Singapore: Global Pharmaceutical company, Merck, and Samsung Bioepis, a joint venture between Samsung Biologics and Biogen Idec, have expanded their collaboration  to develop, manufacture and commercialize MK-1293, an insulin glargine candidate for the treatment of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Phase III clinical studies in type 1 and type 2 diabetes will begin soon.

"We look forward to collaborating with Samsung Bioepis on this insulin glargine candidate, as diabetes is a top priority for the company," said Mr. Matt Strasburger, senior vice president, Diabetes, Global Human Health, Merck. "Merck is strengthening its leadership in diabetes through our own work and in collaboration with others, and this agreement will help build our portfolio across the spectrum of the disease."

"Samsung Bioepis is very pleased to extend the partnership with Merck to the field of diabetes," said Mr. Christopher Hansung Ko, CEO, Samsung Bioepis. "This collaboration will bring better access to patients with diabetes worldwide."

Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will collaborate on clinical development, regulatory filings and manufacturing. If approved, Merck will commercialize this candidate. This collaboration builds on the agreement made by the two companies in February 2013 to develop and commercialize multiple biosimilar candidates.