Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb finalise metabolic disorders agreement

Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb have announced that they have signed an agreement for the worldwide research, development and marketing of DGAT-1 inhibitors as part of a joint metabolic disorders programme.

Under the terms of this agreement, both companies will conduct phase III development of the treatments and marketing activities, while Pfizer retains responsibility for all research and earlier-stage development work for the drug.

At present, the DGAT-1 inhibitors programme includes a number of compounds in advanced stages of pre-clinical development, with these drug candidates showing potential for use as treatments for obesity, diabetes and other metabolic disorders.

The programme includes a number of DGAT-1 inhibitors in-licensed by Pfizer from Bayer Pharmaceuticals.

Elliott Sigal, chief scientific officer and president of research and development at Bristol-Myers Squibb, said: “DGAT-1 inhibitors have shown promise in pre-clinical testing, and this research program has potential to yield several compounds that may improve treatment options for patients.”

He added that this partnership agreement highlights the company’s dedication to research and development investment and encapsulates its strategic model of identifying partnerships that are in harmony with its own research work.

In April 2007, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer announced a global partnership agreement for the development and commercialisation of apixaban as a treatment for venous and arterial thrombotic conditions.