Lilly Initiates Second Cancer Trial in Isis Collaboration

Eli Lilly and Co. has initiated clinical trials of LY2275796, an antisense drug that targets a protein involved in the growth and survival factors that contribute to tumor progression and the spread of cancers. LY2275796 was discovered in the Isis-Lilly drug discovery collaboration, and is the second antisense drug candidate from this strategic alliance to advance into Phase I development. Lilly will pay Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. $750,000 for the accomplishment of this milestone. Lilly is also funding the development of LY2275796 and will make additional payments on the achievements of certain development and regulatory milestones, and royalties on product sales to Isis.

“Advancing our second drug into clinical trials from the Isis-Lilly collaboration is an important milestone in the discovery and development of novel antisense drugs to treat significant diseases,” said C. Frank Bennett, Ph.D., senior vice president, Antisense Research at Isis. “Our specific and potent antisense drug has the potential to help patients suffering from cancer, including breast, head and neck, colon, prostate, bladder, and lung cancer.”