AstraZeneca and Shiyao Group Limited have reached an exclusive licensing agreement to advance the development of a preclinical innovative small molecule lipoprotein (a) (Lp (a)) inhibitor. According to the agreement, AstraZeneca will acquire the preclinical candidate small molecule drug YS2302018 from Shiyao Group, an oral lipoprotein (a) inhibitor, for the development of novel lipid-lowering therapies, as well as monotherapy or combination therapy for various cardiovascular diseases, including in combination with the oral small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor AZD0780. According to the terms of the agreement, Shiyao Group will receive a down payment of $100 million. In addition, Shiyao Group will be eligible for up to $1.92 billion in development and commercialization milestone payments, as well as tiered royalty fees in the future.