ChemoCentryx, GSK discontinue ChemR23 antagonist

ChemoCentryx Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.) said it and partner GlaxoSmithKline plc (LSE:GSK; NYSE:GSK) will discontinue development of CCX832 and its two backup compounds. ChemoCentryx said the decision was based on unblinded data from a Phase I trial of the oral small molecule antagonist of chemokine-like receptor 1 ( CMKLR1; ChemR23). Details were not disclosed. The announcement was made in filings related to ChemoCentryx's planned IPO of 4 million shares at $14-$16 per share (see BioCentury, Jan. 30).

ChemoCentryx said that it and GSK will continue "to have interest in further discussing possible strategic opportunities" for ChemR23. In 2006, ChemoCentryx granted GSK an option to develop and commercialize ChemoCentryx's programs targeting chemokine and chemoattractant receptors, including CCX832. ...