"Sangamo BioSciences (NASDAQ: SGMO) has again received significant scientific validation for its proprietary technology," says biotech expert John McCamant.

In The Medical Technology Stock Letter, he explains, ""Part of what has gotten investors so excited about stem cells was the concept that some day scientists would be able to create 'personalized' stem cell types for individual therapy. We believe that this is the break that was needed to realize the potential of stem cell therapy."

"Stem cells differ from other cell types in two fundamental ways. First, they are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division.

"Second, under certain conditions, they can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions.

Continue reading Sangamo (SGMO): Progress in adult stem calls?

Sangamo (SGMO): Progress in adult stem calls? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"In looking for a highly speculative stock for our portfolio, I have settled on MannKind Corp. (NASDAQ: MNKD), a company that is developing an inhaled insulin product," says Nate Pile.

In his growth-oriented Nate's Notes, the advisor cautions, "I believe we are looking at a situation in which we will either lose most of our money, or triple (or better) our investment in a fairly short period of time."

"In a nutshell, the company's near-term fate hinges upon AFRESA, a novel, ultra rapid acting mealtime insulin therapy being studied for use in adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus for the treatment of hyperglycemia.

"Working against the company is the fact that there has never been an inhaled insulin product approved for commercial use that has worked very well.

Continue reading MannKind: Speculation on inhaled insulin

MannKind: Speculation on inhaled insulin originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Biotech company Celgene Corp. (NASDAQ: CELG) is a prime example of a stock that plays both offense and defense," says Ian Wyatt.

In his Top Stock Insights, he explains, "The valuation is low and growth is attractive. With the pipeline of products in development, Celegene offers investors a huge upside potential."

"Celgene offers investors a steady product base, a variety of drug treatments in development and a cash pile ready to purchase existing technologies.

"Celgene engages in the discovery of therapies designed to treat cancer and immune-inflammatory related diseases. They have a number of products at the commercial stage.

Continue reading Celgene (CELG): Play offense and defense with biotech

Celgene (CELG): Play offense and defense with biotech originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Generic drug mak Teva Pharmaceutical, Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA) delivered respectable earnings results," says Jack Adamo, who added the stock his Insiders Plus model portfolio.

"The company's earnings were up 4% on a proforma non-GAAP basis. In this case, that's the correct measurement. Net GAAP earnings were up tremendously, but aren't really representative of normal business factors.

"Although Teva gets much of its earnings from its proprietary multiple sclerosis drug, Copaxone, its primary business is generic drugs. That segment is inherently lumpy because profitability is greatly affected by which generic drugs it brings to market before any other generic company.

Continue reading Teva (TEVA): Generic profits

Teva (TEVA): Generic profits originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 27 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG) reported their fourth quarter and year end numbers which showed strong revenue growth." observes biotech sector expert John McCamant.

The editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter explains, "We remain excited about CELG's growth prospects and management's ability to deliver the goods.

"Total revenue for the quarter grew 50% to $623 million, with the primary driver being Revlimid sales of $369.4 million. Sales of their two other drugs, Thalomid and Vidaza generated $126.8 million and 69.7 million, respectively.

Continue reading Celgene (CELG): Strong growth in biotech

Celgene (CELG): Strong growth in biotech originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"The medical arena has long been my favorite sectors; perhaps the best opportunities within the medical sector will be with companies who provide life-saving products for the treatment of serious diseases," says Dave Dyer.

In The Dave Dyer Newsletter, he explains, "That is why Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG) is an excellent choice in this economy." Here's his look at this "recession-resistant" company.

"Celgene is a multinational biopharmaceutical company with a $29 billion market cap and no debt. Revlimid is their blockbuster drug with multi-billion dollar potential. It was first approved by the FDA in 2005, and it has many good years of patent protection ahead of it.

"Revlimid delays the onset of progression of deadly diseases -- leprosy and multiple myeloma. No wonder it is worth $6,000 per month. It is a close derivative of their other drug Thalomid. This drug was used by another company about 50 years ago to treat morning sickness in pregnant women and caused numerous birth defects.

"Despite a recession, we believe that demand for its products will remain strong. For example, if you have multiple myeloma, you would probably do just about anything before missing a payment for your monthly dose of Revlimid.

Continue reading Celgene (CELG): Blockbuster potential?

Celgene (CELG): Blockbuster potential? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Bull markets have been few and far between this summer; one of the few sectors that looks to have re-entered a bull trend is biotechnology," says international investing expert Nick Vardy.

In his Global Bull Market Alert, he explains, "The S&P Biotech ETF (ASE: XBI) looks to capitalize on this traditionally highly volatile and boom bust burdened sector." Here's his bullish assessment.

"Why the sudden merger and acquisitions frenzy in biotech? Put simply, 'Big Pharma' is cash-rich but innovation-poor.

"As patents on huge profit generators such as Pfizer's Lipitor expire, the traditional pharmaceutical industry is eager to refill its emptying drug pipelines.

"On the one hand, Big Pharma hopes giant acquisitions jump start pharmaceuticals' sputtering innovation machines. On the other hand, existing biotech blockbusters would also hedge against the coming collapse in earnings from drugs that are coming off patent.

Continue reading New biotech bull? Bet on S&P Biotech ETF (XBI)

New biotech bull? Bet on S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Alkermes (NASDAQ: ALKS) recently produced a two-pronged positive surprise; an increase in the size of their already existing stock buyback program and a boost in their financial guidance," says John McCamant.

In his Medical Technology Stock Letter, the biotech sector expert looks at this firm which focuses on treatments for central nervous system disorders, alcohol depenence, and schizophrenia. Here is his review.

"Both of these moves were made possible by the announcement that ALKS has received a $40 million payment from Eli Lilly, their former partner for the now defunct AIR Insulin program.

"ALKS now has the authorization to buy back up to $215 million in common stock. To date, the company has bought back roughly eight million shares of common stock for a cost of about $106 million.

"Additionally, as noted, ALKS has upped their financial guidance for fiscal 2009. Operating income for the year is now expected to end up on the positive side of the ledger, with ALKS anticipating $10-$15 million for the full year.

Continue reading Alkermes (ALKS): Buyback boosts biotech

Alkermes (ALKS): Buyback boosts biotech originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.