The compounds are functionally liver-selective Glucokinase Activators (GKAs), which represent a novel class of glucose-lowering agents for the treatment of diabetes.
Through the license agreement, Forest is expected to provide TransTech Pharma an upfront license payment of $50m. TransTech Pharma could receive up to $1.105bn in upfront and milestone payments for the successful development and commercialisation of the GKA compounds.
Forest is also expected to pay TransTech Pharma royalties on worldwide product sales and will be responsible for development and commercialisation costs. TransTech Pharma retains the rights to the Middle East and North Africa, while Forest receives exclusive rights to the rest of the worldwide market.
The portfolio licensed by Forest consists of a lead compound, TTP399, which has completed Phase I studies and other compounds in Phase I and pre-clinical stages of development.
Adnan Mjalli, founder, chairman and CEO of TransTech Pharma, said: “We believe this novel class of compounds has the potential to be a major therapeutic advance in the treatment of diabetes. Our GKAs are specifically selected to improve glycemic control without exerting pressure on the pancreas to produce insulin. We are encouraged by early data suggesting potential additional decreases in serum lipids which tend to be elevated in diabetic patients.”
Howard Solomon, chairman and CEO of Forest, said: “We are impressed with TransTech’s experience in selecting liver targeted GKAs that have the potential to contribute to diabetic control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. The program may offer a unique and compelling new therapeutic option for the millions of patients who suffer from diabetes and we look forward to advancing it through development.”