Pfizer and Auxilium to end EU Xiapex collaboration

Pfizer and Auxilium Pharmaceuticals have announced an imminent end to their development, commercialisation and supply agreement for the Dupuytren's disease therapy Xiapex.

The drug, which was originally developed by Auxilium, has been marketed by Pfizer in 46 Eurasian countries up to this point, but the rights to the therapy are now set to revert to Auxilium no later than April 24th 2013.

Auxilium has taken the decision to re-evaluate its relationship with Pfizer based on its current strategic flexibility, as well as its desire to seek EU approval of the drug for the treatment of Peyronie's disease.

The firm submitted the treatment for approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in this new indication earlier this week.

Geno Germano, president and general manager for specialty care and oncology at Pfizer, said: "Pfizer is committed to working with Auxilium to ensure continuity of patient care during the transition period and effect a seamless transition."

This comes in the same week that Pfizer provided funding to help a group of its former employees found Ziarco, a new biotechnology company based in the UK.