Best Stocks for 2008: Starpharma (SPHRY) ties biotech to nanotech

Posted Dec 31st 2007 9:15AM by Steven Halpern
Filed under: International Markets, Newsletters, Stocks to Buy, Best Stocks for 2008

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"My favorite speculation for 2008 is Australia-based Starpharma (OTC: SPHRY), a 'home run' pick," says Gregg Early in The Real Nanotech Investor.

"The drug delivery sector has been revolutionized by the application of nanotechnologies. And one of the fastest up-and-coming countries in this sector is Australia.

"Starpharma has landed a few significant co-development and assessment deals with some major firms in recent months as it awaits FDA approval for its VivaGel, dendrimer-based topical cream that can prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, specifically Herpes and HIV.

"VivaGel also has spermicidal qualities that are so compelling, one of Starpharma's recent co-development deals was with Durex, one of the world's top condom manufacturers. Durex is considering replacing the near-ubiquitous Non-oxynol 9 spermicidal coating with VivaGel, which is proving to be safe and more effective than N-9.

"The stronger Aussie dollar also means it's cheaper to operate in the country, so scientists are starting to move in and set to work. This timing puts Starpharma in a very good position to capitalize on the burgeoning talent pool.

"What's more, it purchased Michigan-based Dendritic Nanotechnologies (DNT) last year. DNT is a major manufacturer of dendrimers for laboratory and research use.

"Current customers are chemical giant Sigma Aldrich and a bioscience division of pharma giant Merck, which is using dendrimers in state-of-the-art anti-cancer siRNA research. This siRNA sector is getting very hot and Starpharma will also capitalize on that. The stock trades over the counter as a top tier Y share."

Tags: australia stocks, best stocks 2008, BestStocks2008, bio-nano stocks, biotech stocks, drug stocks, gregg early, GreggEarly, medical technolgy stocks, nanotech stocks, real nanotech investor, starpharma, top stocks 2008

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-08-2008 @ 9:26PM

Dani K said...

I agree that all condoms should have this ingredient with VivaGel. I am surprised no one has purchased this company. I will certainly consider this a hot stock for 2008.

It is taking far too long for approval. I hope this process speeds up some.

Dani,
http://www.dailydoseofqueer.com