GlaxoSmithKline and Impax partner on Parkinson’s drug

GlaxoSmithKline and Impax Pharmaceuticals are to work together to bring a new treatment for Parkinson's disease to international markets.

The agreement will see GlaxoSmithKline receive exclusive rights to commercialise the late-stage developmental compound IPX066 in all territories other than the US and Taiwan, with Impax receiving an initial fee of $11.5 million (7.4 million pounds).

IPX066 is a novel extended release carbidopa-levodopa therapy that is currently in phase III development, with results from the current study programme set to be published in 2011.

It is hoped that the therapy can deliver improvements in symptom management and control of the neurodegenerative disease.

Atul Pande, senior vice-president for the neurosciences medicines development centre at GlaxoSmithKline, said: "We look forward to collaborating with Impax and hope to deliver an improved treatment option to the millions of people living with this devastating disease."

Earlier this month, GlaxoSmithKline published new clinical trial data which demonstrated the efficacy of Tykerb-based combination therapies in combating breast cancer.