GlaxoSmithKline and Flamel Technologies S.A. have entered into an agreement whereby Flamel has licensed its controlled-release Micropump technology to GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to develop a new formulation for an undisclosed existing product. Flamel will receive an upfront payment of $2M and additional milestone payments upon achievement of certain events, and royalties on sales of the product. Based on the continued successful development and commercialisation of this formulation, GSK and Flamel estimate payments to Flamel could range up to $45 million by the end of the first year following launch, of which $25M is attributable to the product reaching certain milestones. Flamel may also participate in the manufacture of product. Additional terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Gerard Soula, president and chief executive officer of Flamel, said, "We are very excited about this new development agreement with GSK. We are confident of the potential of Micropump technology for these large, and still growing, markets. This additional agreement further demonstrates the interest of major worldwide pharmaceutical companies in our versatile technology platforms. Moreover, this is our second license agreement with GSK within the past nine months, based on Micropump technology. It confirms the common interest of the two companies to work together. I am very pleased and proud to see GSK, one of the world's premier pharmaceutical companies, expand its relationship with Flamel."

Lawson Macartney, FRCPath, Head of the Cardiovascular, Metabolic and Urology Therapeutic Areas, GSK, added, "This collaboration will help us to maintain our leadership in product research and development. We are eager to develop with Flamel, leading technologies within our therapeutic areas with the objective of providing the next generation of medicines."