Pfizer, BMS Detail Metabolic Disorder Partnership

Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) will codevelop diacylglycerol acyltransferase-1 (DGAT-1) inhibitors under their existing development and commercialization agreement for drug candidates to treat metabolic disorders, the firms announced Aug. 27.

The deal was originally announced earlier this summer when Pfizer agreed to pay BMS $250 million upfront, as well as $750 million in potential development and regulatory milestones, for a 50 percent interest in the late-stage investigational anticoagulant apixaban.

According to the companies, DGAT-1 is an enzyme critical to the body’s process of creating triglycerides and fat storage. Drugs that inhibit DGAT-1 have been shown to induce weight loss, and improve glucose tolerance and lipid level in obese animals.

BMS said that it has not yet taken an active role in developing the products under the agreement because Pfizer is responsible for early-stage R&D.