Roche licenses Ipsen's anti-diabetic medicine for type 2 diabetes

Roche has decided to exercise its option to exclusively licence, develop and market the anti-diabetic drug BIM 51077, which was patented by French pharmaceutical group Ipsen.

The drug, an analogue of peptide hormone GLP-1 (Glucagon Like Peptide-1), controls insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels and has shown a good efficacy signal. The latest data from phase I and II clinical studies showed its potential to be more conveniently administered than existing drugs.

Roche has been granted worldwide rights - excluding Japan, where these rights are shared with Teijin (Ipsen's Japanese partner), and in France where Ipsen may elect to retain co-marketing rights.

Recent trials have shown that the anti-diabetic compound exhibits an efficacy and safety profile in line with the GLP-1 class of incretins. It was also compatible with Ipsen's proprietary controlled delivery systems, which could deliver the drug over a period of one day, one week or two weeks. Phase II study to confirm the efficacy and safety of this compound in a sustained release formulation will start early 2007.

The exercise of this option by Roche has triggered a payment to Ipsen of euro 56m. Roche will also make a payment of euro 3m at a later stage in the year. Further payments of up to euro 170m could follow upon achievement of clinical, manufacturing, regulatory, and commercial milestones and the company will receive progressive royalties on any worldwide sales.

Roche will be responsible for further development and manufacture of the product and will hold the marketing authorisations.