AACHEN, Germany & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Gruenenthal Group and Forest Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: FRX), today announced that Gruenenthal GmbH and Forest Laboratories Ireland Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Forest Laboratories, Inc. have entered into a license agreement for the co-development and commercialization of a novel oral small molecule analgesic, GRT 6005, and its follow-on compound GRT 6006. Both compounds were discovered and developed by Gruenenthal and represent novel first in class molecules with unique pharmacological and pharmacokinetic profiles that may enhance their effect in certain pain conditions. The unique mode of action of these compounds builds on the ORL-1 receptor and, supported by the established mu opioid receptor, is particularly suitable for the treatment of moderate to severe chronic pain. GRT 6005 has successfully completed initial proof-of-concept studies in nociceptive and neuropathic pain with further Phase 2 studies planned prior to initiation of Phase 3.