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

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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."

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Last updated: November 10, 2009: 06:00 PM

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