Merck Sharp and Dohme and Samsung Bioepis to develop diabetes drug

Merck Sharp and Dohme has expanded its pre-existing collaboration with Samsung Bioepis to cover the development of a new therapy for diabetes.

The broadened alliance now includes an agreement to develop, manufacture and commercialise MK-1293, an insulin glargine candidate for the treatment of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Phase III trials of the drug are expected to commence soon.

Under the terms of the deal, the companies will collaborate on clinical development, regulatory filings and manufacturing. If the product is approved, Merck will be responsible for its commercialisation.

This builds on a wider collaboration between the two firms to develop multiple biosimilar candidates, which was originally announced in February 2013.

Matt Strasburger, senior vice-president for diabetes at Merck Global Human Health, said: "Merck is strengthening its leadership in diabetes through our own work and in collaboration with others, and this agreement will help build our portfolio across the spectrum of the disease."

This comes after the firm announced new collaborations with Amgen, Incyte and Pfizer earlier this month, all of which will assess novel cancer combination therapies utilising the compound MK-3475.