Internal changes at Japanese drugmaker Shionogi have led U.S.-based Egalet ($EGLT) to terminate its collaboration on the pain drug hydrocodone (S-718632). Egalet said recent changes to the Japanese drugmaker's "internal prioritization process" led to the cancellation. "We have appreciated our productive collaboration with Shionogi and with the change in their internal priorities, we now gain worldwide rights to this Phase I abuse-deterrent, extended-release hydrocodone product candidate to advance," Bob Radie, president and chief executive officer of Egalet, said in a release. "In addition, we continue to focus on commercializing our approved products and moving our late-stage Guardian Technology product candidates forward." In the original deal, which started in 2013, Egalet got upfront and milestone payments totaling $20 million and an investment of $15 million in Egalet's common stock when the company went public in 2014. Shionogi has funded all development to date for S-718632 and a Phase I clinical trial has been completed. Egalet said it is now "evaluating its options" on further development. Release