PRNewswire - September 20, 2001

In pre-clinical tests, MPI-49839 has demonstrated strong anti-HIV activity without harming human cell survival. MPI-49839 is based on a novel drug target developed at Myriad that depends on an interaction between the AIDS virus and human cellular machinery. In order to replicate and infect other cells, the virus takes over a normal biological process that is used in all human cells. Myriad's anti-HIV compound prevents this action by the virus, thus preventing spread of the virus. Myriad intends to file an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA this fiscal year.

In a series of experiments designed to test the ability of the compound to inhibit viral replication, Myriad researchers infected purified white blood cells with the HIV virus. The virus was allowed to multiply in the cells and the new viruses were released into the extra-cellular medium. The extent of viral release was measured by quantifying an enzyme used by the virus to replicate. After adding MPI-49839, viral release was completely inhibited in a dose-dependent manner. Increasing the concentration of the compound corresponded with lower viral load until it was virtually undetectable. Importantly, MPI-49839 exhibited a very low level toxicity and accomplished its antiviral activity without harming the human white blood cells.

"This pre-clinical data supports our view that Myriad has developed an important series of compounds that may be able to prevent viral proliferation in humans," said Dr. Adrian Hobden, President of Myriad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. "We also believe that, due to the drug's mechanism of action, the virus may have a very difficult time developing resistance against this compound."

Drug-resistant strains of the AIDS virus are a significant and rapidly increasing medical problem. A recent University of California study estimated that 42% of AIDS patients will have drug-resistant disease by 2005. New classes of drugs, using novel mechanisms, will be required to maintain long-term control over the virus in infected patients. An article describing the cellular pathway targeted by MPI-49839 has been accepted for publication by a major peer-reviewed journal and is expected to publish later this fall.

Myriad Genetics, Inc. is a leading biopharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel healthcare products. The Company has established two wholly owned subsidiaries. Myriad Pharmaceuticals, Inc. develops and intends to market therapeutic products, and Myriad Genetic Laboratories, Inc. develops and markets proprietary predictive medicine and personalized medicine products. The Company has established strategic alliances with Bayer, Eli Lilly, Hitachi, Novartis, Oracle, Pharmacia, Roche, Schering AG, Schering-Plough and Syngenta.

The discussion in this news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to the potential of MPI-49839 as a new class of AIDS therapeutics, the ability of MPI-49839 to prevent viral proliferation in humans, the difficulty of the HIV virus to develop resistance against MPI-49839, and the need for a new class of drugs to treat HIV-infected patients. Such statements are based on management's current expectations that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to uncertainties as to the extent of future government regulation of Myriad Genetics' business, uncertainties as to whether Myriad Genetics and its collaborators will be successful in developing, and obtaining regulatory approval for, and commercial acceptance of, therapeutics; the risk that markets will not exist for therapeutic compounds that Myriad Genetics develops or if such markets exist, that Myriad Genetics will not be able to sell compounds, which it develops, at acceptable prices. All information in this press release is as of September 20, 2001, and Myriad undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.

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