MIGENIX Inc. Takes Operational Actions To Extend Cash Past Upcoming Key Milestones; Includes Job Cuts
VANCOUVER and SAN DIEGO, May 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - MIGENIX Inc. , a clinical-stage developer of drugs for infectious diseases, is taking aggressive steps to further reduce expenses to extend its cash runway through the Omigard(TM) Phase III results milestone expected in the second half of 2008 while continuing to focus on advancing the Company's MX-2401 program. Efforts are also underway to raise additional cash which will be required to enable continued key development activities expected to maximize long-term shareholder value and extend the Company's cash position into 2009.
The cost reduction actions include some limited program-related changes, substantial management and board compensation cuts, personnel reductions, and other operational streamlining activities (see "SPECIFIC COST-CUTTING ACTIONS" below).
Jim DeMesa, M.D., President and CEO of MIGENIX stated, "We must preserve our cash during this very difficult financial market for biotech companies. With the significant value-driving milestones we expect during the second half of this year and the first half of next year - along with the potential start of Omigard(TM) related revenues - we must take these actions to extend our cash runway as long as possible while continuing to advance our greatest product opportunities. These actions are expected to achieve both. All of us at MIGENIX are committed to creating value for our shareholders, advancing our pipeline of promising drug candidates and improving lives."
As a result of these initiatives, the following are our potential milestones over the next 12 months:
These initiatives will reduce the Company's cash burn rate by an estimated $1.5 million annually and we anticipate additional reductions as a result of the above initiatives. The Company expects to operate with an annual burn rate of approximately $8 million or less (reduced from previously expected range of $9 million to $10 million).
About MIGENIX
MIGENIX is committed to advancing therapy, improving health, and enriching life by developing and commercializing drugs primarily in the area of infectious diseases. The Company's programs include drug candidates for: the prevention of catheter-related infections (end of Phase III), the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infections (Phase II and preclinical), the treatment of dermatological diseases (end of Phase II), the treatment of serious gram positive bacterial infections (preclinical) and the treatment of hepatitis B infections (preclinical). MIGENIX is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada with US operations in San Diego, California. Additional information can be found at www.migenix.com.
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 for: our expectation that we will be able to bring in additional cash to enable continued key development activities to maximize long-term shareholder value and extend the Company's cash position into 2009; our expectation that we will be able to complete the cost reduction actions; our expectation of achieving significant value-driving milestones during the second half of this year and the first half of next year, along with the potential start of Omigard(TM) related revenues; Cadence Pharmaceuticals having results of the Omigard(TM) Phase III trial in the second half of 2008 and if the results of this trial are positive, Cadence submitting a new drug application (NDA) for Omigard(TM) in the first half of 2009; completion of rest of world partnership(s) for Omigard(TM) in the next 12 months with associated up-front payments; Cutanea Life Sciences' plans to advance omiganan for the treatment of rosacea into Phase III clinical development; our plans to have results from the celgosivir Phase II viral kinetics study in the third quarter of 2008; our plans to seek strategic options for the cegosivir program; our plans to advance MX-2401 into the clinic in late 2009; the cost cutting initiatives reducing the Company's cash burn rate by an estimated $1.5 million annually with the Company operating within an annual burn rate of approximately $8 million or less; and the Company's financial resources being sufficient to fund operations through the Omigard(TM) Phase III results.
With respect to the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, we have made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: our ability to bring in additional cash; our ability to achieve cost reductions; our ability to achieve milestones related to the clinical programs; the adequacy of the Omigard(TM) Phase III trial design to generate data that are deemed sufficient by regulatory authorities to support submitting an NDA for Omigard(TM); our ability to manage licensing opportunities; Cutanea's ability to manage, fund and advance omiganan for dermatological applications into Phase III, the adequacy of Cutanea's Phase II results for regulatory authorities to support advancing to Phase III; our ability to initiate, fund and complete non-clinical studies, clinical studies, manufacturing and all ancillary activities within our expected timelines; and our ability to implement initiatives and operate future expense levels being within our anticipated expectations.
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; potential delays; 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 Annual Information Form and Annual Report on Form 20-F 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.
CONTACT: 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
CONTACT: 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