The invention relates to compositions comprising 2-(5-(4-(2- morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)pytidin-2-yl)--V-benzylacetamide and its mesylate and dihydrochloride salts. More specifically, the invention provides an efficient process for the synthesis of 2-(5-<;4-(2-morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)pyridin-2-yl)-??benzylacetainide and its mesylate and dihydrochloride salts and methods for modulating one or more components of a kinase cascade using the compositions of the invention.