GlaxoSmithKline and Amicus expand Fabry disease collaboration

GlaxoSmithKline and Amicus Therapeutics have announced plans to expand their collaboration in the field of Fabry disease research.

The newly expanded collaboration will involve the co-development of all current and future formulations of Amigal (migalastat HCl) for Fabry disease, as well as collaboration arrangements for all future Fabry products.

In addition, GlaxoSmithKline will increase its ownership of Amicus with a new $18.6 million (11.86 million pounds) investment, bringing its total stake in the company up to 19.9 percent.

This revised partnership will take full advantage of Amicus' US presence and expertise in this field, as well as GlaxoSmithKline's worldwide regulatory, commercial and manufacturing capabilities.

Marc Dunoyer, global head of GlaxoSmithKline Rare Diseases, said: "This is an important step in our strategic vision, allowing us to undertake and fund an enlarged scientific programme with a view to turning molecules into medicines for rare diseases faster and more effectively than ever before."

The companies are currently carrying out a phase III trial of Amigal that commenced in September 2011.