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Replies to #76401 on Biotech Values
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DewDiligence

04/22/09 2:29 PM

#76403 RE: rkrw #76401

RDEA VRX – I think we’re on the same wavelength, although it may not sound that way. Let me recap:

• RDEA does not plan to advance RDEA806 for HIV into phase-2b on it own dime.

• VRX is probably not interested in getting into HIV drug development. (They did that in another lifetime :- ))

• RDEA is shopping the RDEA806 HIV program to prospective suitors on an unencumbered basis with the understanding that VRX will renounce its clawback option and will be paid off by RDEA.

In a sense, a formal agreement between RDEA and VRX is needed, but such an agreement will IMO not be undertaken on a standalone basis; rather, it will be done only as part of a licensing transaction if a third party expresses interest in the program.
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DewDiligence

05/09/09 11:31 AM

#77668 RE: rkrw #76401

RDEA cuts workforce by 47% and has apparently dropped RDEA806 in HIV:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Ardea-Biosciences-Reports-bw-15180529.html

Despite a detailed pipeline update in this PR, there is no mention of the RDEA806 program in HIV, which leads me believe that the program is effectively dead. I presume that RDEA shopped the program to various partners and found no interest. (RDEA had previously stated that it would not advance the program into phase-2b without a partner.)

The RDEA806 program in gout remains fully active, and the company has evidently settled on gout and cancer as its new foci.