Novel approach to treat high lipid levels in the blood

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Article Date: 20 Oct 2004 - 14:00 PDT

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Roche and Japan Tobacco Inc (JT) (TSE:2914) today announced a licensing agreement for the late-stage development and commercialization of JTT-705, JT's innovative cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is a blood lipid dysfunction that results in abnormal lipid and lipoproteins levels in the blood stream, leading to a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The compound JTT-705, which is currently in phase II clinical development, regulates lipids by increasing the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), so called "good" cholesterol in the blood.

"JT's new compound could be the next frontier in treating dyslipidemia," said William M. Burns, Head of Roche's Pharmaceuticals Division. "JTT-705 is a very attractive addition to Roche's primary care portfolio because it addresses today's unmet need to offer better treatments to manage cholesterol."

"We are extremely pleased to have an excellent partner for JTT-705, a much-awaited compound with huge potential," said Noriaki Okubo, President of JT's Pharmaceutical Business. "With Roche as our partner, we will continue to make every effort to contribute to the treatment of dyslipidemic patients all over the world."

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will have exclusive worldwide rights, excluding Japan and Korea, to develop and commercialize JTT-705. JT will receive a payment upon signing and could receive milestone payments, depending on the progress of development, and royalties based on product sales.

About Dyslipidemia

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death and kill approximately 17 million people a year. Dyslipidemia currently affects approximately 10% of the global population. There is an increasing prevalence and medical need for lipid-modifying drugs in obese and type 2 diabetic patients. A high proportion of type 2 diabetic patients have abnormal concentrations of lipoproteins. In the US, Japan and Europe there are more than 240 million people with abnormal lipoprotein levels. Of these, more than 55 million have low high density lipoprotein (HDL) and/or high triglyceride levels.

About Roche as a Partner

Roche is a valued partner to over 50 companies worldwide. In 2003, Roche led the pharmaceutical industry in the number of product deals signed, bringing 10 potential products into the company, including a new antibiotic, a novel treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and an exciting cardiovascular compound. Roche's alliance strategy is to enable our partners to grow through a flexible and collaborative approach.

About Roche

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is one of the world's leading research-intensive healthcare groups. Its core businesses are pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. As a supplier of innovative products and services for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease, the Group contributes on a broad range of fronts to improving people's health and quality of life. Roche is number one in the global diagnostics market, the leading supplier of medicines for cancer and transplantation and a market leader in virology. In 2003, the Pharmaceuticals Division generated 19.8 billion Swiss francs in prescription drug sales, while the Diagnostics Division posted sales of 7.4 billion Swiss francs. Roche employs roughly 65,000 people in 150 countries and has R&D agreements and strategic alliances with numerous partners, including majority ownership interests in Genentech and Chugai.

About Japan Tobacco

Japan Tobacco Inc. is the world's third largest international manufacturer of tobacco products. Since its privatisation in 1985, JT has actively diversified its operations into pharmaceuticals and foods. JT entered into the pharmaceuticals business in 1987 and established the Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute in 1993. JT is currently engaged in the research and development of new drugs in various areas such as glucose and lipid metabolism, anti-virus, immune disorders and inflammation and bone metabolism. The company's net sales were ¥4.625 trillion in the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2004.

The transaction may be subject to review by Federal Trade Commission under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976

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