Zydus Cadila, Eli Lily tie up for cardiovascular drug research

30 March 2009

Zydus Cadila, has signed a new drug discovery and development agreement with US drug firm Eli Lilly and Company for focused research in the area of cardiovascular medicines.

''This alliance seeks to increase productivity in drug discovery and development by synergising the unique strengths of both companies. The collaborative research programme may continue for a span of up to six years,'' Zydus Cadila said in a release.

Zydus Cadila, a global healthcare group based in Ahmedabad, will work to discover and develop potential molecules against a novel target, primarily.

in the area of cardiovascular research. Zydus will initiate the drug discovery, lead identification and optimisation, and conduct preclinical studies and clinical trials up to Phase II human proof-of-concept.

Lilly will provide chemical starting points as well as expertise and feedback regarding toxicology, ADME, chemistry, biology, clinical and regulatory aspects as needed to potentially increase the probability of success of the programme.

As part of the agreement, Lilly will have an option to license any resulting molecules at different stages. Zydus would receive potential milestone payments of up to $300 million and royalties on sales upon the successful launch of any compounds derived from the research programme.