Novartis and Bristol-Myers double collaboration

Novartis (SWX:NOVN; NVS) and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) will co-develop and co-promote NOVN's Zelmac tegaserod to treat symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The deal will run until the end of the patent term for Zelmac. The companies will also co-develop Zelmac to treat upper and lower gastrointestinal tract disorders including gastro-esophogeal reflux disease (GERD), chronic constipation, and functional dyspepsia. Zelmac is under review in Europe and has received a approvable letter from the FDA to treat IBS (see BioCentury, Aug. 21). ...