Kosan says to end Roche cancer drug collaboration

NEW YORK, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Kosan Biosciences Inc KOSN.O said on Thursday that it and Roche Holding AG (ROG.VX: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) are ending their collaboration on a new cancer drug, known as an epothilone.

Kosan, which began a collaboration with Roche in September 2002, said it will reacquire worldwide rights to develop the drug following a transition period.

The drug is one of a new class of cancer drugs that work by stopping cells from dividing properly and thus inhibit the spread of the disease. (Reporting by Martinne Geller)