNA levels.

The company has no development programs left in its R&D pipeline and will focus entirely on the commercialization of IBS drug Linzess while seeking late-stage assets from external sources.

Akcea Therapeutics has lowered its asking price in England for its antisense therapy for familial chylomicronaemia syndrome. It has also struck a pricing and reimbursement deal for the drug in Germany.

The RNA-drug developer, which is buying the approximately 24% of Akcea it doesn't already own for around $500m, highlighted the maturing pipeline in a cardiovascular overview.