GSK doses first patient in Ph III Syncria trial

UK drug major GlaxoSmithKline has begun patient dosing in the first of five Phase III trials of the investigational glucagon-like peptide 1  agonist Syncria (albiglutide) in patients with type 2 diabetes and, as a  result, US drugmaker Human Genome Sciences will receive a $9.0-million  milestone.

Syncria is generated from the genetic fusion of human albumin and  modified human GLP-1 peptide, and is designed to act throughout the body  to help maintain normal blood-sugar levels and to control appetite. The  agent was created by HGS using its proprietary albumin-fusion technology  and licensed to GSK in 2004. HGS is entitled to fees and milestone  payments that could amount to as much as $183.0 million, in addition to  single-digit royalties on worldwide sales if the drug is commercialized.  "It is clear that new therapies are needed to better control type 2  diabetes and to improve people's lives," said Carlo Russo, senior vice  president of biopharm development at the London, UK-headquartered  firm.