Wyeth and Karo Bio have extended their atherosclerosis collaboration until Aug. 31, 2009, to identify and select development candidates for treatment of atherosclerosis and to evaluate additional clinical possibilities by targeting a nuclear hormone receptor, LXR.

The Stockholm, Sweden-based Karo said its collaboration with the Madison, N.J.-based Wyeth started in 2001 with the aim to develop new compounds for treatment of atherosclerosis with LXR as target receptor.

LXR is a regulator of cholesterol metabolism in mammals, and is targeted for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and dyslipidemia, according to the companies.