Replies to post #93795 on Biotech Values

[AlpineBV_Miller]

Regarding PYMX...

With respect to the numbness/tingling, it was indicated that the effect was seen out to 10 days post treatment in certain instances. Is that cause for any type of concern? That seems strange that there would still be a numbness/tingling sensation out to 10 days post treatment. Even though this doesn't appear to be a concern now, I wonder if this could be signs of a more worrisome side effect that might occur in a longer duration, or different type of, study. Any thoughts are appreciated here.

The drug likely won't be dosed longer 1x/day than 7-14 days, so cumulative tox is unlikely to be much of a problem beyond the 10 doses we've already seen. The big test for both side effects is to see if they worsen in actual patients. Remember, the drug hasn't been in infected patients yet.

I understand that PMX-30063 is patterned after human defense proteins. How has PMX-30063 been designed to succeed where natural human defense proteins fail? Is it simply a matter of PMX-30063 being many fold more potent than natural human defense proteins or is there some major structural difference that leads PYMX to believe that PMX-30063 can succeed against bacterial infections where natural human defense proteins fail?

This is a good question. Again, while this looks really promising there is no data in real patients yet. We initiated formal coverage on the company back in January. The biggest issue is that the programs are very early with little data in actual patients for either drug, but especially the antibiotic. Patience and patients, as a wise man I know once said, will reveal whether they indeed have something here.

[AlpineBV_Miller]

PYMX part 2... From the horse's (company's) mouth on your #2 question:

"The natural defensins don't fail. In humans they are used as a barrier and not as a systemic response. The barrier works well until bacteria get inside the body and we can't mount a systemic defense against them. Below are two papers which include more information. "

Zasloff et al, Nature, v415, pg 389-395. January 24, 2002
Tossi et al, Biopolymers, v55, pg 4-30. July 2000