Ligand receives $2 million milestone payment from GlaxoSmithKline

By Angela McDaniels

Seattle, Feb. 14 - Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. said that GlaxoSmithKline has begun a phase 3 trial of eltrombopag (SB497115) and, in according with a research collaboration between the companies, paid Ligand a $2 million milestone payment.

The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial has a parallel group design and will give a daily dose of eltrombopag or a placebo for six weeks to adult patients with previously treated idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, an autoimmune disorder characterized by low platelet counts, episodes of spontaneous bruising, mucosal bleeding and, in severe cases, intracranial hemorrhage.

The trial has sites in 33 countries including Italy, Denmark, Poland, France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Switzerland, Russia, Netherlands, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Mexico, Australia, United States and Canada.

If the drug is ultimately approved and marketed, Ligand could receive double-digit royalties on product sales, according to a company news release.

Results from a phase 2 trial found that 75 mg and 50 mg doses of eltrombopag were successful in elevating platelet counts compared with a placebo, the company said. Further, there were no safety or tolerability events that would preclude advancement to phase 3 studies.

Eltrombopag is an oral platelet growth factor that stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes, bone marrow cells that mature into blood platelets. Because it is a small molecule, the drug is administered as an orally administered tablet and has less potential than large protein molecules for causing an immune system reaction, according to the release.

San Diego-based Ligand discovers, develops and markets drugs for the treatment of cancer, pain, skin diseases, men's and women's hormone-related diseases, osteoporosis, metabolic disorders and cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

GlaxoSmithKline is a London-based health care company.

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