Myrexis, Inc. (MYRX)

[dennydidrich]

MYRIAD presentation this week!

Myriad, probably the only biotech trading below the value of cash/cash equivalents. Remember Facet Biotech and what happened in September, with a share price at $8-10, but cash/cash equivalents above $13. Biogen Idec Announced Proposal to Acquire All Outstanding Shares of Facet for $14.50 per Share in Cash. Facet Biotech rejected the bid.

Check the 6 month chart!

http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/dynamic_charting.aspx?symbol=FACT&selected=FACT&timeframe=6m&charttype=line



AACR-NCI-EORTC
Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics
Nov 15-19, 2009
Boston, MA

3 Poster Presentations. (1) Azixa: Interim Results in Metastatic Melanoma (2) MPC-3100: Preclinical Update and Initial Human PK Data (3) MPI-479605 (TTK Inhibitor): Preclinical Update

1

Azixa

Phase 2 Combination Study in Metastatic Melanoma
This is an open-label, dose finding, multiple-dose study in subjects with metastatic melanoma. Three dose levels of MPC-6827 will be administered with temozolomide to three separate cohorts. Study endpoints will include determination of the maximum tolerated dose, determination of dose limiting toxicities, and evaluation of evidence of anti-tumor activity of MPC-6827 when given with temozolomide.

2
About MPC-3100

MPC-3100 significantly and dose-dependently reduced tumor growth in multiple studies conducted in mice implanted with a variety of human cancer cell lines, including colon, prostate, myeloid leukemia, small cell lung, gastric, breast, and ovarian. In addition, the animals showed very little change in body weight and other parameters. We believe this excellent therapeutic index along with the good oral bioavailability will provide an opportunity for daily oral dosing with MPC-3100.
In the second quarter of 2009, we initiated enrollment of a Phase 1 clinical trial to investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of MPC-3100. Patients will also be evaluated for a therapeutic response.

3
MPI-479605

MPI-479605 is a highly potent, selective and potential first-in-class inhibitor of the novel mitotic kinase TTK discovered by Myriad Pharmaceuticals for the treatment of cancer. TTK (also called Mps1) is essential for mitosis through regulation of proper chromosome attachment to the mitotic spindle and activation of the spindle assembly checkpoint. Reduction of TTK protein levels using RNAi impairs this mitotic checkpoint and results in chromosome missegregation and cell death. TTK inhibition is predicted to have antitumor activity in the absence of the the neuropathy that is dose-limiting for tubulin targeting agents. MPI-479605 is cytotoxic for a wide variety of cancer cell lines in vitro, has favorable pharmacokinetic properties and has exhibited anti-tumor activity in mouse colon carcinoma xenograft models.