Dive Brief:
- Eli Lilly and Yabao Pharmaceuticals are partnering to co-develop Lilly’s investigational glucokinase inhibitor LY2608204.
- LY2608204 has completed phase I trials.
- Yabao has exclusive rights for development and commercialization in China, while Lilly will retain all rights in all other markets. Lilly also has future buy-in options in China.
Dive Insight:
LY2608204 is being developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The demand for diabetes treatment options is high in China, where treatment of type 2 diabetes is considered an unmet medical need---just as it is in the rest of the world. Yabao is well-positioned to bring this candidate to market in China. In addition to strong clinical and regulatory activities, Yaboa also meets good manufacturing practice (cGMP) requirements, with a manufacturing site approved by FDA and EMA.