Lilly And Dura Team Up To Develop Pulmonary Delivery Of Insulin

Eli Lilly and Co. and Dura Pharmaceuticals Inc. are collaborating to develop pulmonary delivery technology for insulin products based on Dura's proprietary Spiros pulmonary-drug- delivery technology for proteins and peptides.

In Dura's Spiros pulmonary delivery system, the drug is formulated as a powder for inhalation. The powder formulation is delivered through the Spiros inhaler, a hand-held, battery-powered multidose system that is designed to deliver consistent doses of medicine to the lung independent of the patient's inspiratory effort. Upon reaching the lung, a drug, such as insulin, then enters the bloodstream. Delivery of medication through the lung is designed to offer patients an alternative to administering medication by injection.

Under the terms of the agreement, Dura received an up-front payment and will receive further funding for research and milestone payments of undisclosed amounts from Lilly. In addition, Dura will receive royalties and manufacturing payments on products that reach the marketplace. Lilly has received global commercialization rights for the resulting inhaled insulin products.

"We believe the combination of our expertise in developing products to treat diabetes coupled with Dura's expertise in aerosol delivery technology can create a product that will greatly benefit patients," said James A. Harper, president of endocrine products for Lilly.

Both Dura and Lilly are dedicating resources to the collaboration. Lilly is leading the clinical trial efforts, is supplying insulin to the programs and will be responsible for global marketing efforts. Dura is formulating the insulin inhalation powder, is further developing pulmonary delivery technologies for the product and is responsible for manufacturing the final product.

For more information: James P. Kappel, Eli Lilly and Co. Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN 46285. Telephone: 317-276-5795.