Merck, JT in Osteo-Pact

Merck and Japan Tobacco Inc. (JT) have signed a worldwide licensing agreement to develop and commercialize JTT-305, an investigational oral osteoanabolic (bone growth stimulating) agent for the treatment of osteoporosis.

Merck will gain worldwide rights, except for Japan, to develop and commercialize JTT-305. JT will receive an upfront payment and is eligible to receive additional cash payments upon achievement of certain development milestones associated and product royalties.

JTT-305 is an oral calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) antagonist that is currently being evaluated by JT in Phase II clinical trials in Japan for its effect on increasing bone density; it is in Phase I clinical trials outside of Japan.

“Through this agreement with Merck, JT is well positioned to maximize the therapeutic potential for JTT-305 as a possible future option for patients with osteoporosis,” said Noriaki Okubo, president of JT’s pharmaceutical business.

“Partnering with JT to develop this novel compound complements Merck’s portfolio of musculoskeletal drug candidates,” said Alan B. Ezekowitz, MBChB, D.Phil., senior vice president and franchise head, Bone, Respiratory, Immunology, and Endocrine, Merck Research Laboratories. “In the future, we believe that use of antiresorptive and osteoanabolic agents together may provide an effective way to reduce the risk of fractures in patients with osteoporosis.”