Talks aimed at selling Valeant Pharmaceuticals’ Salix subsidiary to Takeda for $10 billion reportedly have broken down.

The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday that Takeda had been seeking to reduce the sum of the agreement. The purchase price of Salix would have included approximately $8.5 billion in cash as well as future royalty payments to Valeant. 

Valeant has been under pressure by investors to reduce its $30 billion debt load following a series of negative events, including an accounting scandal, departure of key executives and a plummeting share price over the past year.

Salix, which was purchased by Valeant in April 2015 for some $11 billion, makes treatments for stomach-related disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhea.

Perhaps as a sign of intent by Valeant to hang onto and build the Salix unit, Valeant on Tuesday announced that it has initiated a significant sales force expansion for two Salix products —  Xifaxan for irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea and Relistor for opioid induced constipation.

“Our goal in building a primary care sales force is to maximize opportunities for Xifaxan and Relistor to help our products reach full potential,” Joseph C. Papa, chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement. ”Xifaxan and Relistor are integral to our gastrointestinal franchise which remains a core asset for future growth potential in the hands of Valeant.”

While the talks between Valeant and Takeda are now off, sources close to the situation indicated in various reports that discussions potentially could resume. 

Valeant shares fell 8 percent to following Wednesday’s news.