Lilly and Adocia to collaboratively develop new insulin therapy for diabetes

Lilly and Adocia have announced a new worldwide licensing collaboration, focused on developing an ultra-rapid insulin known as BioChaperone Lispro.

Based on Adocia's proprietary BioChaperone technology, the drug is currently in phase Ib testing and has shown potential in optimising glucose levels during and after meals for patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes.

It is believed that the drug could offer a wide range of benefits, including greater flexibility in the timing of insulin injections, lower variability of post-meal blood glucose elevations, lower rates of hypoglycaemia and better overall glucose control.

Lilly will be responsible for future development, manufacturing and commercialisation of the drug, with total upfront and milestone payments associated with the deal potentially reaching $570 million (367.29 million pounds).

Enrique Conterno, president of Lilly's diabetes division, said: "An ultra-rapid acting insulin, if approved by regulators, could provide a new important treatment option for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes … [and] would be a natural fit in our growing portfolio."

It comes after the company also announced earlier this month that it will be working with the University of Surrey to conduct research into health outcomes in people with type 2 diabetes, focusing on the effects of treatment.