WuXi PharmaTech (Cayman) Inc. and Eli Lilly and Co. have entered into a strategic collaboration to develop, manufacture and commercialize a novel small molecule in China. The once-daily oral agent, discovered by Lilly, has the potential to address cardiovascular risk in patients with dyslipidemia. An estimated 276 million patients in China are affected by these conditions. The drug aims to reduce cardiovascular events in patients with elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides at high risk of cardiovascular events.
 
WuXi will be responsible for regulatory, development and manufacturing activities in China and Lilly will be responsible for commercial activities. Both companies will invest in this potential new medicine in China. Further financial terms were not disclosed. An Investigational New Drug (IND) application will be filed in China by WuXi, and product development and registration will take place within China.

“We are pleased to collaborate with WuXi to develop this potential new medicine,” said Andrew Hodge, president of Lilly China. “This unique collaboration is part of our ‘In China, For China’ strategy to leverage Lilly’s leading technology and experience, and local partners’ insight and expertise, to meet patient needs.”

“WuXi is delighted to work with Lilly, a world-leading pharmaceutical company, to develop, register and manufacture this potential first-in-class therapeutic agent,” said Dr. Ge Li, chairman and chief executive officer of WuXi PharmaTech. “This strategic collaboration will leverage the recently announced China regulatory reforms, which strongly encourage, support, and accelerate development and manufacture in China of highly innovative new medicines that target major unmet medical needs.”