Endo Pharmaceuticals terminates research collaboration with Alexza

Published: 03-Feb-2009

Endo Pharmaceuticals has concluded its research collaboration with Alexza Pharmaceuticals to develop an inhaled fentanyl product for the treatment of breakthrough pain using Alexza's Staccato inhalation technology.

The product, Staccato fentanyl (AZ-003/EN-3284), has completed Phase I clinical testing and will be returned to Alexza. In 2007, Endo licensed exclusive rights to develop and commercialize AZ-003 in North America.

Ivan Gergel, executive vice president of R&D at Endo Pharmaceuticals, said: As a result of our ongoing strategic review initiated last year, we have terminated certain R&D programs. We have enjoyed working with Alexza and wish them success with their drug development programs.

In the meantime, we remain committed to building our pipeline by pursuing programs at all phases of development, including potential products arising from our virtual discovery program.

Endo Pharmaceuticals is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, sale and marketing of branded and generic prescription pharmaceuticals used primarily to treat and manage pain. The company markets its branded pharmaceutical products to physicians in pain management, neurology, surgery, oncology, and primary care.

Alexza Pharmaceuticals is an emerging pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of novel products for the treatment of acute and intermittent conditions. The company currently has six products in development stage targeting five central nervous system or psychiatry indications: acute agitation, panic attacks, migraine headaches, breakthrough pain, and insomnia.

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