Roche and Japan Tobacco Inc (JT) inked a licensing agreement for the late-stage development and commercialization of JTT-705, JT's innovative cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitor, for the treatment of dyslipidemia.

The compound JTT-705, which is currently in phase II clinical development, regulates lipids by increasing the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), so called "good" cholesterol in the blood. Dyslipidemia is a blood lipid dysfunction that results in abnormal lipid and lipoproteins levels in the blood stream, leading to a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche will have exclusive worldwide rights, excluding Japan and Korea, to develop and commercialize JTT-705. JT will receive a payment upon signing and could receive milestone payments, depending on the progress of development, and royalties based on product sales.

"JT's new compound could be the next frontier in treating dyslipidemia," said William M. Burns, head of Roche's Pharmaceuticals Division. "JTT-705 is a very attractive addition to Roche's primary care portfolio because it addresses today's unmet need to offer better treatments to manage cholesterol."

"We are extremely pleased to have an excellent partner for JTT-705, a much-awaited compound with huge potential," Noriaki Okubo, president of JT's Pharmaceutical Business said adding, "With Roche as our partner, we will continue to make every effort to contribute to the treatment of dyslipidemic patients all over the world."

Dyslipidemia currently affects approximately 10 per cent of the global population. There is an increasing prevalence and medical need for lipid-modifying drugs in obese and type 2 diabetic patients. A high proportion of type 2 diabetic patients have abnormal concentrations of lipoproteins. In the US, Japan and Europe there are more than 240 million people with abnormal lipoprotein levels. Of these, more than 55 million have low high density lipoprotein (HDL) and/or high triglyceride levels.

Japan Tobacco Inc is the world's third largest international manufacturer of tobacco products. Since its privatisation in 1985, JT has actively diversified its operations into pharmaceuticals and foods. JT entered into the pharmaceuticals business in 1987 and established the Central Pharmaceutical Research Institute in 1993. JT is currently engaged in the research and development of new drugs in various areas such as glucose and lipid metabolism, anti-virus, immune disorders and inflammation and bone metabolism. The company's net sales were ¥4.625 trillion in the fiscal year that ended March 31, 2004.