Exelixis has regained from Bristol-Myers Squibb full development and commercialization rights to XL 184, its MET inhibitor currently in trials against 13 tumor types. The decision to return ‘184 to Exelixis arose from BMS’ prioritization of its internal oncology efforts.

According to an Exelixis statement, “Given the recent progress of BMS’ wholly-owned oncology pipeline and positive data generated by XL184, Exelixis and BMS were not able to align on the scope, breadth and pace of the ongoing clinical development of XL184. As a result, BMS returned XL184 to Exelixis, thereby giving Exelixis the opportunity to advance the program as originally envisioned.” BMS will pay Exelixis $17 million in connection with the return of XL184.

The companies began their collaboration in December 2008, and BMS will continue to work with a second compound from the agreement.

George A. Scangos, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Exelixis, remarked, “We certainly understand BMS’ need to make pipeline and prioritization decisions, but from Exelixis’ perspective, XL184 is our most advanced compound, the data are encouraging, and we need to rapidly develop the compound in indications justified by the data, including medullary thyroid cancer, glioblastoma, and potentially some of the major tumor types being evaluated in the randomized discontinuation trial. We have the resources to take XL184 forward on our own for some time and we see several attractive longer term options, which we are currently evaluating.”