Astex will now have no further obligation to conduct additional research work on the program.
This decision follows on from the review and rationalization of Astex’s internal pipeline and drug discovery programs as part of the recent merger of Astex Therapeutics and SuperGen to form Astex Pharmaceuticals and discussions with GSK.
As a result of the transfer, Astex will continue to be eligible to receive milestones and royalties under an asset transfer agreement.
A separate Research and Development Collaboration and License Agreement which includes a multi-target drug discovery collaboration, entered into by Astex’s UK subsidiary, Astex Therapeutics and GSK in November 2009 will continue as previously announced.