EP90745 is a series of apoptosis inducer compounds for the treatment of cancer. In December 2003, EpiCept granted an exclusive, worldwide development commercialization agreement for the EP90745 series to Myriad Genetics, Inc. Myriad has taken on the responsibility for the clinical development and commercialization of this series of compounds, which includes Azixa™ (MPC6827). The license agreement calls for Myriad to pay milestone payments, license fees and research support, as well as a royalty to EpiCept on sales of EP90745-related products, assuming successful commercialization of any compound within the EP90745 series.

In August 2006, Myriad reported positive clinical results for Azixa™, the lead compound in the series, in a total of 66 patients – the first confirmed clinical proof of concept for EpiCept’s proprietary live cell high-throughput caspase-3 screening technology. Myriad reported that in a Phase I study of Azixa™ in cancer that has metastasized to the brain, the drug achieved its maximum tolerated dose in patients. Myriad also noted a measured reduction in tumor size in certain patients, suggesting evidence of activity. Azixa™ is now in Phase II clinical development.

In November 2009 Myriad announced interim results of its trial of Azixa™ in melanoma metastases in which ten of the 22 patients treated achieved stable disease and two patients achieved confirmed partial responses. The median progression-free survival was 2.8 months. Azixa™ has received orphan drug status in the United States for the treatment of glioblastoma. The dosing of the first patient in a Phase III trial for Azixa™ triggers a milestone payment to EpiCept.