Forest signs linaclotide agreement

Forest Laboratories has signed a co-development and marketing agreement with Microbia relating to linaclotide, its compound currently being investigated as a treatment for gastrointestinal disorders including constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) and chronic constipation.

According to the terms of the agreement, Forest will pay Microbia initial licensing fees of $70 million (34.7 million pounds), while both companies will fund the developing and marketing of the drug in the US, with an equal profit share.

Furthermore, Forest will be granted exclusive rights to the compound in Mexico and Canada, while Microbia will retain the rights to the drug elsewhere in the world, while total licensing fees dependent on successful development and marketing in the US could reach $330 million during the partnership.

Howard Solomon, chairman and chief executive officer of Forest, said: “We are very pleased to have entered into this collaboration with Microbia.

“Linaclotide offers the possibility of genuine relief for the millions of patients suffering from chronic constipation and IBS-C, for which there are currently few treatment options.”

He added that these gastrointestinal conditions are treated primarily by primary care workers, with whom Forest has a robust existing relationship, while the firm is excited to be collaborating with Microbia.

In February 2007, a study from the University of Southampton revealed that people with high stress are more likely to develop irritable bowel syndrome.