Dr. Reddy's spotlights promising Phase III diabetes data

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories says that its first late-stage trial of the experimental diabetes drug balaglitazone hit its primary endpoint for the reduction of blood glucose levels. The placebo-controlled trial recruited 409 patients and tested the drug at 10 mg and 20 mg. And the Indian pharma company says the data leaves the program on track to an eventual regulatory approval.

The headline results are a satisfying start to a series of late-stage trials for the drug, which is targeted at the booming Type 2 diabetes market. Dr. Reddy's is partnered on the drug--an insulin sensitizer that acts as a partial PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor) gamma agonist--with Denmark's Rheoscience, a unit of Nordic Bioscience.

"These results offer the opportunity for a constructive series of dialogues with both potential partners as well as regulatory agencies. We look forward to working with Rheoscience to define the path forward for balaglitazone," said Chief Executive G.V. Prasad.

- check out Dr. Reddy's release for more info
- here's the Dow Jones report