Astex Pharmaceuticals, GlaxoSmithKline deal

Astex said it is terminating a 2009 deal with GlaxoSmithKline to discover cancer therapeutics based on epigenetic targets. GSK originally entered the deal with SuperGen Inc., which merged last year with Astex Therapeutics Ltd. to f orm Astex Pharmaceuticals. Astex said it made the decision to end the deal after discussions with GSK and a review of its internal pipeline and drug discovery programs following the merger. Existing research and assets on one undisclosed target will be transferred to GSK, and Astex will be eligible for milestones and royalties. Astex retains the rest of the projects from the deal, the targets of which have not been disclosed. ...