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GSK begins diabetes drug trial

20 Feb 2009

GlaxoSmithKline''s (GSK) Syncria (albiglutide) diabetes drug is set to enter a phase III clinical trial.

Involving more than 4,000 subjects, the tests will assess the investigational Glucago-like peptide 1 agonist''s safety, efficacy and tolerability in patients who have type 2 diabetes.

Scheduled to be initiated in early 2009 with five studies, the programme is expected to be between two and three years long.

Patients will be given a weekly 30 mg dose of the product.

Carlo Russo, senior vice-president of GSK''s biopharm development, said: "It is clear that new therapies are needed to better control type 2 diabetes and to improve people''s lives."

He added the drug is being investigated to examine its potential to help control blood sugar levels.

Earlier this month, GSK revealed it had signed a license agreement with Idenix.

The deal sees the former receiving worldwide rights to the novel non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor IDX899.

Currently in phase II clinical development, the therapy is planned to be used as a treatment for HIV and Aids.