Biotech Sector and Stocks Analysis from Seeking Alpha

Biotech Sector and Stocks Analysis from Seeking Alpha 'Biotech' Tag RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.com/sector/biotech Learning a Lesson From Boston Scientific http://seekingalpha.com/article/193884-learning-a-lesson-from-boston-scientific?source=feed 193884 Anyone who doesn't own Boston Scientific (BSX) is once again breathing a sigh of relief. It seems like an ever shrinking list. Holders of BSX include Paulson & Co., Primecap, Dodge & Cox, Wellington, Greenlight Capital (Einhorn), and even Brandes. It's a who's who in investment royalty.

We mere mortals in the field have taken notice, and the logic seems clear enough. First there is the attractive demographics. We're all falling apart and will need everyone from Medtronic (MDT), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and Abbott (ABT) to Stryker (SYK), Zimmer (ZMH), and St. Jude (STJ) to duct tape us back to relative health.

]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:08:44 -0400 The Lonely Value Investor <p>Anyone who doesn't own Boston Scientific (<span>BSX</span>) is once again breathing a sigh of relief. It seems like an ever shrinking list. Holders of BSX include Paulson & Co., Primecap, Dodge & Cox, Wellington, Greenlight Capital (Einhorn), and even Brandes. It's a who's who in investment royalty.<br><br>We mere mortals in the field have taken notice, and the logic seems clear enough. First there is the attractive demographics. We're all falling apart and will need everyone from Medtronic (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/mdt' alt='Medtronic Inc.' title='Medtronic Inc.'>MDT</a>), Johnson & Johnson (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/jnj' alt='Johnson & Johnson' title='Johnson & Johnson'>JNJ</a>), and Abbott (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/abt' alt='Abbott Laboratories' title='Abbott Laboratories'>ABT</a>) to Stryker (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/syk' alt='Stryker Corp.' title='Stryker Corp.'>SYK</a>), Zimmer (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/zmh' alt='Zimmer Holdings Inc.' title='Zimmer Holdings Inc.'>ZMH</a>), and St. Jude (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/stj' alt='St. Jude Medical Inc.' title='St. Jude Medical Inc.'>STJ</a>) to duct tape us back to relative health.</p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193884-learning-a-lesson-from-boston-scientific?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=1v7zyo5XsDk:LeW15kaKJpc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=1v7zyo5XsDk:LeW15kaKJpc:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=1v7zyo5XsDk:LeW15kaKJpc:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=1v7zyo5XsDk:LeW15kaKJpc:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> BSX The Lonely Value Investor ZMHBSXABTJNJMDTSTJSYK The Worse Boston Scientific Looks, The Better http://seekingalpha.com/article/193879-the-worse-boston-scientific-looks-the-better?source=feed 193879 Boston Scientific (BSX) announced Monday that it's halting sales of its implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). The suspension was due to filing errors and not safety issues, but the company says it still has no idea how long the suspension will last. For a firm fighting to recover back to former glory, this is another setback.

Yet, the stock's price chart suggests that bottom feeding might not be a bad idea one of these weeks. The news is bad, true, but the news around cheap stocks usually is bad. I watched the stock fall from $45 in 2004, patiently waited for some kind of base to show up, then built a position in 2007 and 2008 at a cost basis of $12.98. Boy, did that look cheap.

]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 08:28:18 -0400 Jason Kelly <img src='http://seekingalpha.com/wp-content/seekingalpha/images/jasonkelly2.jpg' title='jason kelly' alt='jason kelly' width="75" height="93" border='1' align="left" hspace="6" vspace="6"/><strong><a href="http://www.jasonkelly.com/">Jason Kelly</a> submits: </strong><p>Boston Scientific (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/bsx' alt='Boston Scientific Corp.' title='Boston Scientific Corp.'>BSX</a>) announced Monday that it's halting sales of its implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). The suspension was due to filing errors and not safety issues, but the company says it still has no idea how long the suspension will last. For a firm fighting to recover back to former glory, this is another setback.<br><br><img src="http://static.seekingalpha.com/uploads/2010/3/16/saupload_bsx.png" align="right" hspace="6" vspace="6" />Yet, the stock's price chart suggests that bottom feeding might not be a bad idea one of these weeks. The news is bad, true, but the news around cheap stocks usually is bad. I watched the stock fall from $45 in 2004, patiently waited for some kind of base to show up, then built a position in 2007 and 2008 at a cost basis of $12.98. Boy, did that look cheap.</p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193879-the-worse-boston-scientific-looks-the-better?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=tQ2AwXXIL4M:3hZYm1MO_-w:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=tQ2AwXXIL4M:3hZYm1MO_-w:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=tQ2AwXXIL4M:3hZYm1MO_-w:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=tQ2AwXXIL4M:3hZYm1MO_-w:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> BSX Jason Kelly BSX Vanda, Titan Pharmaceuticals: 2 Biotech Stocks It Wouldn't Hurt to Own http://seekingalpha.com/article/193872-vanda-titan-pharmaceuticals-2-biotech-stocks-it-wouldn-t-hurt-to-own?source=feed 193872 Vanda Pharmaceuticals (VNDA):

Shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals have been on the move of late after Hapoalim Securities initiated coverage of the company with a 'BUY' rating and issued a price target of $23. Additionally, Hapoalim suggested that the company could be targeted for acquisition.

]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 07:21:24 -0400 VFC's Stock House <strong><a href='http://vfcsstockhouse.blogspot.com/'>VFC</a> submits: </strong><p><strong>Vanda Pharmaceuticals (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/vnda' alt='Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.' title='Vanda Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'>VNDA</a>):</strong></p><p>Shares of Vanda Pharmaceuticals have been on the move of late after Hapoalim Securities initiated coverage of the company with a 'BUY' rating and issued a price target of $23. Additionally, Hapoalim suggested that the company could be targeted for acquisition. </p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193872-vanda-titan-pharmaceuticals-2-biotech-stocks-it-wouldn-t-hurt-to-own?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=PoO8EEIdjh8:uS_cJGIfi9M:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=PoO8EEIdjh8:uS_cJGIfi9M:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=PoO8EEIdjh8:uS_cJGIfi9M:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=PoO8EEIdjh8:uS_cJGIfi9M:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> VNDA TTNP.PK NVS VFC's Stock House VNDA Neostem Set to Blow Away Wall St. Estimates http://seekingalpha.com/article/193861-neostem-set-to-blow-away-wall-st-estimates?source=feed 193861 One of the companies we've been following most closely, Neostem, Inc. (AMEX: NBS), is presenting at the Roth Capital Partners 22nd Annual OC Growth Stock Conference in Southern California today.

Last week, Roth Capital initiated a "Buy" recommendation on the stock with a $2.50/shr price target.

]]> Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:00:23 -0400 M. E. Garza <strong><a href='http://biomedreports.com/'>M.E. Garza</a> submits: </strong> <p>One of the companies we've been following most closely, Neostem, Inc. (AMEX: <a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/nbs' alt='Neostem Inc.' title='Neostem Inc.'>NBS</a>), is presenting at the Roth Capital Partners 22nd Annual OC Growth Stock Conference in Southern California today.</p> <p>Last week, Roth Capital initiated a "Buy" recommendation on the stock with a $2.50/shr price target.</p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193861-neostem-set-to-blow-away-wall-st-estimates?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=9K1fMHxhOy8:xmAmXrmbrHc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=9K1fMHxhOy8:xmAmXrmbrHc:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=9K1fMHxhOy8:xmAmXrmbrHc:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=9K1fMHxhOy8:xmAmXrmbrHc:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> NBS M. E. Garza NBS Sequenom Inc. Q4 2009 Earnings Call Transcript http://seekingalpha.com/article/193823-sequenom-inc-q4-2009-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed 193823 Sequenom Inc. (SQNM)

Q4 2009 Earnings Call

March 15, 2010 4:30 pm ET

]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:48:09 -0400 <p>Sequenom Inc. (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/sqnm' alt='Sequenom Inc.' title='Sequenom Inc.'>SQNM</a>)</p> <p>Q4 2009 Earnings Call</p> <p>March 15, 2010 4:30 pm ET</p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193823-sequenom-inc-q4-2009-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=i8_16DU2fdI:QdT2oIPQlV8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=i8_16DU2fdI:QdT2oIPQlV8:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=i8_16DU2fdI:QdT2oIPQlV8:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=i8_16DU2fdI:QdT2oIPQlV8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> SQNM SQNM 3 Ways to Play the Obesity Drugs http://seekingalpha.com/article/193813-3-ways-to-play-the-obesity-drugs?source=feed 193813 Now that Arena Pharmaceuticals (ARNA), Vivus (VVUS) and Orexigen Therapeutics (OREX) have all announced full year 2009 financial results, it's time to revisit my pet strategy of investing in the obesity treatment space by investing in a basket of these three stocks.

This basket essentially represents an option on the obesity drug market that I believe will mature in 2011, and that I hold in my own portfolio.

]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:50:43 -0400 Ruthanne Williams Roussel <strong><a href='http://obesityinvestor.typepad.com/'>Ruthanne Williams Roussel</a> submits:</strong><p>Now that Arena Pharmaceuticals (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/arna' alt='Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc.' title='Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc.'>ARNA</a>), Vivus (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/vvus' alt='VIVUS Inc.' title='VIVUS Inc.'>VVUS</a>) and Orexigen Therapeutics (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/orex' alt='Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc.' title='Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc.'>OREX</a>) have all announced full year 2009 financial results, it's time to revisit my pet strategy of investing in the obesity treatment space by investing in a basket of these three stocks.</p><p>This basket essentially represents an option on the obesity drug market that I believe will mature in 2011, and that I hold in my own portfolio.</p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193813-3-ways-to-play-the-obesity-drugs?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=DPzNMJvZeSs:SBVfPrdQf6g:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=DPzNMJvZeSs:SBVfPrdQf6g:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=DPzNMJvZeSs:SBVfPrdQf6g:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=DPzNMJvZeSs:SBVfPrdQf6g:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> VVUS OREX ARNA Ruthanne Williams Roussel OREXVVUSARNA Amgen: Profitable Biotech at Bargain Price http://seekingalpha.com/article/193751-amgen-profitable-biotech-at-bargain-price?source=feed 193751 Amgen Inc. (AMGN - $56.90) is the world’s largest independent biotechnology medicines company. They discover, develop, manufacture and market medicines for serious illnesses. Their focus is on human therapeutics and AMGN concentrates on medicines based on advances in cellular and molecular biology. 2009 R&D investment was about $2.9 billion or 20% of total sales.

This biotechnology pioneer has been solidly profitable for many years and posted $4.83 per share in 2009 earnings from continuing operations - the highest EPS in its history. Despite its excellent results and record earnings, AMGN shares now trade for 34% less than they did at their peak price of $86.90 set back in 2005 when EPS were just $2.95.

]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:19:31 -0400 Paul Price <strong>Paul Price submits:</strong><p><span><font><span>Amgen Inc. (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/amgn' alt='Amgen Inc.' title='Amgen Inc.'>AMGN</a> - $56.90) is the world’s largest independent biotechnology medicines company. They discover, develop, manufacture and market medicines for serious illnesses. Their focus is on human therapeutics and AMGN concentrates on medicines based on advances in cellular and molecular biology. 2009 R&D investment was about $2.9 billion or 20% of total sales. </span></font></span></p> <p><span>This biotechnology pioneer has been solidly profitable for many years and posted $4.83 per share in 2009 earnings from continuing operations - the highest EPS in its history. Despite its excellent results and record earnings, AMGN shares now trade for 34% less than they did at their peak price of $86.90 set back in 2005 when EPS were just $2.95. </span></p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193751-amgen-profitable-biotech-at-bargain-price?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=N_PG6egvU8c:NE5erSRsZW8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=N_PG6egvU8c:NE5erSRsZW8:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=N_PG6egvU8c:NE5erSRsZW8:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=N_PG6egvU8c:NE5erSRsZW8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> AMGN Paul Price Carl Icahn's 6 Biggest Busts - Will Genzyme Be No. 7? http://seekingalpha.com/article/193745-carl-icahn-s-6-biggest-busts-will-genzyme-be-no-7?source=feed 193745 By Derek Hoffman

On February 22nd, Genzyme (GENZ) said Carl Icahn will nominate 4 directors, including himself, to Genzyme’s board of directors. The election is slated to take place at the annual meeting on May 20th.

]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:01:19 -0400 wall street cheat sheet <strong><a href='http://wallstcheatsheet.com'>Wall Street Cheat Sheet</a> submits: </strong><p><em>By Derek Hoffman</em></p><p>On February 22nd, Genzyme (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/genz' alt='Genzyme Corp.' title='Genzyme Corp.'>GENZ</a>) said Carl Icahn will nominate 4 directors, including himself, to Genzyme’s board of directors. The election is slated to take place at the annual meeting on May 20th.</p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193745-carl-icahn-s-6-biggest-busts-will-genzyme-be-no-7?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=sM5le51BSyA:EYNARvXOtJY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=sM5le51BSyA:EYNARvXOtJY:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=sM5le51BSyA:EYNARvXOtJY:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=sM5le51BSyA:EYNARvXOtJY:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> GENZ wall street cheat sheet GENZ Regulatory Catalyst News for ALKS, AMLN, LLY, MNKD, SVNT http://seekingalpha.com/article/193709-regulatory-catalyst-news-for-alks-amln-lly-mnkd-svnt?source=feed 193709 Shares of Amylin Pharma (NASDAQ: AMLN) are rising by about 10% during early trading today on the issuance of a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the FDA for its once-weekly formulation of its diabetes drug Byetta (exenatide), which would be marketed as Bydureon. The issues raised in the CRL appear to be minor and related to labeling issues with expected resubmission in the next few weeks and likely Class I (60-day) review designation by the FDA upon resubmission by AMLN. Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Alkermes (NASDAQ: ALKS) also have stakes in the drug, with ALKS also trading up 10% and LLY up slightly during early trading.

Meanwhile, MannKind (NASDAQ: MNKD) is trading down by about 10% on news of a CRL for its inhaled insulin product candidate Afrezza, requesting updated clinical / safety data, information on the MedTone inhaler device, and changes to proposed labeling of packaging.

]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:10:32 -0400 Mike Havrilla <strong><a href='http://www.ETFinnovators.com'>Mike Havrilla</a> submits:</strong><p>Shares of Amylin Pharma (NASDAQ: <a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/amln' alt='Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc.' title='Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc.'>AMLN</a>) are rising by about 10% during early trading today on the issuance of a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the FDA for its once-weekly formulation of its diabetes drug Byetta (exenatide), which would be marketed as Bydureon. The issues raised in the CRL appear to be minor and related to labeling issues with expected resubmission in the next few weeks and likely Class I (60-day) review designation by the FDA upon resubmission by AMLN. Eli Lilly (NYSE: <a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/lly' alt='Eli Lilly & Co.' title='Eli Lilly & Co.'>LLY</a>) and Alkermes (NASDAQ: <a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/alks' alt='Alkermes Inc.' title='Alkermes Inc.'>ALKS</a>) also have stakes in the drug, with ALKS also trading up 10% and LLY up slightly during early trading.</p> <p><font size="2">Meanwhile, MannKind (NASDAQ: <a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/mnkd' alt='MannKind Corp.' title='MannKind Corp.'>MNKD</a>) is trading down by about 10% on news of a CRL for its inhaled insulin product candidate Afrezza, requesting updated clinical / safety data, information on the MedTone inhaler device, and changes to proposed labeling of packaging.</font></p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193709-regulatory-catalyst-news-for-alks-amln-lly-mnkd-svnt?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=VYz3-gR-ioY:9KxMzcVQwE0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=VYz3-gR-ioY:9KxMzcVQwE0:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=VYz3-gR-ioY:9KxMzcVQwE0:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=VYz3-gR-ioY:9KxMzcVQwE0:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> AMLN LLY ALKS MNKD SVNT Mike Havrilla LLYMNKDALKSCRLAMLN Intermune Rounds Final Corner in Lung Disease Treatment Approval http://seekingalpha.com/article/193529-intermune-rounds-final-corner-in-lung-disease-treatment-approval?source=feed 193529

Nobody knows exactly how Intermune's (ITMN) lung-disease treatment works. But that didn't stop investors from sending the company's shares soaring March 10 as an FDA panel recommended its lung-disease treatment, pirfenidone, for approval. The vote of confidence from the FDA's Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee sparked buyout speculation on Wall Street, which sees gold in orphan drugs, such as pirfenidone, with the potential to sell to niche markets for high prices and retain extended patent protection.

Gilead (GILD) and Roche (RHHBY.PK) have been mentioned as potential suitors, but neither commented on the possibility. Furthermore, the notion is premature considering a final decision on approval hangs in the balance.

Intermune, which is based in Brisbane, California, could make more than a billion dollars per year from pirfenidone should FDA reviewers follow the panel's recommendation and approve the drug. The panel called the results of a late stage study of pirfenidone "statistically very persuasive." While the FDA doesn't have to take the panel's advice on approvals, it usually does.

Approval of pirfenidone would be a boon for people suffering from its target, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a scarring of the lungs without a known cause. The disease decreases lung function and often leads to death by respiratory failure within three to five years. It is estimated to affect 14 to 43 per 100,000 people in the United States.

While pirfenidone is already approved in Japan, no medications for IPF are approved in the United States and lung transplantation is considered to be the only intervention that can improve survival in patients with the condition.

The FDA has previously said it expects to act on Intermune’s application for approval to market pirfenidone by May 4, 2010.

Shares of Intermune closed the week at $36.76, a steep climb up from February 1's close of $16.50.

]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:41:00 -0400 The Burrill Report <strong><a href='http://www.burrillreport.com/'>The Burrill Report</a> submits: </strong><p><img src="http://static.seekingalpha.com/uploads/2010/3/14/saupload_itmn.png" align="right" hspace="6" vspace="6" />Nobody knows exactly how Intermune's (ITMN) lung-disease treatment works. But that didn't stop investors from sending the company's shares soaring March 10 as an FDA panel recommended its lung-disease treatment, pirfenidone, for approval. The vote of confidence from the FDA's Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee sparked buyout speculation on Wall Street, which sees gold in orphan drugs, such as pirfenidone, with the potential to sell to niche markets for high prices and retain extended patent protection.</p> <div>Gilead (GILD) and Roche (RHHBY.PK) have been mentioned as potential suitors, but neither commented on the possibility. Furthermore, the notion is premature considering a final decision on approval hangs in the balance.</div> <div> </div> <div>Intermune, which is based in Brisbane, California, could make more than a billion dollars per year from pirfenidone should FDA reviewers follow the panel's recommendation and approve the drug. The panel called the results of a late stage study of pirfenidone "statistically very persuasive." While the FDA doesn't have to take the panel's advice on approvals, it usually does.</div> <div> </div> <div>Approval of pirfenidone would be a boon for people suffering from its target, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a scarring of the lungs without a known cause. The disease decreases lung function and often leads to death by respiratory failure within three to five years. It is estimated to affect 14 to 43 per 100,000 people in the United States.</div> <div> </div> <div>While pirfenidone is already approved in Japan, no medications for IPF are approved in the United States and lung transplantation is considered to be the only intervention that can improve survival in patients with the condition.</div> <div> </div> <div>The FDA has previously said it expects to act on Intermune’s application for approval to market pirfenidone by May 4, 2010.</div> <div> </div> <div>Shares of Intermune closed the week at $36.76, a steep climb up from February 1's close of $16.50.</div><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193529-intermune-rounds-final-corner-in-lung-disease-treatment-approval?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=IhMkL5ayuhY:kvWO0Cai3gc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=IhMkL5ayuhY:kvWO0Cai3gc:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=IhMkL5ayuhY:kvWO0Cai3gc:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=IhMkL5ayuhY:kvWO0Cai3gc:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> ITMN GILD RHHBY.PK The Burrill Report GILDITMN Trouble at the Top: Roche's Avastin May Not Become the World's Top-Selling Drug http://seekingalpha.com/article/193590-trouble-at-the-top-roche-s-avastin-may-not-become-the-world-s-top-selling-drug?source=feed 193590 Avastin’s seemingly inevitable rise to becoming the top-selling drug in the world could be under threat. Roche (RHHBY.PK) reported results Friday of a phase III trial in prostate cancer showing that the monoclonal antibody did not meet its primary endpoint of extending overall survival.

The announcement depressed Roche shares as investors and analysts began erasing the prostate cancer indication from their projections on Avastin sales. Before Roche’s announcement, sales of the drug to treat prostate cancer, which kills more men than any other cancer except lung cancer, were projected to account for around 8% of Avastin’s sales of $9.07bn in 2014. The loss to Avastin of an estimated $725m in sales by 2014 could allow Abbott Laboratories' (ABT) anti-rheumatic antibody, Humira, to be crowned the industry's top drug.

]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 02:15:42 -0400 EP Vantage <strong><a href='http://www.epvantage.com/'>EP Vantage</a> submits:</strong><p><span>Avastin’s seemingly inevitable rise to becoming the top-selling drug in the world could be under threat. Roche (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/rhhby.pk' alt='Roche Holdings AG Basel' title='Roche Holdings AG Basel'>RHHBY.PK</a>) reported results Friday of a phase III trial in prostate cancer showing that the monoclonal antibody did not meet its primary endpoint of extending overall survival.</p> <p>The announcement depressed Roche shares as investors and analysts began erasing the prostate cancer indication from their projections on Avastin sales. Before Roche’s announcement, sales of the drug to treat prostate cancer, which kills more men than any other cancer except lung cancer, were projected to account for around 8% of Avastin’s sales of $9.07bn in 2014. The loss to Avastin of an estimated $725m in sales by 2014 could allow Abbott Laboratories' (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/abt' alt='Abbott Laboratories' title='Abbott Laboratories'>ABT</a>) anti-rheumatic antibody, Humira, to be crowned the industry's top drug.</p></span><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193590-trouble-at-the-top-roche-s-avastin-may-not-become-the-world-s-top-selling-drug?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=cv0dHbeFvgY:y-chY0vPCUs:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=cv0dHbeFvgY:y-chY0vPCUs:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=cv0dHbeFvgY:y-chY0vPCUs:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=cv0dHbeFvgY:y-chY0vPCUs:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> RHHBY.PK ABT EP Vantage ABT A Lukewarm IPO, White Knight Spice Up Biotech's Latest Deals http://seekingalpha.com/article/193584-a-lukewarm-ipo-white-knight-spice-up-biotech-s-latest-deals?source=feed 193584 by MARIE DAGHLIAN

[[AVEO]] Pharmaceuticals’ initial public offering on March 12 reaffirmed investors’ tepid interest in IPOs of developmental-stage biotech companies. After delaying its debut for two days, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotech priced 9 million shares at $9.00, well below its target $13 to $15 a share range. Top investors in Aveo include Biogen Idec, MPM Capital, Highland Capital Partners, Venrock Associates, and Prospect Venture Partners. At the end of the day, Aveo’s shares were trading down one penny. The company raised $81 million for further development of its late-stage renal cell cancer treatment.

Aveo is the third biotech company to IPO this year and the third to also price well below its target range. Anthera Pharmaceuticals (ANTH) went public last week at $7 per share, half of what it had originally hoped for. Anthera shares ended the week up slightly at $7.10 per share. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (IRWD) went public at the beginning of February at $11.25 per share, 25 percent below its original target price. At the end of six weeks, Ironwood shares were trading at $12.91, up 15 percent. Trius Therapeutics (TSRX) has postponed its initial offering in order to reconsider some new FDA clinical trial protocol.

After fending off Biogen Idec (BIIB) for four months last year, Facet Biotech (FACT) signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Abbott Laboratories (ABT), enhancing Abbott’s early- and mid-stage pharmaceutical pipeline. As the white knight, Abbott is offering $27 a share for Facet, well above the $17.50 final offer of Biogen Idec in December 2009.

The Abbott offer values Facet at $722 million, including $272 million of Facet’s projected cash and marketable securities at closing. The acquisition of Facet provides Abbott with a pipeline of biologics in immunology and oncology, including daclizumab, a biologic treatment for multiple sclerosis that will enter late-stage testing this year, and several oncology compounds in early- to mid-stage development. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010.

Animal health was in the spotlight this week with two separate deals. Sanofi-Avenetis (SNY) exercised its option to combine its animal health unit Merial with Intervet/Schering-Plough (SGP), Merck’s (MRK) animal health business, creating a joint venture that will be equally owned by Sanofi and Merck.

The enterprise value of Merial has been fixed at $8 billion and the enterprise value of Intervet/Schering-Plough at $8.5 billion, leading to a true-up payment of $250 million to Merck to establish the 50-50 joint venture. Sanofi will also pay an additional $750 million as per the terms of the agreement signed on July 29, 2009 when Sanofi bought Merck’s 50 percent interest in Merial for $4 billion. The new joint venture will offer a broader portfolio of animal health products and services in pharmaceuticals and biologics, as well as the ability to capitalize on growth opportunities in all fields and countries around the world [see story].

A worldwide animal health market that reached $19 billion in 2008 is not a trifle. In the same week, Elanco, the animal health division of Eli Lilly (LLY), agreed to acquire the European rights to a portfolio of Pfizer (PFE) Animal Health products that have been marketed by Pfizer and Wyeth's (WYE) Fort Dodge operations. Elanco also will acquire a manufacturing facility in Sligo, Ireland, currently used in the production of animal vaccines. As part of the agreement, all Sligo employees will be offered positions with Elanco. Pfizer’s divesture came at the request of the European Commission as a result of its acquisition of Wyeth last year. Lilly will pay Pfizer an undisclosed upfront payment. Other terms were not disclosed.

Swiss biopharmaceutical company Novartis (NVS) is paying French biotech Transgene (TRGNF.PK) $10 million upfront for an option for a worldwide license to its TG4010 experimental cancer vaccine. If Novartis exercises the option, Transgene will be eligible for as much as $950 in milestones and royalties. Transgene has been looking for a partner for more than a year to help develop TG4010, which has been granted fast-track status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Investors were not too happy with the deal because Transgene will have to shoulder development costs for another two years when the first results of a mid-stage trial testing the vaccine in patients with non-small cell lung cancer will be reported. Novartis wants to see the outcome of the trial before exercising its option.

Privately held German biotech Cellzome entered into a second drug discovery alliance with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) potentially worth $695 million. The new collaboration gives GSK exclusive access to Cellzome’s proprietary Episphere technology, which addresses epigenetic targets in disease-specific protein complexes, in inflammatory diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will work together to identify selective small-molecule drug candidates against targets from four different epigenetic target classes. The companies will share operational responsibility for the programs until identification of drug candidates, at which stage GSK will assume responsibility for any further preclinical and clinical development and commercialization. Cellzome will receive an upfront payment of $45 million in technology access fees and an equity stake by GSK in the company. Cellzome will also be eligible for milestone payments and tiered royalties for each program.

Finally, AstraZeneca (AZN) raised its presence in emerging market by entering into a supply partnership with India’s Torrent Pharmaceuticals, its first such deal. Under their agreement, Torrent will supply AstraZeneca with a portfolio of 18 generic medicines, which AstraZeneca will then brand and market in nine countries. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Click to enlarge

]]> Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:33:03 -0400 The Burrill Report <strong><a href='http://www.burrillreport.com/'>The Burrill Report</a> submits: </strong><p><em>by MARIE DAGHLIAN</em></p><div><br> <div>[[AVEO]] Pharmaceuticals’ initial public offering on March 12 reaffirmed investors’ tepid interest in IPOs of developmental-stage biotech companies. After delaying its debut for two days, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based biotech priced 9 million shares at $9.00, well below its target $13 to $15 a share range. Top investors in Aveo include Biogen Idec, MPM Capital, Highland Capital Partners, Venrock Associates, and Prospect Venture Partners. At the end of the day, Aveo’s shares were trading down one penny. The company raised $81 million for further development of its late-stage renal cell cancer treatment.</div> <div> </div> <div>Aveo is the third biotech company to IPO this year and the third to also price well below its target range. Anthera Pharmaceuticals (ANTH) went public last week at $7 per share, half of what it had originally hoped for. Anthera shares ended the week up slightly at $7.10 per share. Ironwood Pharmaceuticals (IRWD) went public at the beginning of February at $11.25 per share, 25 percent below its original target price. At the end of six weeks, Ironwood shares were trading at $12.91, up 15 percent. Trius Therapeutics (TSRX) has postponed its initial offering in order to reconsider some new FDA clinical trial protocol.</div> <div> </div> <div>After fending off Biogen Idec (BIIB) for four months last year, Facet Biotech (FACT) signed a definitive agreement to be acquired by Abbott Laboratories (ABT), enhancing Abbott’s early- and mid-stage pharmaceutical pipeline. As the white knight, Abbott is offering $27 a share for Facet, well above the $17.50 final offer of Biogen Idec in December 2009.</div> <div> </div> <div>The Abbott offer values Facet at $722 million, including $272 million of Facet’s projected cash and marketable securities at closing. The acquisition of Facet provides Abbott with a pipeline of biologics in immunology and oncology, including daclizumab, a biologic treatment for multiple sclerosis that will enter late-stage testing this year, and several oncology compounds in early- to mid-stage development. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010.</div> <div> </div> <div>Animal health was in the spotlight this week with two separate deals. Sanofi-Avenetis (SNY) exercised its option to combine its animal health unit Merial with Intervet/Schering-Plough (SGP), Merck’s (MRK) animal health business, creating a joint venture that will be equally owned by Sanofi and Merck.</div> <div> </div> <div>The enterprise value of Merial has been fixed at $8 billion and the enterprise value of Intervet/Schering-Plough at $8.5 billion, leading to a true-up payment of $250 million to Merck to establish the 50-50 joint venture. Sanofi will also pay an additional $750 million as per the terms of the agreement signed on July 29, 2009 when Sanofi bought Merck’s 50 percent interest in Merial for $4 billion. The new joint venture will offer a broader portfolio of animal health products and services in pharmaceuticals and biologics, as well as the ability to capitalize on growth opportunities in all fields and countries around the world [<a href="http://www.burrillreport.com/article-2217.html">see story</a>].</div> <div> </div> <div>A worldwide animal health market that reached $19 billion in 2008 is not a trifle. In the same week, Elanco, the animal health division of Eli Lilly (LLY), agreed to acquire the European rights to a portfolio of Pfizer (PFE) Animal Health products that have been marketed by Pfizer and Wyeth's (WYE) Fort Dodge operations. Elanco also will acquire a manufacturing facility in Sligo, Ireland, currently used in the production of animal vaccines. As part of the agreement, all Sligo employees will be offered positions with Elanco. Pfizer’s divesture came at the request of the European Commission as a result of its acquisition of Wyeth last year. Lilly will pay Pfizer an undisclosed upfront payment. Other terms were not disclosed.</div> <div> </div> <div>Swiss biopharmaceutical company Novartis (NVS) is paying French biotech Transgene (TRGNF.PK) $10 million upfront for an option for a worldwide license to its TG4010 experimental cancer vaccine. If Novartis exercises the option, Transgene will be eligible for as much as $950 in milestones and royalties. Transgene has been looking for a partner for more than a year to help develop TG4010, which has been granted fast-track status by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Investors were not too happy with the deal because Transgene will have to shoulder development costs for another two years when the first results of a mid-stage trial testing the vaccine in patients with non-small cell lung cancer will be reported. Novartis wants to see the outcome of the trial before exercising its option.</div> <div> </div> <div>Privately held German biotech Cellzome entered into a second drug discovery alliance with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) potentially worth $695 million. The new collaboration gives GSK exclusive access to Cellzome’s proprietary Episphere technology, which addresses epigenetic targets in disease-specific protein complexes, in inflammatory diseases. Under the terms of the agreement, the companies will work together to identify selective small-molecule drug candidates against targets from four different epigenetic target classes. The companies will share operational responsibility for the programs until identification of drug candidates, at which stage GSK will assume responsibility for any further preclinical and clinical development and commercialization. Cellzome will receive an upfront payment of $45 million in technology access fees and an equity stake by GSK in the company. Cellzome will also be eligible for milestone payments and tiered royalties for each program.</div> <div> </div> <div>Finally, AstraZeneca (AZN) raised its presence in emerging market by entering into a supply partnership with India’s Torrent Pharmaceuticals, its first such deal. Under their agreement, Torrent will supply AstraZeneca with a portfolio of 18 generic medicines, which AstraZeneca will then brand and market in nine countries. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.</div><div><em>Click to enlarge</em></div> <div> </div> <div><a href="http://static.seekingalpha.com/uploads/2010/3/15/saupload_btns_31210.png" rel="lightbox"><img src="http://static.seekingalpha.com/uploads/2010/3/15/saupload_btns_31210_thumb1.png" /></a></div> <div> </div> <div> </div></div><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193584-a-lukewarm-ipo-white-knight-spice-up-biotech-s-latest-deals?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=6i3KqW0o64M:iSieacttfOE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=6i3KqW0o64M:iSieacttfOE:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=6i3KqW0o64M:iSieacttfOE:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=6i3KqW0o64M:iSieacttfOE:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> AVEO FACT ABT BIIB SNY MRK LLY PFE NVS TRGNF.PK GSK AZN The Burrill Report TSRXBIIBABTPFELLYGSKSGPWYEIRWDANTHAZNMRKFACTSNYNVS Industry News Bytes: Delcath, Amylin and Access Pharma http://seekingalpha.com/article/193535-industry-news-bytes-delcath-amylin-and-access-pharma?source=feed 193535 Potash (POT) is poised to open trading at new highs after posting strong earnings and upping its guidance. Meanwhile, Yara International (YARIY.PK) has withdrawn its bid for Terra Industries (TRA), which will be acquired by CF Industries (CF). In addition, Agrium (AGU) has dropped its hostile bid for CF.

Delcath Systems (DCTH) is an emerging, small-cap medical device innovator that is developing a regional treatment system for cancer in the liver. Delcath's Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) technology allows physicians to deliver significantly higher doses of existing chemotherapy drugs to the liver without exposing each patient's entire body to the anti-cancer drugs, representing an elegant solution that promises to increase the effectiveness of approved anti-cancer drugs while reducing systemic side effects.

]]> Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:30:33 -0400 Mike Havrilla <strong><a href='http://www.ETFinnovators.com'>Mike Havrilla</a> submits:</strong><p>Potash (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/pot' alt='Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.' title='Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan, Inc.'>POT</a>) is poised to open trading at new highs after posting strong earnings and upping its guidance. Meanwhile, Yara International (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/yariy.pk' alt='Yara International SP ADR' title='Yara International SP ADR'>YARIY.PK</a>) has withdrawn its bid for Terra Industries (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/tra' alt='Terra Industries Inc.' title='Terra Industries Inc.'>TRA</a>), which will be acquired by CF Industries (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/cf' alt='CF Industries Holdings Inc.' title='CF Industries Holdings Inc.'>CF</a>). In addition, Agrium (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/agu' alt='Agrium Inc.' title='Agrium Inc.'>AGU</a>) has dropped its hostile bid for CF.</p><p>Delcath Systems (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/dcth' alt='Delcath Systems Inc.' title='Delcath Systems Inc.'>DCTH</a>) is an emerging, small-cap medical device innovator that is developing a regional treatment system for cancer in the liver. Delcath's Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) technology allows physicians to deliver significantly higher doses of existing chemotherapy drugs to the liver without exposing each patient's entire body to the anti-cancer drugs, representing an elegant solution that promises to increase the effectiveness of approved anti-cancer drugs while reducing systemic side effects.</p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193535-industry-news-bytes-delcath-amylin-and-access-pharma?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=L1GXfnoGKJM:FlzOUeaOxgA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=L1GXfnoGKJM:FlzOUeaOxgA:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=L1GXfnoGKJM:FlzOUeaOxgA:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=L1GXfnoGKJM:FlzOUeaOxgA:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> POT YARIY.PK TRA CF AGU DCTH AMLN LLY ALKS ACCP.OB ESALY.PK SUPG Mike Havrilla PHPCFTRAAGUPOTDCTH Abbott Buys Facet to Strengthen Biologics Capabilities, Pharma Pipeline http://seekingalpha.com/article/193516-abbott-buys-facet-to-strengthen-biologics-capabilities-pharma-pipeline?source=feed 193516 Abbott (ABT) has acquired antibody expert Facet Biotechnology (FACT) for $722 million, which includes Facet’s projected cash and marketable securities, capturing for itself the font of immunology and oncology potential Biogen (BIIB) so desired to control before giving up its own spurned bid for Facet last year. The March 9 deal gives Abbott control of daclizumab, a mid-stage biologic intended to treat multiple sclerosis as well as Facet's oncology pipeline, which includes early- and mid-stage compounds for various types of cancer, including multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Daclizumab, Facet's lead product candidate, has big potential. For starters, Biogen will owe Facet a $30 million milestone payment as soon as the first patient is enrolled in a late-stage trial of the drug. But if the drug goes on to prove it can reduce inflammatory lesions associated with multiple sclerosis while showing better efficacy and safety than competing drugs, it could go on to realize a substantial slice of the $10.9 billion annual global market for MS treatments, Facet says.

After expending significant energy fending off bids for $14.50 and then $17.50 from Biogen starting September 2009, Facet's board was likely relieved to secure Abbott's $27 per share tender offer. Facet had put a poison pill in place just to make sure it would be able to embrace the buyer of its choice.

Biogen might have seemed a natural fit for Facet since the two companies have partnerships covering both of its most mature programs, daclizumab and volociximab for solid tumors. But its final bid valued the company at little more than $110 million after taking Facet's cash reserves into account, leaving some observers questioning the fairness of the bid.

Facet also has partnerships with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) on elotuzumab for multiple myeloma and PDL241 for treating immunologic diseases.

Abbott's senior VP of global pharmaceutical R&D, John Leonard, says the acquisition will strengthen his company's biologics capabilities and pharmaceutical pipeline.

Faheem Hasnain, Facet's president and CEO, says Abbott's expertise in immunology and oncology makes it an excellent match for maximizing the full potential of Facet's programs and technologies.

The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010.

]]> Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:41:15 -0400 The Burrill Report <strong><a href='http://www.burrillreport.com/'>The Burrill Report</a> submits: </strong><p>Abbott (ABT) has acquired antibody expert Facet Biotechnology (FACT) for $722 million, which includes Facet’s projected cash and marketable securities, capturing for itself the font of immunology and oncology potential Biogen (BIIB) so desired to control before giving up its own spurned bid for Facet last year. The March 9 deal gives Abbott control of daclizumab, a mid-stage biologic intended to treat multiple sclerosis as well as Facet's oncology pipeline, which includes early- and mid-stage compounds for various types of cancer, including multiple myeloma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.</p> <div>Daclizumab, Facet's lead product candidate, has big potential. For starters, Biogen will owe Facet a $30 million milestone payment as soon as the first patient is enrolled in a late-stage trial of the drug. But if the drug goes on to prove it can reduce inflammatory lesions associated with multiple sclerosis while showing better efficacy and safety than competing drugs, it could go on to realize a substantial slice of the $10.9 billion annual global market for MS treatments, Facet says.</div> <div> </div> <div>After expending significant energy fending off bids for $14.50 and then $17.50 from Biogen starting September 2009, Facet's board was likely relieved to secure Abbott's $27 per share tender offer. Facet had put a poison pill in place just to make sure it would be able to embrace the buyer of its choice.</div> <div> </div> <div>Biogen might have seemed a natural fit for Facet since the two companies have partnerships covering both of its most mature programs, daclizumab and volociximab for solid tumors. But its final bid valued the company at little more than $110 million after taking Facet's cash reserves into account, leaving some observers questioning the fairness of the bid.</div> <div> </div> <div>Facet also has partnerships with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) on elotuzumab for multiple myeloma and PDL241 for treating immunologic diseases.</div> <div> </div> <div>Abbott's senior VP of global pharmaceutical R&D, John Leonard, says the acquisition will strengthen his company's biologics capabilities and pharmaceutical pipeline.</div> <div> </div> <div>Faheem Hasnain, Facet's president and CEO, says Abbott's expertise in immunology and oncology makes it an excellent match for maximizing the full potential of Facet's programs and technologies.</div> <div> </div> <div>The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010.</div> <div> </div><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193516-abbott-buys-facet-to-strengthen-biologics-capabilities-pharma-pipeline?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=4kPDVYC2Ib4:MuvuB4itu7E:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=4kPDVYC2Ib4:MuvuB4itu7E:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=4kPDVYC2Ib4:MuvuB4itu7E:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=4kPDVYC2Ib4:MuvuB4itu7E:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> ABT FACT The Burrill Report BIIBABTBMYFACT Roche, Biogen Suspend Experimental Treatment: Biotech's Latest Mishaps http://seekingalpha.com/article/193524-roche-biogen-suspend-experimental-treatment-biotech-s-latest-mishaps?source=feed 193524 Roche (RHHBY.PK) and Biogen Idex (BIIB) said they suspended Ocrelizumab, their experimental treatment for rheumatoid arthritis following the recommendation of an independent data and safety monitoring board. The board concluded that the risks outweigh the benefits in the patient population targeted by the drug. Some patients using the drug suffered serious opportunistic infections, some of which were fatal. Ocrelizumab was viewed as a possible successor to Roche’s Rituxan.

ExonHit Therapeutics (EXHTF.PK) and bioMérieux said they have decided not to pursue their collaboration in colon cancer, following a recent review of data by their scientific committee. Both companies continue to collaborate in the field of prostate cancer. “ExonHit’s technology was able to produce a robust and reproducible test however, the final results from the colon cancer program did not reach the level of performance we were aiming to achieve,” said Loïc Maurel, president of the management board of ExonHit Therapeutics. ExonHit and bioMérieux collaboration is dedicated to the discovery of biomarkers for the detection of certain cancers.

XenoPort (XNPT) said it would eliminate about half of its 220-person workforce as part of a restructuring designed to focus the company’s resources on advancement of its later-stage product candidates. On February 17, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued told the company it would not approve at this time the company’s application to begin marketing Horizant, an experimental, non-dopaminergic treatment for moderate-to-severe primary restless legs syndrome. The Company expects to incur cash expenditures in the first half of 2010 of up to $4.2 million related to the restructuring, which will partially offset the savings in 2010. The Company also expects to incur additional non-cash expenses as a result of the restructuring. “The unexpected setback in the approval of Horizant has forced us to conduct a thorough review of our operating plans,” said Ronald Barrett, XenoPort’s CEO. “We have made the difficult decision to restructure the company to prioritize later-stage development activity and eliminate our discovery research efforts.”

Exelixis (EXEL) said it would eliminate about 270 employees or 40 percent of its workforce as part of a strategy to focus resources on the development of its key late-stage compounds. The company said it will aggressively advance XL184, XL147 and XL765, each of which is the subject of a large clinical development program. Additionally, Exelixis retains a fully integrated R&D organization, and will continue to advance new compounds into development, although the number will be reduced for the foreseeable future. Exelixis has retained the ability to meet all of its obligations to existing partners. Further, as a result of its retained R&D capabilities and its numerous unpartnered clinical and preclinical compounds, the company expects that its ongoing and future business development discussions will be unaffected. Exelixis said the restructuring will reduced its cumulative cash expenditures through 2011 by approximately $90 million after payment of restructuring costs. The savings are primarily related to reductions in compensation and benefits, laboratory supplies, and clinical trial costs. The company expects to record a restructuring charge of approximately $15 million in the first quarter of 2010, which may increase later in the year, depending on potential facility-related charges and other write downs that have not yet been finalized.

The Board of Ark Therapeutics has withdrawn its application with European regulators to begin marketed the brain cancer treatment Cerepro. A scientific advisory group to the European Medicines Evaluation Agency recommended an additional clinical trial before the product could be approved. Following the withdrawal of the Cerepro application, Ark said it has initiated a full review of its portfolio of assets, potential and alternative strategies, and options to optimize shareholder value. The review will also consider strategic alternatives in light of offers that have already been received. The company has received a number of offers and has initiated further discussions with a number of parties, which it said may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company.

AutoImmune said that its board of directors has decided to liquidate the company after consideration of potential strategic alternatives. The decision follows the failure in July of the company’s experimental multiple sclerosis drug in a late-stage trial. In connection with the liquidation, the Pasedena, California-based company intends to distribute to its stockholders all available cash, except such cash as is required for paying or making reasonable provision for the liabilities and other obligations of the company. The company intends to call a special meeting of the stockholders to seek approval of a liquidation plan. If the plan of liquidation is approved, the company also intends to close its stock transfer books and to discontinue recording transfers of its stock.

Neuropharm Group said it is considering a voluntary liquidation in the face of a lack of offers from ongoing talks with potential buyers. The specialty pharmaceutical focused on neurodevelopmental disorders has been in discussions with a number of parties since it entered an offer period in November 2009 and announced that it was pursuing a proposed sale or merger of the company. The Company is continuing talks with a potentially interested party, which is in the advanced stages of due diligence, but no offer has yet been received. The company said it has significantly reduced its cash burn and, as of the end of 2009, had unaudited cash, cash equivalents and money market investments of $9.4 million.

]]> Sun, 14 Mar 2010 07:41:00 -0400 The Burrill Report <strong><a href='http://www.burrillreport.com/'>The Burrill Report</a> submits: </strong><p>Roche (RHHBY.PK) and Biogen Idex (BIIB) said they suspended Ocrelizumab, their experimental treatment for rheumatoid arthritis following the recommendation of an independent data and safety monitoring board. The board concluded that the risks outweigh the benefits in the patient population targeted by the drug. Some patients using the drug suffered serious opportunistic infections, some of which were fatal. Ocrelizumab was viewed as a possible successor to Roche’s Rituxan.</p> <div>ExonHit Therapeutics (EXHTF.PK) and bioMérieux said they have decided not to pursue their collaboration in colon cancer, following a recent review of data by their scientific committee. Both companies continue to collaborate in the field of prostate cancer. “ExonHit’s technology was able to produce a robust and reproducible test however, the final results from the colon cancer program did not reach the level of performance we were aiming to achieve,” said Loïc Maurel, president of the management board of ExonHit Therapeutics. ExonHit and bioMérieux collaboration is dedicated to the discovery of biomarkers for the detection of certain cancers.</div> <div> </div> <div>XenoPort (XNPT) said it would eliminate about half of its 220-person workforce as part of a restructuring designed to focus the company’s resources on advancement of its later-stage product candidates. On February 17, 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued told the company it would not approve at this time the company’s application to begin marketing Horizant, an experimental, non-dopaminergic treatment for moderate-to-severe primary restless legs syndrome. The Company expects to incur cash expenditures in the first half of 2010 of up to $4.2 million related to the restructuring, which will partially offset the savings in 2010. The Company also expects to incur additional non-cash expenses as a result of the restructuring. “The unexpected setback in the approval of Horizant has forced us to conduct a thorough review of our operating plans,” said Ronald Barrett, XenoPort’s CEO. “We have made the difficult decision to restructure the company to prioritize later-stage development activity and eliminate our discovery research efforts.”</div> <div> </div> <div>Exelixis (EXEL) said it would eliminate about 270 employees or 40 percent of its workforce as part of a strategy to focus resources on the development of its key late-stage compounds. The company said it will aggressively advance XL184, XL147 and XL765, each of which is the subject of a large clinical development program. Additionally, Exelixis retains a fully integrated R&D organization, and will continue to advance new compounds into development, although the number will be reduced for the foreseeable future. Exelixis has retained the ability to meet all of its obligations to existing partners. Further, as a result of its retained R&D capabilities and its numerous unpartnered clinical and preclinical compounds, the company expects that its ongoing and future business development discussions will be unaffected. Exelixis said the restructuring will reduced its cumulative cash expenditures through 2011 by approximately $90 million after payment of restructuring costs. The savings are primarily related to reductions in compensation and benefits, laboratory supplies, and clinical trial costs. The company expects to record a restructuring charge of approximately $15 million in the first quarter of 2010, which may increase later in the year, depending on potential facility-related charges and other write downs that have not yet been finalized.</div> <div> </div> <div>The Board of Ark Therapeutics has withdrawn its application with European regulators to begin marketed the brain cancer treatment Cerepro. A scientific advisory group to the European Medicines Evaluation Agency recommended an additional clinical trial before the product could be approved. Following the withdrawal of the Cerepro application, Ark said it has initiated a full review of its portfolio of assets, potential and alternative strategies, and options to optimize shareholder value. The review will also consider strategic alternatives in light of offers that have already been received. The company has received a number of offers and has initiated further discussions with a number of parties, which it said may or may not lead to an offer being made for the company.</div> <div> </div> <div>AutoImmune said that its board of directors has decided to liquidate the company after consideration of potential strategic alternatives. The decision follows the failure in July of the company’s experimental multiple sclerosis drug in a late-stage trial. In connection with the liquidation, the Pasedena, California-based company intends to distribute to its stockholders all available cash, except such cash as is required for paying or making reasonable provision for the liabilities and other obligations of the company. The company intends to call a special meeting of the stockholders to seek approval of a liquidation plan. If the plan of liquidation is approved, the company also intends to close its stock transfer books and to discontinue recording transfers of its stock.</div> <div> </div> <div>Neuropharm Group said it is considering a voluntary liquidation in the face of a lack of offers from ongoing talks with potential buyers. The specialty pharmaceutical focused on neurodevelopmental disorders has been in discussions with a number of parties since it entered an offer period in November 2009 and announced that it was pursuing a proposed sale or merger of the company. The Company is continuing talks with a potentially interested party, which is in the advanced stages of due diligence, but no offer has yet been received. The company said it has significantly reduced its cash burn and, as of the end of 2009, had unaudited cash, cash equivalents and money market investments of $9.4 million.</div> <div> </div><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193524-roche-biogen-suspend-experimental-treatment-biotech-s-latest-mishaps?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=ZvHS4HmVH-w:f02gVCeayDM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=ZvHS4HmVH-w:f02gVCeayDM:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=ZvHS4HmVH-w:f02gVCeayDM:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=ZvHS4HmVH-w:f02gVCeayDM:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> RHHBY.PK BIIB EXHTF.PK XNPT EXEL The Burrill Report BIIBEXELXNPT Three Biotech ETFs for Different Risk Appetites http://seekingalpha.com/article/193349-three-biotech-etfs-for-different-risk-appetites?source=feed 193349 The biotechnology sector has been hopping around like Tigger lately; mergers and acquisitions dot the space, some stocks are rocketing higher while others are taking a few lumps. This is why biotech ETFs might be a better way to access the sector than picking stocks.

The biotech industry at large may appeal to some of the more conservative investors out there, says Don Dion for The Street. Many of the larger ETFs are taking unique, well-balanced approaches to the industry, but which you go for depends on what your goals are.

]]> Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:07:25 -0500 Tom Lydon <img src='http://seekingalpha.com/wp-content/seekingalpha/images/tlydon75px.jpg' title='tom lydon' alt='tom lydon' width="70" align="left" hspace="6" vspace="6" border='1' /><strong>Tom Lydon <a href="http://www.ETFtrends.com">(ETF Trends)</a> submits: </strong><p>The biotechnology sector has been hopping around like Tigger lately; mergers and acquisitions dot the space, some stocks are rocketing higher while others are taking a few lumps. This is why biotech ETFs might be a better way to access the sector than picking stocks.<span></p><p>The biotech industry at large may appeal to some of the more conservative investors out there, <a href="http://www.thestreet.com/story/10699131/1/four-etf-plays-for-biotech.html?cm_ven=GOOGLEN" rel="nofollow">says Don Dion for The Street</a>. Many of the larger ETFs are taking unique, well-balanced approaches to the industry, but which you go for depends on what your goals are.<a href="http://www.etftrends.com/2010/03/why-etfs-way-play-biotechnology.html" rel="nofollow"><br></a></p></span><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193349-three-biotech-etfs-for-different-risk-appetites?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=felANcVENfQ:PdosZrTqhq4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=felANcVENfQ:PdosZrTqhq4:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=felANcVENfQ:PdosZrTqhq4:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=felANcVENfQ:PdosZrTqhq4:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> IBB XBI FBT Tom Lydon XOMA Ltd. Q4 2009 Earnings Call Transcript http://seekingalpha.com/article/193282-xoma-ltd-q4-2009-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed 193282 XOMA Ltd. (XOMA)

Q4 2009 Earnings Call

March 11, 2010 4:30 pm ET

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 21:26:08 -0500 <p>XOMA Ltd. (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/xoma' alt='XOMA Ltd' title='XOMA Ltd'>XOMA</a>)</p> <p>Q4 2009 Earnings Call</p> <p>March 11, 2010 4:30 pm ET</p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193282-xoma-ltd-q4-2009-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=xovShzoOHvo:wzlwwijC4NA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=xovShzoOHvo:wzlwwijC4NA:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=xovShzoOHvo:wzlwwijC4NA:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=xovShzoOHvo:wzlwwijC4NA:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> XOMA XOMA Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. F3Q10 (Qtr End 01/31/10) Earnings Call Transcript http://seekingalpha.com/article/193274-peregrine-pharmaceuticals-inc-f3q10-qtr-end-01-31-10-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed 193274 Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PPHM)

F3Q10 (Qtr End 01/31/10) Earnings Call

March 11, 2010 11:30 am ET

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:58:07 -0500 <p>Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/pphm' alt='Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.' title='Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc.'>PPHM</a>)</p> <p>F3Q10 (Qtr End 01/31/10) Earnings Call</p> <p>March 11, 2010 11:30 am ET</p><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193274-peregrine-pharmaceuticals-inc-f3q10-qtr-end-01-31-10-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=SZfFC_navdU:4yJ7_-UR0-s:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=SZfFC_navdU:4yJ7_-UR0-s:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=SZfFC_navdU:4yJ7_-UR0-s:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=SZfFC_navdU:4yJ7_-UR0-s:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> PPHM PPHM InterMune: Pulmonary Fibrosis Drug Could Open Doors, Expand the Product Pipeline http://seekingalpha.com/article/193260-intermune-pulmonary-fibrosis-drug-could-open-doors-expand-the-product-pipeline?source=feed 193260 The FDA Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee (PADAC) voted 9-3 to recommend approval of Esbiet (pirfenidone), developed by the biotech firm InterMne (ITMN), for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The same drug is approved in Japan for IPF and sold under the trade name Pirespa by Shionogi (SGIOF.PK) in that country. Both Intermune and Shionogi had licensed pirfenidone from Marnac and its co-licensor, KDL GmbH. Intermune got the rights to sell the compound in the United States, Europe and other territories except in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, while Shionogi & Co. Ltd. got the rights for Japan.

Pirfenidone is an orally active small molecule drug that may inhibit collagen synthesis, down regulate production of multiple cytokines and block fibroblast proliferation and stimulation in response to cytokines. Pirfenidone has demonstrated activity in multiple fibrotic conditions, including those of the lung, kidney and liver.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:50:01 -0500 Prohost Biotech <strong><a href='http://www.prohostbiotech.com/'>Prohost Biotech</a> submits:</strong><p><span>T<span>he FDA Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee (PADAC) voted 9-3 to recommend approval of <b>Esbiet</b> (pirfenidone), developed by the biotech firm <b><span>InterMne (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/itmn' alt='InterMune Inc.' title='InterMune Inc.'>ITMN</a>)</span></b>, for <b>idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).</b> The same drug is approved in Japan for IPF and sold under the trade name </span>Pirespa by Shionogi (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/sgiof.pk' alt='Shionogi & Co.' title='Shionogi & Co.'>SGIOF.PK</a>) in that country. Both Intermune and Shionogi had licensed pirfenidone from Marnac and its co-licensor, KDL GmbH. Intermune got the rights to sell the compound in the United States, Europe and other territories except in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea, while Shionogi & Co. Ltd. got the rights for Japan. <span></span></p><p><span><span></span><span><b><span>Pirfenidone</span></b><span> is an orally active small molecule drug that may inhibit collagen synthesis, down regulate production of multiple cytokines and block fibroblast proliferation and stimulation in response to cytokines. Pirfenidone has demonstrated activity in multiple fibrotic conditions, including those of the lung, kidney and liver.<span> </span></span><span><span></span></p></span></span></span></span><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193260-intermune-pulmonary-fibrosis-drug-could-open-doors-expand-the-product-pipeline?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=Ruvxao9d-rI:9scHLNn1ML8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=Ruvxao9d-rI:9scHLNn1ML8:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=Ruvxao9d-rI:9scHLNn1ML8:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=Ruvxao9d-rI:9scHLNn1ML8:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> ITMN SGIOF.PK Prohost Biotech IPFITMNPADAC Is the Tide Turning Back in Takeda’s Favor? http://seekingalpha.com/article/193227-is-the-tide-turning-back-in-takedas-favor?source=feed 193227

With so many high-profile pipeline setbacks over the past couple of years, could the tide be turning back in Takeda’s (TKPHF.PK) favor with regard to one of its biggest and most valuable products?

Wednesday’s patent litigation settlement with Watson Pharmaceuticals (WPI) will delay the launch of Watson’s generic version of key diabetes drug Actos until August 2012, a full 19 months after expiry of the drug’s main patent in January 2011, the point at which the market is currently expecting significant generic competition. If Takeda can similarly ward off other generic threats the gains could be significant, adding $1.9bn to profits from Actos (see tables below). Takeda’s shares gained 1% in trading Thursday to reach a 12-month high of ¥4,075.

]]> Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:20:22 -0500 EP Vantage <strong><a href='http://www.epvantage.com/'>EP Vantage</a> submits:</strong><table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tr><td valign="top"> </td> <td valign="top"><p>With so many high-profile pipeline setbacks over the past couple of years, could the tide be turning back in Takeda’s (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/tkphf.pk' alt='Takeda Pharmaceuticals' title='Takeda Pharmaceuticals'>TKPHF.PK</a>) favor with regard to one of its biggest and most valuable products?<br><br>Wednesday’s patent litigation settlement with Watson Pharmaceuticals (<a href='http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/wpi' alt='Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc.' title='Watson Pharmaceuticals Inc.'>WPI</a>) will delay the launch of Watson’s generic version of key diabetes drug Actos until August 2012, a full 19 months after expiry of the drug’s main patent in January 2011, the point at which the market is currently expecting significant generic competition. If Takeda can similarly ward off other generic threats the gains could be significant, adding $1.9bn to profits from Actos (see tables below). Takeda’s shares gained 1% in trading Thursday to reach a 12-month high of ¥4,075.</p></td></tr></table><br/><a href='http://seekingalpha.com/article/193227-is-the-tide-turning-back-in-takedas-favor?source=feed'>Complete Story »</a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=0KHyUyCJc6g:UngWVN_ZN68:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=0KHyUyCJc6g:UngWVN_ZN68:aKCwKftKxY0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?i=0KHyUyCJc6g:UngWVN_ZN68:aKCwKftKxY0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?a=0KHyUyCJc6g:UngWVN_ZN68:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/biotechstockblog?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a> </div> TKPHF.PK WPI MYL EP Vantage WPI