Zealand receives ‘milestone payment’ for gap junction modifier

Zealand Pharma has received a milestone payment from Wyeth Pharmaceuticals in order to initiate Phase I trials for the advancement of the first orally available gap junction modifier ZP1609 (GAP-134).

Previously ZP1609 (GAP-134) has shown pharmacological effects in animal models of both ventricular and atrial arrhythmias.

In its oral formulation, Zealand hopes the gap junction modifier will offer the possibility for chronic prevention of cardiac arrhythmias.

This is the second gap junction modifier which has seen Wyeth working together with Zealand in advancing a clinical trial.

In 2003, the two companies entered into a development and licence agreement to advance gap junction modifiers for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.

The partnership was extended to an R&D agreement in 2004 and then in 2005 an agreement was signed that granted Wyeth access to the Zealand library which lists compounds with potential gap junction modifying properties.

It was from this library that the two companies identified ZP1609 (GAP-134) as a potential gap junction modifier with oral bioavailability.

Last month, Wyeth announced the election of a new president and chief executive officer, with Bernard Poussot winning the appointment to the role.