Stifel analyst Paul Matteis said the "solid" APOCIII-LRx data announced by Akcea Therapeutics (AKCA), an affiliate of Ionis (IONS), align with his expectations that a lower dose, LICA-conjugated medicine can offer "a much improved therapeutic index" compared to Waylivra. The safety looked clean and the drug showed no signs of reduced platelet counts or impact on liver or kidney function, added Matteis. Akcea conveyed plans to pursue FCS and although Matteis sees a high probability-of-success in such an indication, he is skeptical about the size of the market potential. Matteis has a Hold rating on Akcea shares.