Inhalation form of Forteo?

Eli Lilly and Co. said Monday it wants to develop an inhaled version of its osteoporosis drug Forteo, which is available only in injectable form.
Lilly signed an agreement with Alkermes Inc. to develop the inhaled product using Alkermes' pulmonary drug delivery system.
Alkermes, of Cambridge, Mass., will receive undisclosed upfront and milestone payments from Lilly. The Indianapolis drug maker also will fund the development process, involving a joint team of scientists.
Alkermes is a longtime Lilly partner. The two developed an inhaled insulin, now in late-phase testing, and an inhalable human growth hormone, which is in early-phase testing.
Developing an inhaled form of Forteo "has the potential to increase compliance and ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients with osteoporosis," said Patricia A. Martin, executive director of osteoporosis products for Lilly, in a statement.
Forteo hit the market in 2002. The hormone works by increasing bone mass in people at high risk of bone fracture.