Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Reliant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that the companies have signed an agreement for Amylin to co-promote Reliant's cardiovascular products that address cholesterol management and hypertension to a target group of endocrinologists in the United States. Hypertension and high cholesterol, common co-morbidities of diabetes, significantly increase patients' risk for advanced cardiovascular disease and heart failure.

"With the signing of this co-promotion agreement, we continue to benefit from the expertise of our sales staff while preparations are made for the potential commercialization of our diabetes compounds," said Ginger L. Graham, president and CEO of Amylin. "Our agreement with Reliant will enable Amylin's sales team to sustain its existing relationships with endocrinologists."

"Amylin is a natural co-promotion partner for Reliant, as many people with diabetes also require cholesterol and hypertension management," added Joseph Krivulka, president of Reliant. "Amylin's experienced sales force will bring additional focus and resources to educate endocrinologists on the benefits of the Lescol, DynaCirc and InnoPran product families."