Eli Lilly and Co. and Adocia have entered a worldwide licensing collaboration for the development of an ultra-rapid insulin, known as BioChaperone Lispro, for the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes. BioChaperone Lispro employs Adocia’s BioChaperone technology and is currently in Phase Ib trials.

The companies will work to optimize glucose levels during and after meals. BioChaperone Lispro may provide greater flexibility in the timing of insulin injections, lower variability of post-meal blood glucose elevations, lower rates of hypoglycemia and better overall glucose control.

Lilly is responsible for future development, manufacturing, and commercialization. Adocia will receive an upfront fee of $50 million with the potential for future payments of as much as $280 million based on certain development and regulatory milestones, and sales milestones of as much as $240 million, as well as sales royalties. Lilly will also reimburse Adocia for certain R&D expenses.

“An ultra-rapid acting insulin, if approved by regulators, could provide a new important treatment option for people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes,” said Enrique Conterno, president, Lilly Diabetes. “An ultra-rapid acting insulin would be a natural fit in our growing portfolio.

“It is a great day for Adocia and Lilly, a global leader in diabetes treatment, to initiate a new collaboration for the development of an innovative ultra-rapid formulation of insulin lispro” said Gerard Soula, president and chief executive officer of Adocia. “We consider Lilly a key collaborator on this project based on their extensive knowledge of insulin.”