AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers expand diabetes deal into Japan

Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) and AstraZeneca have expanded their worldwide collaboration to include the development and commercialization of dapagliflozin in Japan.

Dapagliflozin, one of two investigational drugs under joint development by the companies, is currently being studied in Phase III clinical trials in several countries, including the U.S., to assess its efficacy and safety as a once-daily treatment for type 2 diabetes.

In January 2007, the Princeton, N.J.-based BMS and London-based AstraZeneca entered into a global collaboration, excluding Japan, to enable the companies to research, develop and commercialize dapagliflozin. The companies now have agreed to co-develop dapagliflozin in Japan with AstraZeneca having operational and cost responsibility for all development and regulatory activities on behalf of the collaboration.

The two companies said they will jointly market the product in Japan, sharing all commercialization expenses and activities and splitting profits/losses equally. BMS will manufacture dapagliflozin and also book sales. Dapagliflozin is currently being studied in Phase II clinical trials in Japan.

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