UPDATE 1-SciClone drops cancer drug development

* Says decision follows independent committee recommendation

* Says to conduct detailed safety and efficacy analysis

* Says decision not to impact 2009 view

Oct 2 (Reuters) - SciClone Pharmaceuticals Inc (SCLN.O) said it discontinued the development of its experimental pancreatic cancer drug following the recommendation by a data safety monitoring committee.

"Further details will be reported when these data have been unblinded and reviewed by SciClone," the company said in a statement.

The company expects to conduct a detailed safety and efficacy analysis once the data are unblinded. The drug, RP101, was being tested in mid-stage studies to treat late-stage pancreatic cancer. SciClone expects to incur remaining costs related to the mid-stage study during 2009 and does not expect the decision to impact its 2009 forecast adversely.

Shares of the Foster City, California-based company closed at $4.15 Friday on Nasdaq. (Reporting by Vidya L Nathan in Bangalore; Editing by Maju Samuel)