Procter and Gamble ends ARYx Therapeutics collaboration

Procter & Gamble (P&G) has exercised its option to end its collaboration with ARYx Therapeutics on ATI-7505, it has emerged.

ARYx Therapeutics reports that the firm has used a one-time 30-day cancellation option linked to the completion of a Thorough QT (TQT) study to end the partnership agreement between the firms

This deal related to the late stage development and marketing of a prokinetic agent ATI-7505 currently in phase II of clinical development as a treatment for functional dyspepsia and chronic constipation.

ARYx notes P&G has been supportive in allowing ARYx to seek the best partnering package for the compound by agreeing a transition package to give the programme back to the company.

Dr Paul Goddard, chief executive officer and chairman of ARYx Therapeutics, said: “We are surprised P&G would cancel our collaboration after receiving the results of the TQT study given that we achieved a successful result at the study’s primary endpoint and are disappointed in their decision to return the rights to ATI-7505 to us.”

He added that P&G informed ARYx their decision was based on commercial and technical criteria, with the compound no longer fitting into the future plans of the firm.

In February 2008, P&G announced the promotion of deputy general council Steven W Jemison to chief legal officer effective from the start of June this year.