I wanted to comment on the future of pharmacogenomics, or at least my perception of it, as it relates to a research platform of MLNM. I feel that this is a valid area for anti-infectives, etc., as for example different mutant versions of HIV could be dealt with better by certain protease inhibitor cocktails. As to other drugs for major disorders/diseases, I see the timeline for this approach a lot farther out. For example, since asthma, COPD, fibrosis, bronchiolitis obliterans and airway allergic disorders are each in the arena of pulmonary disorders for which there is a large unmet clinical need, does this mean that pharmacogenomics will be useful here in pulmonary disorders. Many of these disorders are likely to be polygenic, and the primary causes are not yet know. So, it will be 10-20 years out that pharmacogenomics might be useful. Perhaps the same argument could be made for other major clinical states such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, and coronary problems. So, I'm thinking pharmacogenomics is more hype than reality for the most part.
As to other things going on at MLNM, I have been scouting them out for the past year or so. I know the CEO and he is very bright and a go-getter. The science is clearly outstanding, as witnessed by their excellent scientists, outstanding publication record and quality, and their research collaborations. Their burn rate is also outstanding! The move to genomics with Sander is a plus, and their involvement with chemistry as a consequence of the buyout a while ago as well as with the hiring of the Sphinx fellow appears to be a positive, but I need to know more. I need to get the impression that they will go to market in the next few years with a drug developed in house before I buy into this one. It certainly appears to be a trading buy from time to time. Some of my friends bought in the low teens, but I was left holding the bag scouting them out. Then my work got in the way.
BJ |
