The invention relates to compositions comprising 2-(5-(4-(2-morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)pyridin-2-yl)-N-benzylacetamide and its mesylate and dihydrochloride salts. The invention provides an efficient process for the synthesis of 2-(5-(4-(2-morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)pyridin-2-yl)-N-benzylacetamide and its mesylate and dihydrochloride salts and methods for modulating one or more components of a kinase cascade using the compositions of the invention. The present invention also provides a novel polymorph of the mesylate salt of 2-(5-(4-(2-morpholinoethoxy)phenyl)pyridin-2-yl)-N-benzylacetamide (Form A), characterized by a unique X-ray diffraction pattern and Differential Scanning Calorimetry profile, as well as a unique crystalline structure.