The collaboration between Isis and Ortho-McNeil (OMI), includes the licensing of two second-generation antisense drugs, ISIS 325568 and ISIS 377131. ISIS 325568 was designed to selectively inhibit the production of glucagon receptor and has demonstrated improved glucose control in animal models of type 2 diabetes.
Jeffrey Jonas, executive vice president, Isis Pharmaceuticals, said: “We are pleased to have achieved this milestone so early in our collaboration with Ortho-McNeil. OMI will be providing all funding for this study, while Isis will be managing the study through to completion before handing all additional development responsibilities over to our partner.”