Lilly signs Transition deal

Lilly has announced that it has signed a licensing and collaboration agreement with Transition Therapeutics today.

The pharmaceuticals firm has gained exclusive worldwide rights regarding the development and commercialisation of gastrin-based therapies from its new partner.

TT-223, the company’s lead compound currently in phase-II testing, is included in the terms of the agreement.

David Moller, vice-president of endocrine and cardiovascular research and clinical investigation at Lilly, comments: “This agreement represents an exciting new direction for Lilly’s diabetes care research.”

He added that the firm intended to make the most of Transition’s expertise, combining it with Lilly’s existing knowledge.

Earlier this month Lilly announced the termination of its AIR Insulin programme due to an assessment of current conditions in the sector.