Ligand Pharma Announces Preclinical Data for Glucagon Program

Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated LGND announced the presentation of a poster titled “Glucagon Receptor Antagonist LGD-6972 Is Efficacious in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice” at the 73^rd Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association in Chicago. The poster provides data from preclinical studies of Ligand's novel compound, LGD-6972, demonstrating significant glucose lowering activity in an animal model of type 1 diabetes. Highlights of the presentation include: * LGD-6972 is a potent and selective antagonist of the glucagon receptor (GCGR) that has previously demonstrated activity in pre-clinical models of type 2 diabetes. * LGD-6972 significantly lowered fasting and non-fasting glucose levels in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. * LGD-6972 reduced HbA1c, ketone bodies, and free fatty acids in diabetic mice. * LGD-6972 had additive effects when used in combination with insulin therapy and may be useful in an insulin sparing regimen. “Glucagon receptor antagonism could play an important role in the treatment of diabetes. Previous studies have demonstrated efficacy in models of type 2 diabetes and the present work shows utility for type 1 diabetes as well,” commented Matthew W. Foehr, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Ligand. “Our glucagon program is an important example of the diversity of partnered and unpartnered products making up Ligand's extensive portfolio of assets. We plan to submit an IND for LGD-6972 in the second half of 2013.”