New anti-asthma molecule from Glenmark

By Our Staff Correspondent

MUMBAI, APRIL 18. Scientists at Glenmark R&D Centre have discovered a new anti-asthma molecule called GRC-3015. The molecule belongs to a new novel drug target Phospho Diesterase Enzyme 4 (PDE4) inhibitor.

Other companies working on the PDE4 target worldwide include GlaxoSmithKline (Airflo), Pfizer (PD-168787) and Schering Plough (D4418).

Preliminary studies have shown Glenmark's compound GRC-3015 to have a very high activity In-Vitro. Glenmark has filed a patent on the product and GRC-3015 is currently undergoing advanced pre- clinical trials. The company plans to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) Application within a year. After filing an IND, Glenmark would seek a potential licensing MNC partner for the molecule who would take the product into clinical trials.

The first molecule in this arena that would hit the market worldwide is GlaxoSmithKline's Ariflo. This product is currently completing Phase III and is likely to be launched in early 2003. The product is expected to be a blockbuster drug.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Business
Previous : Govt. for 3 year lock-in period for HCL partner
Next     : Monitor