Endo terminates collaboration and axomadol development program with Grunenthal

Endo Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ENDP) announced today that it is terminating its research program and collaboration related to the development of axomadol. Endo licensed exclusive rights to develop and market axomadol in the United States and Canada from Grunenthal in February 2009.

"As a leader in the field of pain management, Endo remains committed to the development and commercialization of pain therapeutics," said Ivan Gergel, M.D., executive vice president, R&D, Endo Pharmaceuticals. "We have appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with Grunenthal on this program and they have been an excellent partner."

The company recently announced topline results from a phase 2 study comparing the novel investigational drug axomadol against placebo in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe chronic low back pain. The results indicate that axomadol did not meet predetermined study end points.