AstraZeneca, BMS extend diabetes pact to Japan

AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb are expanding their collaboration on a new type 2 diabetes drug to include Japan. Researchers for the two companies began testing dapagliflozin back in 2007 and it's now in late-stage trials in several markets and mid-stage trials in Japan. The companies hope to start marketing the drug around the world in 2012.

"Bristol-Myers Squibb and AstraZeneca have been working together to develop dapagliflozin for type 2 diabetes for nearly two year--this inclusion of Japan was a natural progression of our collaboration and an important strategic step in our relationship," said Lamberto Andreotti, executive vice president and COO for Bristol-Myers Squibb. "Our companies have a shared vision for these diabetes treatments, and this agreement will help ensure we can successfully launch and maximize the potential of dapagliflozin for the more than 6 million people in Japan living with type 2 diabetes."

In the deal, AstraZeneca has operational and cost responsibility for all development and regulatory activities on behalf of the collaboration in Japan. In addition to the companies' collaboration on dapagliflozin, they have been working together to develop another potential treatment for type 2 diabetes--Onglyza (saxagliptin)--globally, excluding Japan.

- check out the release for more

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