Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY) is backing out of a collaboration with Exelixis (Nasdaq: EXEL) to develop XL184 for cancer. The two companies "were not able to align on the scope, breadth and pace of the ongoing clinical development of XL184" because of progress in Bristol's internal cancer drug pipeline, according to an Exelixis statement. Bristol will pay South San Francisco-based Exelixis $17 million to terminate the partnership. Bristol had already paid Exelixis $240 million as part of the deal first signed in December 2008, according to Reuters. Exelixis CEO George Scangos told the wire service that his company has the resources to develop XL184 on its own "for some time," and added that it may find another partner.
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Luke Timmerman is the National Biotechnology Editor for Xconomy, and the Editor of Xconomy Seattle. You can e-mail him at ltimmerman@xconomy.com, or call 206-624-2374.
