Amylin and Takeda drop combo obesity drug development

Amylin Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: AMLN) and Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical (TSE: 4502) are discontinuing development of pramlintide/metreleptin, an investigational combination therapy for the treatment of obesity, a Phase II trial of which was halted earlier this year (The Pharma Letter March 17).

The joint decision was based on a commercial reassessment of the pramlintide/metreleptin program, which had been in Phase II development as a twice-a-day injection formulation. The commercial assessment took into account a revised development plan as well as evolving dynamics within the obesity therapeutic area. The companies will continue to evaluate other assets as potential candidates for the treatment of obesity and related indications under the terms of their existing collaboration agreement.

Takeda acquired co-development rights to the combination obesity drug with an upfront payment of $75 million and worth a potential $1 billion to Amylin (TPL November 2, 2009).