Merck's Withdrawal From Diabetes Drugs Research May Help Glenmark (India) "
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals is expected to benefit from a recent announcement by Merck KGaA that the international drug-maker is stopping all research and development for diabetes drugs. Currently, Merck and the India-based Glenmark have a E190 million licensing deal for Glenmark's experimental diabetes treatment, GRC 8200. The deal would have given Merck the right to market the drug in Japan, Europe, and the United States while Glenmark retained the Indian rights. Merck already paid Glenmark E25 million for the drug when it was in initial clinical trials, last year. Since that time, GRC 8200 has progressed into later-stage human testing, making it much more attractive to investors. Now, with the return of the licensing rights, Glenmark may be able to sell the molecule for a higher price to a third-party. Despite Merck's withdrawal, development of the drug is expected to continue on schedule. (Click here for more