VANCOUVER, BC, & San Diego, CA, Feb. 6 /CNW/ - MIGENIX Inc. (TSX: MGI;
OTC: MGIFF), a clinical-stage developer of drugs for infectious and
degenerative diseases, and Schering-Plough Corporation ("Schering") have
agreed that the Schering limited period of exclusivity for data review of the
celgosivir Phase II results announced November 6, 2006 has not yet commenced.
This is the result of Schering having informed MIGENIX that approximately 50%
of the original viral load samples from the study, which Schering tested under
a Material Transfer and License Option Agreement between the companies,
require retesting.
MIGENIX has just received results for approximately half of the required
retests from Schering (this leaves approximately 25% of the original viral
load samples from the study to be retested). Based on a preliminary review of
these partial retest results by MIGENIX, it appears the overall conclusions
drawn from the retest results will remain consistent with the conclusions of
the original study analysis. However, as all retesting has not been completed,
nor the results fully analyzed, at present it is unknown whether the retesting
will result in any material changes - positive or negative - to the
conclusions of the November 6, 2006 reported results.
A new data package of the results will be provided to Schering once the
retesting is complete and the study results re-analyzed (see press releases of
November 6, 2006 and December 13, 2006 for additional information on the
original study results and the provision of the results to Schering). It is
estimated that a period of approximately 8 weeks will be needed to finish the
retesting and complete the new data package of the results, after which
Schering's limited period of exclusivity for data review under the agreement
between Schering and MIGENIX will commence.
Jim DeMesa, M.D., President & CEO of MIGENIX commented, "While the
retesting represents a delay, we are encouraged by our preliminary analysis of
the partial retesting results. We look forward to the retesting being
completed, the study results re-analyzed and moving ahead with Schering in
their evaluation of this novel, first-in-class product for treating Hepatitis
C patients."
Additional Information: Impact of Retesting
Primary efficacy analysis for this study involves the determination of
viral load changes from screening/baseline (prior to treatment) to study
week 12 (on-treatment). Therefore, retest results from these study time points
would have the greatest impact on the overall analysis. Based on our review of
the samples scheduled for retesting, a significant number of patients in each
of the 3 treatment groups will have their screening/baseline samples retested
and a much smaller number will have their week 12 samples retested. From the
sample retest data provided by Schering to date, approximately 90% of the
results show a higher viral load than previously reported. As most of the
retested samples are from screening/baseline (compared to week 12) and the
retest results have shown higher reported viral loads, we expect to see
greater viral load reductions from pre-treatment to study week 12 for most
affected patients. This information together with the fact that there are a
similar number of affected patients in each treatment group and study
population, and other more detailed analyses, provides the basis for the
current belief of MIGENIX that the overall conclusions with retest results
will be consistent with the study results previously reported.
Material Transfer and License Option Agreement
Under the terms of the Agreement, Schering supplied PEGETRON(TM)
(peginterferon alfa-2b powder for solution plus ribavirin 200 mg capsules) as
well as certain technical and laboratory support and other services for
MIGENIX's celgosivir Phase II combination study in chronic HCV patients. In
addition, the Agreement granted Schering limited periods of exclusivity for
data review of clinical trial results and for the negotiation of a license
agreement.
About MIGENIX
MIGENIX is committed to advancing therapy, improving health, and
enriching life by developing and commercializing drugs in the areas of
infectious and degenerative diseases. The Company's clinical programs include
drug candidates for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infections (Phase II
and preclinical), the prevention of catheter-related infections (Phase III),
the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (Phase I and preclinical) and the
treatment of dermatological diseases (Phase II). MIGENIX is headquartered in
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with US operations in San Diego,
California. Additional information can be found at www.migenix.com.
"Jim DeMesa"
James M. DeMesa, M.D.
President & CEO
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning
of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and
forward looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws
in Canada, (collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements").
Statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking
statements and include, without limitation, statements regarding our strategy,
future operations, timing and completion of clinical trials, prospects, plans
and objectives of management. The words "anticipates", "believes", "budgets",
"could", "estimates", "expects", "forecasts", "intends", "may", "might",
"plans", "projects", "schedule", "should", "will", "would" and similar
expressions are often intended to identify forward-looking statements, which
include underlying assumptions, although not all forward-looking statements
contain these identifying words. By their nature, forward-looking statements
involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both
general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions,
forecasts, projections and other things contemplated by the forward-looking
statements will not occur.
Although our management believes that the expectations represented by
such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there is significant risk that
the forward-looking statements may not be achieved, and the underlying
assumptions thereto will not prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements
in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements concerning:
our expectations regarding Schering's limited period of exclusivity for data
review of the celgosivir Phase II results; our expectations regarding the
conclusions of the retest results; our expectation that, once the retesting is
complete and the study results re-analyzed, a new data package of the results
will be provided to Schering; and our expectations regarding the time required
to complete the new data package of the study results.
With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this news
release, we have made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things, the
ability to successfully to complete the retests and re-analyze the celgosivir
Phase II results within our expected timelines.
Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans,
intentions and expectations expressed or implied in any forward-looking
statements, including the underlying assumptions thereto, as a result of
numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors including: dependence on
corporate collaborations; uncertainties related to early stage of technology
and product development; uncertainties as to the requirement that a drug be
found to be safe and effective after extensive clinical trials and the
possibility that the results of such trials, if completed, will not establish
the safety or efficacy of our products; uncertainties as to future expense
levels and the possibility of unanticipated costs or expenses or cost
overruns; the possibility that opportunities will arise that require more cash
than presently anticipated and other uncertainties related to predictions of
future cash requirements; and other risks and uncertainties which may not be
described herein. Certain of these factors and other factors are described in
detail in the Company's Final Prospectus dated November 29, 2006, Annual
Information Form and Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended April 30,
2006 and other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities and
the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission.
Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and
MIGENIX assumes no obligations to update such information to reflect later
events or developments.
The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept
responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For further information: Art Ayres, MIGENIX Inc., Tel: (604) 221-9666
Ext. 233, aayres@migenix.com; Dian Griesel, Ph.D., Investor Relations Group,
Tel: (212) 825-3210, Theproteam@aol.com
