Glenmark to file patent for obesity drug candidate

By Lisa Kerner

Erie, Pa., Feb. 13 - Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd said it expects to file a patent in May for a phase 1 trial of GRC 10389, its lead candidate in the cannabinoid (CB-1) receptor antagonist program. The highly selective drug candidate targets obesity and associated disorders, according to a company news release.

The long-acting compound is presently completing pre-clinical studies for its primary indication, obesity, and is expected to result in a once-daily-dosing regimen in humans, the company said.

The molecule has produced a significant reduction of food and nutrient intake in animal models of feeding. According to the release, the toxicity studies are progressing well and have established a clean profile for the compound.

"We believe that GRC 10389 will prove to be an excellent candidate for metabolic disorders in our NCE programme and we are happy with the promise it is showing," managing director and chief executive officer Glenn Saldanha said in the release. "CB-1 receptor antagonists are being increasingly looked at for treating obesity and Glenmark is keen on being one of the early players in this category."

Phase 2 study is expected to follow by January 2007. Glenmark anticipates launching the product for the primary indication by 2011.

Rimonabant, another CB-1 antagonist being developed by Sanofi-Synthelabo, is the leading molecule in this category. It has been successful in human trials and is due for approval this year, the company said.

Glenmark is a Mumbai, India-based pharmaceutical company.

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