E-Z-EM signs deal with Eli Lilly

Contrast agent developer E-Z-EM has signed an agreement with pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly for U.S. marketing of Lilly’s Glucagon for Injection product, a recombinant form of glucagon. Lilly will pay E-Z-EM a promotional fee based on sales of the injectable product, which is used in diagnostic procedures for the gastrointestinal system and for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. When used in gastrointestinal diagnostics, glucagon relaxes smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, and may improve the quality of radiological images. The deal is part of E-Z-EM’s strategy of forging healthcare alliances to bring key products to market, according to Howard Stern, chairman of the Wesbury, NY-based E-Z-EM. Lilly launched Glucagon in March.