MYGN Reports Advanced Pre-Clinical Progress With Anti-HIV Drug - IND
Filing for Human Clinical Trials Expected This Fiscal Year -
SALT LAKE CITY, Sept. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Myriad Genetics, Inc.
(Nasdaq: MYGN), today reported pre-clinical data on its lead Anti-HIV
compound, MPI-49839. The drug addresses a novel mechanism in the viral-host
interaction and holds the potential for an entirely new class of AIDS
therapeutics.
In pre-clinical tests, MPI-49839 has demonstrated strong anti-HIV activity
without harming human cell survival. MPI-49839 is based on a novel drug
target developed at Myriad that depends on an interaction between the AIDS
virus and human cellular machinery. In order to replicate and infect other
cells, the virus takes over a normal biological process that is used in all
human cells. Myriad's anti-HIV compound prevents this action by the virus,
thus preventing spread of the virus. Myriad intends to file an
Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA this fiscal year.
In a series of experiments designed to test the ability of the compound to
inhibit viral replication, Myriad researchers infected purified white blood
cells with the HIV virus. The virus was allowed to multiply in the cells and
the new viruses were released into the extra-cellular medium. The extent of
viral release was measured by quantifying an enzyme used by the virus to
replicate. After adding MPI-49839, viral release was completely inhibited in
a dose-dependent manner. Increasing the concentration of the compound
corresponded with lower viral load until it was virtually undetectable.
Importantly, MPI-49839 exhibited a very low level toxicity and accomplished
its antiviral activity without harming the human white blood cells.
"This pre-clinical data supports our view that Myriad has developed an
important series of compounds that may be able to prevent viral proliferation
in humans," said Dr. Adrian Hobden, President of Myriad Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
"We also believe that, due to the drug's mechanism of action, the virus may
have a very difficult time developing resistance against this compound."
Drug-resistant strains of the AIDS virus are a significant and rapidly
increasing medical problem. A recent University of California study estimated
that 42% of AIDS patients will have drug-resistant disease by 2005. New
classes of drugs, using novel mechanisms, will be required to maintain
long-term control over the virus in infected patients. An article describing
the cellular pathway targeted by MPI-49839 has been accepted for publication
by a major peer-reviewed journal and is expected to publish later this fall.
Myriad Genetics, Inc. is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on
the development of novel healthcare products. The Company has established two
wholly owned subsidiaries. Myriad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. develops and intends
to market therapeutic products, and Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc. develops
and markets proprietary predictive medicine and personalized medicine
products. The Company has established strategic alliances with Bayer, Eli
Lilly, Hitachi, Novartis, Oracle, Pharmaci |
