Diabetes drug companies end partnership

One division of global drug company Merck has ended their partnership with Glenmark pharmaceuticals to develop type 2 diabetes drug Melogliptin. The future of the drug, which had reached phase II of clinical trials, is uncertain.
A press release from Glenmark Pharmaceutcials of Switzerland indicates that they and Merck Serono have terminated their on-going agreement to develop the drug. Merck have decided to re-focus their portfolio, and to steer away from further diabetes research and development.
The managing director and CEO of Glenmark, Glenn Saldanha, reportedly commented: “It is unfortunate to end our relationship with Merck Serono for GRC 8200 since they have contributed a lot of expertise in the development during the last year. The data package so far is very promising and we are confident of finding a co-development partner to take the molecule further during the course of the calendar year 2008.”
It is expected that Glenmark will continue with trials .