Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck have reached an agreement terminating their collaborative development of the type 2 diabetes treatment candidate Pargluva (muraglitazar).

Under the agreement, all rights to muraglitazar return to Bristol-Myers Squibb as of Dec. 21. The deal also covers the reversion to Bristol of a back-up compound to muraglitazar.

The two companies announced Oct. 27 that they would consider terminating the agreement after determining that regulatory approval and commercial success of the therapy would necessitate additional clinical trials that could take up to five years to complete (¹ Also see "Pargluva Development May Be Terminated By Bristol, Merck" - Pink Sheet, 27 October, 2005.).

In an Oct. 18 "approvable" letter for Pargluva, FDA requested additional information to fully address the cardiovascular safety profile of muraglitazar (² Also see "Bristol/Merck Receive Pargluva "Approvable" Letter" - Pink Sheet, 18 October, 2005.).

Bristol said it remains in discussions with FDA and is considering its options, including additional studies. The firm has not yet ruled out terminating further development.

-Jonathan Block

Bristol, Merck End Pargluva Collaboration

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