AMLN metabolizes GLP-1 assets

Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1), a naturally occurring hormone produced in the gut in response to food intake, stimulates insulin secretion by beta cells and inhibits glucagon secretion, which helps regulate inappropriate production of insulin. Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc., which is developing a GLP-1 receptor agonist to treat diabetes, has added to its metabolic arsenal by acquiring intellectual property rights to GLP-1 from Restoragen Inc.

While the link to AMLN's diabetes program is clear, the deal also boosts the company's foothold in the cardiovascular space, providing rights to Restoragen's Betatropin continuous infusion formulation of GLP-1, which is in Phase II testing to treat congestive heart failure (CHF) (see B2). ...