Glenmark's diabetes drug to enter phase lll trials

Glenmark's novel molecule for diabetes- Melogliptin will now enter phase III trials. The phase II B trials have been successfully completed with the molecule achieving glycemic control with low incidence of hypoglycemia and neutral effect on body weight.

"Global phase III trials have been planned with melogliptin and are due to start at the end of 2009 following regulatory approvals.

These studies are designed to evaluate the compound both as monotherapy and in combination with other anti-diabetic therapies in patients with type 2 diabtes mellitus", said Glenn Saldanha, MD & CEO, Glenn Pharmaceuticals.

Glenmark continues to be in discussions with various licensing partners to  take the molecule forward.

The global diabetes markets is estimated at $24 bn in 2007 and projected to grow to $45 bn by 2018. It will likely be the leading drug class in metabolic and cardio vascular market. Oral anti-diabetics will drive the market growth with a projected share of 70 per cent of the total market.