Zydus Cadila, Eli Lilly in drug discovery pact

Ahmedabad-based Zydus Cadila, a leading drug maker in the country signed a new drug discovery and development agreement with Eli Lilly (which is focused in the area of cardiovascular research) to increase productivity in drug discovery and development by synergising the unique strengths of both companies. The collaborative research programme may continue for a span of up to six years, according to a statement by Zydus.

As part of the agreement, Lilly will have an option to license any resulting molecules at different stages. Zydus would receive potential milestone payments of up to $300 million and royalties on sales upon the successful launch of any compounds derived from the research programme.

“We have built strong discovery and development capabilities in the cardiometabolic disease area and this is a wonderful opportunity to unite efforts, share expertise, complement strengths and develop new potential cardiovascular therapies, said Pankaj R. Patel, chairman and managing director of Zydus Cadila in  a press statement.

Zydus will work to discover and develop potential molecules in the area of cardiovascular research. Zydus will initiate the drug discovery along with conducting preclinical studies and clinical trials up to Phase II Human Proof-of-Concept.

Lilly will provide chemical starting points as well as expertise and feedback regarding toxicology, ADME, chemistry, biology, clinical and regulatory aspects as needed to potentially increase the probability of success of the programme.