Asahi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. (“Asahi
Chemical”; President, Kazumoto Yamamoto) has signed
a license agreement with SmithKline Beecham (“SB”; CEO,
Jan Leschly) for novel compounds (AZ 40140 and related
compounds: Beta 3 receptor agonists) with potential
in the treatment of diabetes and obesity.
1. Background
For the clinical development
of the novel compounds (AZ 40140 and related compounds)
on a global scale, and particularly in the U.S. and
Europe, Asahi Chemical has entered into the license
agreement with SB, which has a proven record in the
field of diabetes.
AZ 40140 is a novel compound discovered
by Asahi Chemical, with potential in the treatment
of diabetes and obesity with a mechanism of action
different from that of existing drugs. It is in the
preclinical stage, and the data to date suggest an
excellent pharmacological and safety profile. SB will
start clinical studies in the U.S. on the compound
this year.
2. Essentials of agreement
Asahi Chemical gives SB exclusive
rights to develop and commercialize the compound worldwide
except in Japan, China, Taiwan, and Korea, where it
will be jointly commercialized by both companies. SB
will make milestone payments to Asahi Chemical during
development and royalty payments on sales.
In addition, Asahi Chemical will
obtain a co-distribution right in Japan to Avandia
(rosiglitazone maleate), SB’s treatment for Type II
(non-insulin dependent) diabetes, which is now in
clinical trials in Japan.
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