Proctor and Gamble forms alliance for GORD drug

Proctor and Gamble Pharmaceuticals has unveiled an alliance with ARYx Therapeutics for the development of ATI-7505, a drug developed for gastrointestinal diseases.

ATI-7505 is a drug discovered by ARYx for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach empties too slowly. It is currently in phase II development and early trials indicate that the drug prevents stomach contents from being regurgitated and increases the speed at which the stomach is empties.

Proctor and Gamble says that the drug could be useful in treating GORD and gastroparesis, although it notes that a previous 5HT4 antagonist – a drug type of which ATI-7505 belongs – was withdrawn in 2000 due to side effects after achieving almost $1 billion in sales. Aryx has attempted to design the drug so that it employs the same mechanisms without any of the concomitant safety issues.

Mark Collar, president of Proctor and Gamble global pharmaceuticals in prescription healthcare, remarked: “The proven capabilities of Procter and Gamble Pharmaceuticals in prescription healthcare, combined with many years of deep gastrointestinal (GI) consumer understanding developed through our successes with Asacol, Prilosec OTC, Pepto-Bismol and Metamucil will, if the drug is approved, allow us to provide physicians around the world a better treatment option for millions of people suffering from GI motility disorders.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Proctor and Gamble will pay ARYx an upfront fee of $25 million (13.5 million pounds) for the worldwide development and marketing rights of ATI-7505. In addition, ARYx will receive milestone payments and royalties, meaning total payments could reach $435 million.

According to Patient UK, heartburn affects one in three people every few days, with one in ten suffering from it daily. In some cases of GORD, the symptoms are severe enough to affect quality of life. The condition is more prevalent among heavy drinkers, smokers, pregnant women, overweight people and people aged between 35 and 64, the health information website states.

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