Ortho-McNeil’s Phase I program will evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of APD597 in single and multiple ascending dose studies in healthy volunteers. Ortho-McNeil’s planned clinical studies will also include the evaluation of patients with type 2 diabetes.
The glucose-dependent insulinotropic receptor (GDIR) was also discovered by Arena and has the potential to stimulate insulin release in response to increases in blood glucose.
Jack Lief, president and CEO of Arena, said: “The GDIR is a promising and exciting target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We look forward to continuing to work with Ortho-McNeil on APD597 as it advances in the clinic.”