Pfizer, Bristol-Myers team up on treatment for metabolic disorders

NEW YORK Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb have reached an agreement on a worldwide alliance to research, develop and commercialize DGAT-1 inhibitors. The DGAT-1 inhibitors program includes compounds with applications for the treatment of metabolic disorders, including obesity and diabetes.

Pfizer will conduct all research and early-stage activities for the metabolic disorders and the companies will work together on Phase III development and commercialization activities.

DGAT-1 (diacylglycerol acyl transferase-1) is an enzyme critical to the creation of triglycerides and fat storage. Overweight and obese people have significantly greater triglyceride levels, making them more likely to get diabetes and its associated metabolic complications.

According to Elliot Sigal, chief scientific officer and president, Research and Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, "This collaboration underscores the company’s commitment to investing in research and development, and reflects our strategy to identify partnerships that complement our own research efforts to enhance our innovative pipeline."