Dr Reddy’s gives up on Balaglitazone

Balaglitazone, the much-hyped new chemical entity (NCE) of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, is almost dead.

“It has become difficult to find partners for Bala. We have written off the investments made on the candidate. Now, it is difficult to take it forward,” GV Prasad, chief executive officer of the company, said.

He did not reveal the investments made over the last 6-7 years to develop the anti-diabetes molecule.

The company had announced the results of Phase III trials on Balaglitazone in January 2010 and since was keen on roping in a partner to develop it further for taking it to market.

However, there were reports on the side-effect profiles of the glitazone family compounds and the approvals were proving to be difficult for completing the development process.