Business Impact: AVX now faces the prospect of running out of cash by the end of 2009 with another year to go before finishing the first Phase III trial of HIV drug candidate apricitabine (ATC). Another expensive trial may be required to take the drug to market. AVX has other promising drug programs which could be sold or licensed to raise capital but we do not expect the proceeds to be significant. We expect AVX to now pursue a licensing deal for ATC as a matter of urgency. Positive results from initial Phase III results 2Q09 might accelerate such negotiations. If the company is unsuccessful in finalising a deal the share price could fall further. Another capital raising would be required which could be difficult to consummate and highly dilutive.
AVX Price at posting:
18.0¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held