Back in 2004, Wyeth considered a project with Curis to develop small molecule and protein Hedgehog agonists--which promised new therapies for stroke and cardiovascular ailments--worth potentially more than $170 million in milestone payments.
That was then.
This morning, Curis announced that Wyeth is pulling out of the pact. "Our speculation is that Wyeth has decided to re-prioritize," a Curis spokesman told the Boston Globe. Curis pocketed a $3 million upfront payment in the Wyeth deal. Since then, Curis has repositioned itself as well, focusing on new cancer therapies.
- see this release [1] from Curis
- read the story [2] in the Boston Globe
Related Articles:
Curis halts trial for skin cancer therapy. Report [3]
Curis halts enrollment on trial results. Report [4]
Wyeth stumbles badly trying to develop new drugs. Report [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/curis-announces-conclusion-hedgehog-agonist-collaboration-wyeth
[2] http://www.boston.com/business/ticker/2008/03/wyeth_ends_coll.html
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/curis-halts-trial-for-skin-cancer-therapy/2006-07-12
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/curis-halts-enrollment-on-trial-results/2006-01-26
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/wyeth-stumbles-badly-trying-develop-new-drugs/2007-08-13