Endo Pharmaceuticals announced that by mutual agreement it has concluded its research collaboration with Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc to develop an inhaled fentanyl product for the treatment of breakthrough pain using Alexza's Staccato inhalation technology. The product, Staccato fentanyl (AZ-003/EN-3284), has completed phase-I clinical testing and will be returned to Alexza. In 2007, Endo licensed exclusive rights to develop and commercialize AZ-003 in North America.

Ivan Gergel, MD, Endo's executive vice president of research and development, stated, "As a result of our ongoing strategic review initiated last year, we have terminated certain research and development programmes. We have enjoyed working with Alexza and wish them success with their drug development programmes. In the meantime, we remain committed to building our pipeline by pursuing programs at all phases of development, including potential products arising from our virtual discovery programme."

Endo Pharma is a specialty pharmaceutical company engaged in the research, development, sale and marketing of branded and generic prescription pharmaceuticals used primarily to treat and manage pain.