Pfizer Inc. on June 14th expanded its efforts to become a major player in the development of prescription diet drugs, announcing it is licensing from Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation exclusive worldwide rights to Bayer's DGAT-1 inhibitors, an innovative class of compounds that modify lipid metabolism.

The lead compound in the class, BAY 74-4113, which is currently in Phase I trials, is a potential treatment for obesity, type 2 diabetes and other related disorders.

"We are excited about the potential of the DGAT-1 inhibitors in the areas of obesity and type 2 diabetes which complement Pfizer's ongoing metabolic disease research programs," said Martin Mackay, senior vice president, Worldwide Research & Technology for Pfizer.

Pfizer already has a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist, CP-945598, which has shown promise as a treatment for obesity that has made it through Phase I trials. French pharmaceutical company Sanofi-Aventis is hoping to receive European approval for its CB1 receptor antagonist, Acomplia (rimonabant), in less than a month.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bayer will receive an upfront fee, milestone payments and royalties on sales of any drug that is successfully brought to market.

The agreement is subject to U.S. antitrust approval and the two companies said they expect it to close in the second half of 2006.