Forest Labs, Merckle to Co-Develop, Market COX/LO Inhibitor

Forest Laboratories Inc. (New York), an international pharmaceutical manufacturer and marketer, has signed a licensing agreement with German pharmaceutical company Merckle GmbH. The agreement covers the development and U.S. marketing of ML3000, a COX/LO inhibitor being investigated for its role in the management of osteoarthritis.

ML3000 belongs to the COX/LO inhibitor class of drugs, which simultaneously inhibit the enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (LO), both of which are involved in the inflammatory process. Leukotrienes, inflammatory products generated by LO, are believed to contribute to the gastrointestinal irritation caused by traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and may contribute to the arthritic symptoms.

In numerous Phase II studies, ML3000 demonstrated an overall safety profile similar to placebo at doses that were effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis. The product entered Phase III studies in Europe earlier this year.

Up until now, the development of ML3000 was carried out by the EuroAlliance Consortium, formed by Merckle (Germany), Alfa Wasserman (Italy), and Lacer (Spain).

For more information: Howard Solomon, Chairman and CEO, Forest Laboratories Inc., 909 3rd Ave., New York, NY 10022-4731. Tel: 212-421-7850 or 800-947-5227. Fax: 212-750-9152.

Edited by Jim Pomager