Lilly acquires worldwide rights to intranasal glucagon from Locemia

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) and Locemia Solutions today announced Lilly has acquired worldwide rights to Locemia's intranasal glucagon, a potential treatment for severe hypoglycemia in people with diabetes treated with insulin. Intranasal glucagon, which is currently in Phase III clinical trial testing, could be the first needle-free rescue treatment for severe hypoglycemia.

Intranasal glucagon uses a proprietary glucagon nasal powder formulation that is delivered in an emergency situation using a single-use, ready-to-use device. The caregiver presses a small plunger on the bottom of the device to release the glucagon as a puff in the nose, where the glucagon is absorbed in the nasal passages.

"If approved, glucagon nasal powder would be an important innovation for people with diabetes and an exciting addition to our product portfolio," said Enrique Conterno, president, Lilly Diabetes. "Administration of glucagon is critical when people with diabetes experience a severe hypoglycemic episode, and in an emergency situation, not having to reconstitute or inject the medicine would reduce the complexity in an already stressful situation. We look forward to bringing this product to market. "

"Locemia's mission has been to find an innovative approach to make severe hypoglycemia rescue simple. We believe needle-free glucagon nasal powder could positively impact the lives of those who use insulin and expand the community of people who could take action in a severe hypoglycemia emergency," said Dr. Claude Piche, CEO of Locemia Solutions.

"We are thrilled that Lilly, with its global expertise and heritage in diabetes, has made this commitment to advance our innovative glucagon nasal powder. We believe that, with Lilly's leadership, a less complex approach to glucagon delivery could have a broad impact beyond just rescue treatment for insulin users and those who touch their lives," said Robert Oringer, Chairman of Locemia Solutions.

Financial terms have not been disclosed.