Biotech Values

[DonShimoda]

Ariad is in a somewhat awkward position vis-a-vis Merck. According to today's Cowen presentation, Ariad is still in negotiations with MRK regarding the 2010 development plan. Given the ASH data, I assume MRK has interest in AP534 but I think it's unlikely that Ariad would partner both rida and AP534 with MRK (partly because of the way MRK delayed $20+ million in milestone payments during the second half of last year). At the same time, it might be difficult to partner AP534 with someone other than MRK at the same time they are trying to re-negotiate the rida deal with MRK. You just know there's a lot more going on behind the scenes...hence the delay???