Drug news
Merck Inc and Pfizer to collaborate on ertugliflozin for Type 2 Diabetes
Merck & Co., Inc.and Pfizer Inc. have announced that they have entered into a worldwide (except Japan) collaboration agreement for the development and commercialization of Pfizer�s ertugliflozin (PF-04971729), an investigational oral sodium glucose cotransporter (SGLT2) inhibitor being evaluated for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Under the terms of the agreement, Merck, through a subsidiary, and Pfizer will collaborate on the clinical development and commercialization of ertugliflozin and ertugliflozin-containing fixed-dose combinations with metformin and Januvia (sitagliptin) tablets. Merck will continue to retain the rights to its existing portfolio of sitagliptin-containing products. The drug is ready to enter Phase III trials.