Replies to post #132277 on Biotech Values

[mcbio]

614 is garbage IMO. MDS is not really malignant until it transitions into AML. The idea of the drug is to increase erythopoesis through inhibition of hematologic progenitors from apoptosis. Looking at the poor response and SE, 614 is no better than simple blood transfusion.

Thanks for the response. But, even if MDS isn't really malignant, aren't there issues that arise from the condition that merit treatment? Or are you saying any such issues aren't really an unmet medical need even for highly relapsed/refractory patients, which is the patient population 614 was tested in here?

Does a simple blood transfusion always work in patients like this who are relapsed/refractory to HMAs (82% of patients in the study), EPO-stimulating agents (49%), and lenalidomide (40%)? Note that they also suggest combining 614 with a recombinant EPO, which is another possible path.

All told, I don't assign a lot of value to this drug (still think the MEKs are the key for ARRY), but I'm not ready to consider it entirely worthless either.