In early November, Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) broke some encouraging news to shareholders. Phase 2 clinical trial results revealed that the company's drug candidate, known as olpasiran, is very effective in treating patients with elevated lipoprotein(a) levels and a history of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

How potent could the drug be in tackling the condition? And what could this mean in terms of potential sales for the pharma stock? Let's delve into the results of the clinical trial and the ASCVD market to address these questions. 

Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a), is a small protein in the bloodstream that moves cholesterol, fats, and proteins to organs throughout the body. If Lp(a) is at a high enough level within the body, it can be deposited in blood vessels. The definition of elevated Lp(a) can vary, but it's generally classified as at least 125 nanomoles per liter of blood (nmol/L).

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Source Fool.com