Transition Therapeutics Provides Update on Diabetes Program
2007 NOV 19 -- Transition Therapeutics Inc. ("Transition" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:TTHI)(NASDAQ:TSX:)(NASDAQ:TTH) announces an update on the clinical development and partnership activities for the Company's diabetes programs. Following good faith negotiations, Novo Nordisk A/S and Transition were not able to come to agreement for an exclusive license to the Company's diabetes programs. Accordingly, Transition has sent notice to Novo Nordisk A/S terminating the agreement between the companies, which will return to Transition all rights held by Novo Nordisk A/S, relating to E1-I.N.T. Transition will continue on-going discussions with other interested parties to partner the diabetes programs. In the interim, the Company is fully committed to support and advance the clinical development of the diabetes programs, leveraging its expertise in disease-modifying therapies for diabetes, world-class scientific advisory board and solid financial position. Preclinical data in diabetes animal models demonstrate the efficacy of gastrin analogues alone, or in combination with GLP-1 analogues or epidermal growth factor analogues. In humans, Transition's recent Phase IIa clinical trial data showed that 4-weeks of E1-I.N.T. therapy (combination of gastrin analogue and epidermal growth factor analogue) in type 2 diabetes patients resulted in sustained reductions in blood glucose control parameters, including haemoglobinA1C, for 6 months post-treatment. These data suggest that gastrin plays an important role in beta cell differentiation and function, capable of providing sustained glucose control in type 2 diabetes. Transition has commenced the studies to advance its lead gastrin analogue, TT-223, formerly known as "G1", into Phase II clinical trials in type 2 diabetes patients. To support the Phase II clinical development program for TT-223, Transition is currently performing Phase I studies to expand the dose ranges for TT-223. The first study, a single ascending dose study of TT-223 in healthy volunteers has completed dosing. The second study, a multiple ascending dose study of TT-223, is expected to begin later this year. Keywords: Clinical Trials, Marketing and Licensing Agreements, Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, Pre-Trials Research, Therapy, Treatment, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Transition Therapeutics Inc. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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