Canada's Resverlogix has begun a Phase III trial in Taiwan of its lead drug, apabetalone, in high-risk patients with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Two years ago, Shenzhen Hepalink, a heparin company, acquired greater China rights to the drug in a $440 million deal. Hepalink will underwrite the costs of the greater China arm, and the start of the trial triggers a $1 million payment to Resverlogix. The trial will be expanded to include China. The Taiwan-China arm is part of Resverlogix's global apabetalone trial, which will eventually enroll 2,400 patients.
