In December 2007, Lilly and BioMS Medical announced a global licensing and development agreement. Lilly acquired exclusive worldwide rights to BioMS Medical's lead multiple sclerosis (MS) compound, MBP8298 (dirucotide), a novel late-stage molecule currently being evaluated in two pivotal Phase III clinical trials in secondary progressive MS (SPMS) and one Phase II clinical trial in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).
Lilly and BioMS Medical are collaborating on the development of MBP8298 (dirucotide) and will also share in certain development costs, with Lilly being responsible for future R&D, manufacturing, and marketing activities. BioMS Medical continues to oversee the current clinical trials.
For more information about BioMS, visit www.biomsmedical.com.
"We are very pleased to collaborate with Lilly on the worldwide development of MBP8298 (dirucotide). Lilly's well-established leadership in the neurology arena and considerable resources, expertise, and proven ability to launch first-in-class drugs will help MBP8298 (dirucotide) to realize its full development and commercial potential."
Kevin Giese
President and Chief Executive Officer,BioMS Medical
"Lilly is pleased to add yet another promising late-stage compound to our portfolio. Multiple sclerosis is a disease with significant unmet patient needs. MBP8298 (dirucotide) has shown potential in slowing the progression of secondary progressive MS, and thus may provide an effective therapeutic option for patients with this debilitating disease. We are also hopeful that MBP8298 (dirucotide) may prove beneficial in treating patients with relapsing remitting MS. We intend to fully leverage our expertise in neuroscience to continue the development of this novel molecule."
William W. Chin, M.D.
Vice President, Discovery Research and Clinical Investigation, Eli Lilly and Company
