Lilly announces diabetes alliance with KeyBioscience AG (12/06/17 – 0.6 units)

Lilly has announced a new partnership with KeyBioscience AG that aims to develop a new class of therapies for diabetes.

The work will focus on the development of dual amylin calcitonin receptor agonists (DACRAs), which have shown considerable potential in the treatment of metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes.

In principle, the dual activation of calcitonin and amylin receptors can have a number of beneficial effects, including improved insulin sensitivity, suppressed food intake, reduced fat deposition, enhanced blood glucose levels and greater weight reduction.

Both companies will have access to a DACRA platform covering multiple molecules, including KBP-089, KBP-056 and KBP-042, the latter of which has commenced phase II development, while the other assets range from phase I to preclinical.

Lilly will receive worldwide rights to develop and commercialise these molecules, while KeyBioscience will receive an initial payment of $55 million (43.28 million pounds) and is eligible for additional development, regulatory and commercialisation milestones, plus sales-based royalties.

Enrique Conterno, president of Lilly Diabetes and Lilly USA, said: "Our strategic collaboration with KeyBioscience AG will open the door to a potentially innovative treatment approach for people with type 2 diabetes and, possibly, other metabolic conditions."

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