Forest Laboratories to collaborate on diabetes drug development

Forest Laboratories has agreed to collaborate with TransTech Pharma on the development of a potentially promising new means of treating diabetes.

The alliance will see Forest gain access to a new class of functionally liver-selective glucokinase activators developed by TransTech, which have applications in lowering blood glucose levels.

One compound developed as part of this programme, TTP399, has already completed phase I testing, while others remain in the middle of phase I or pre-clinical development.

Under the terms of the agreement, TransTech could receive up to $1.1 billion (753.1 million pounds) in upfront and milestone payments should these compounds be successfully developed and commercialised.

Howard Solomon, chairman and chief executive officer of Forest, said: “The programme may offer a unique and compelling new therapeutic option for the millions of patients who suffer from diabetes and we look forward to advancing it through development.”

Last month, Forest Laboratories published phase III clinical trial data illustrating the efficacy of aclidinium bromide, its new treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.