June 25, 2010 – Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) and Metabolex announced a global licensing agreement on MBX-2982, an oral agent, GPR119 receptor agonist, for the treatment of Type II Diabetes. GPR119 receptor agonists (or G-protein coupled receptor 119) are found to exert the effects on glucose metabolism by a dual mode of action affecting both insulin and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) release. This innovative mechanism could offer improved glucose control over the existing oral diabetes therapies, with an additional potentially beneficial effect on weight.
Under this agreement, sanofi-aventis will receive an exclusive worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize MBX-2982, currently in Phase II a, and related compounds.“The new mechanism of action of MBX-2982 is very promising and we are excited to have identified Metabolex as our partner in this very competitive field”... [PDF] Sanofi-aventis' Press Release -
