Lilly, Boehringer Ingelheim Partnership Bears Fruit

Lilly says the product received hit the market December 15.

An injectable insulin co-developed by Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE: LLY) has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Basaglar, which is made in partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., represents a significant boost for the Lilly Diabetes pipeline and is the first insulin therapy from the Lilly/BIPI collaboration to hit the market.

The partnership launched in 2011.

Basaglar is delivered using pre-filled "KwikPen" technology. It treats high blood sugar conditions in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.

Lilly Diabetes Vice President of Global Medical Affairs David Kendall says "Lilly has a long history of developing and manufacturing insulin, having introduced the world’s first commercial insulin more than 90 years ago. BASAGLAR will be a welcome addition to our insulin and alliance portfolios, offering an option for people with diabetes who may need a long-acting insulin."

The treatment received preliminary approval late last year, but needed to clear patent litigation hurdles before securing the final go-ahead.

Basaglar has now received 11 global regulatory approvals.