USFDA nod for Glenmark to test COPD drug

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals today announced that its lead PDE-4 inhibitor - GRC 3886 molecule - has got USFDA approval for clinical testing in the US.

According to a release issued by Glenmark to the BSE today, the molecule was also granted its international non-proprietary name (INN) Oglemilast.

Oglemilast, Glenmark's oral, long-acting PDE4  inhibitor, was tested for indications of asthma and chronic pbstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"It had completed phase I single and multiple dosing studies in the UK in March 2005," the release added.

The phase II studies in the US would be conducted by Forest Laboratories Inc, Glenmark's development partner for Oglemilast.

The company also has a similar parnership with Teijin Pharma for Japan, the release added.