Exelixis and GlaxoSmithKline to conclude six-year discovery and development collaboration

28 June 2008

Biotechnology research company Exelixis Inc and drug major GlaxoSmithKline, Inc will bring their six-year collaboration to conclusion on 27 October 2008, as scheduled.

Under the terms of the collaboration, GSK has the right to select up to two of the compounds in the collaboration for further development and commercialisation. IT had previously selected XL880 and will be able to choose one additional compound from among XL184, XL281, XL228, XL820, and XL844.

Exelixis will have the right to develop and commercialise compounds not selected by GSK, either alone or in collaboration with other partners. As a result of the conclusion of the collaboration, Exelixis' exclusivity obligations will be limited to the compounds selected by GSK.

Exelixis said that it will have the right to undertake additional discovery, development, and commercialisation efforts against any collaboration target or compound that does not infringe upon the intellectual property associated with compounds selected by GSK for further development and commercialisation.

This collaboration represents a successful alliance that has truly benefited both companies. With the selection of GSK089 (formerly XL880) and potentially one other compound, GSK has been able to strengthen its oncology pipeline.

"I am enthusiastic about the compounds remaining in the collaboration, and continue to be impressed by Exelixis's quality of science and productivity," said Paolo Poletti, MD, senior vice president of the Oncology Medicines Development Centre at GSK.