Forest Labs gets rights to novel analgesic drug candidates from Grunenthal

Family-owned German drugmaker Grunenthal has entered into a license agreement with the USA’s Forest Laboratories (NYSE: FRX) for the co-development and commercialization of a novel oral small-molecule analgesic, GRT 6005, and its follow-on compound GRT 6006.

Both compounds were discovered and developed by Grunenthal and represent novel first in class molecules with unique pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles that may enhance their effect in certain pain conditions. The unique mode of action of these compounds builds on the ORL-1 receptor and, supported by the established mu opioid receptor, is particularly suitable for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain. GRT 6005 has successfully completed initial proof-of-concept studies in nociceptive and neuropathic pain with further Phase II studies planned prior to initiation of Phase III.

Financial terms not disclosed