Replies to post #158630 on Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

Luke Timmerman’s profile of (private) Moderna Therapeutics, who inked a drug-discovery partnership with AZN today that included $240M up-front:

http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2013/03/21/astrazeneca-shells-out-240m-upfront-for-moderna-mrna-drugs

AZN’s own PR on the collaboration:
http://www.fiercebiotech.com/press-releases/astrazeneca-and-moderna-therapeutics-announce-exclusive-agreement-develop-p-0

[mcbio]

AZN/(ARRY) Investor Day Slides (3/21/13)

I haven't listened to the presentation but from just reviewing the slides, a few comments as it pertains to selumetinib:

1. Slide 15 - selumetinib included on list of drugs for which AZN intends to accelerate its investment.

2. Slide 16 - This slide breaks down drugs with either over $1B or up to $1B in potential peak year sales on the y-axis and buckets of low, medium, and high in terms of "Strength of evidence to date" on the x-axis. Selumetinib is included in the medium bucket with potential for over $1B in sales.

3. Slide 97 - anticipate Phase 3 start for selumetinib in NSCLC patients in 2013.

4. Slide 119 - reiterates starting pivotal trials in 2H2013. Specifically identifies both second-line Phase 3 mKRAS NSCLC and pivotal Phase 2b thyroid trials with selumetinib.

5. Slide 121 - identifies selumetinib + chemo as best-in-class opportunity. Notes trametinib combo requires lower dose.

6. Slide 130 - uveal melanoma data readout at ASCO to go along with aforementioned pivotal trials in NSCLC and thyroid (no reference to other melanoma data at ASCO).