JohnMccamant posts
FeedPosted Mar 20th 2009 1:20PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Newsletters, Stocks to Buy
Despite the challenging economic environment, two leading advisors see opportunity in a biotech stock involved in developing drugs for cancer, multiple sclerosis and diabetes -- Isis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ISIS).
Here, we look at commentary from growth stock expert Toby Smith, editor of ChangeWave Investing, and biotech specialist John McCamant, editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter.
Toby Smith explains, "For the latest quarter, revenue climbed 38% to $29.7 million. Revenue from research and development collaborations more than doubled to $29.1 million from $13 million, but licensing and royalty revenue dropped to $546,000 from $8.5 million.
Continue reading Two experts eye Isis (ISIS) as biotech bet
Posted Jul 25th 2008 1:00PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Newsletters, Stocks to Buy
"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
Posted May 5th 2008 11:35AM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Newsletters, Stocks to Buy
Two leading advisors with noted expertise in the biotech sector have both been long-term fans of Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG), both holding the stock in their respective model portfolios.
Here, Nate Pile, editor of Nate's Notes, and John McCamant, editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter, each take a look at the encouraging prospects for this biotechnology firm.
Nate Pile explains, "Now that the Pharmion merger is behind us, it appears that investors are once again
recognizing Celgene for what it is – namely, one of the premier stories in the biopharmaceutical space.
"As I have said a number of times before, if I could only own one biotech stock for the next ten years, Celgene would be it... and I encourage you to make it a 'first choice' for your portfolio as well!
"The stock is likely to exhibit its usual volatility around the company's upcoming earnings report, but I encourage you to take advantage of any sell-off that may occur to aggressively add to your position in this market leader. CELG is now considered a strong buy under $60 and a buy under $68."
John McCamant states, "Celgene had some good news of late on the thalidomide front. The company has received approval of the application to expand the drug's label to treat newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM) patients in Australia.
Continue reading Biotech experts bet on Celgene (CELG)
Posted Dec 31st 2007 11:45AM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: 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.
"Our favorite speculative play for 2008 is Isis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ISIS)," says biotech expert John McCamant, editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter.
"The main reason to own ISIS is the strong potential for an extremely attractive partnership for their exciting anti-cholesterol drug candidate, mipomersen, or an outright acquisition of the company itself at a substantial premium.
"We have seen recent evidence of acceleration in deal activity as the Sanofi-Aventis/Regeneron deal was the richest we have ever seen for drug candidates only in Phase 1 testing. In turn, this has most likely upped the ante for doing a deal with ISIS for mipomersen, which is now in Phase 3.
"We believe that ISIS has the most attractive late-stage anti-cholesterol drug candidate in development and expect the stock to be much higher on a partnership or an acquisition.
"The strong data for mipomersen that was presented at the recent American Heart Association meeting -- which showed it had the stunning ability to reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels an additional 48% on top of statin therapy -- has cemented mipomersen as the one of the most valuable drug candidates in development.
Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Partnerships and takeover appeal at Isis (ISIS)
Posted Dec 22nd 2007 10:30AM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: 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.
"Our favorite more conservative stock for 2008 is Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG)," says biotech expert John McCamant, editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter.
"The company is focused on the development of new and improved treatments for various cancers and other severe, immune, inflammatory conditions, and is well on its way to becoming a major global biopharmaceutical entity.
"Over the years, we have watched management consistently deliver on its promises to shareholders and create additional value. The most notable cancer drugs at CELG are Thalidomide and Revlimid (a second-generation version of Thalidomide).
"These are oral therapies that have become the cornerstone in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), and which are in clinical development for many other blood-borne cancers, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and CLL.
Continue reading Best Stocks for 2008: Cancer drugs and controversy at Celgene (CELG)
Posted Dec 29th 2006 2:30PM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Newsletters, ETF Investing
Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.
Cardium Therapeutics (OTCBB: CDTP) is the top conservative idea for 2007 from John McCamant, editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter. He explains, "Cardium is an innovative medical technology company with two gene therapy-based drug candidates in development and an approved medical device.
"Its drug candidates and medical device are designed to harness the capacity of the human body to heal, protect, and repair. While CDTP intends to develop some products internally, they have initially focused on acquiring 'fallen angel' opportunities that have unrealized value and potential for significant growth.
"The management team has been together for over 10 years and their skill set uniquely positions them to acquire undervalued companies or assets. The key to their 'fallen angel' strategy is the ability of management to efficiently evaluate the most interesting drug candidates or devices.
Continue reading Top Picks 2007: McCamant bets on "fallen angel" biotech strategy
Posted Dec 21st 2006 8:30AM by Steven Halpern (RSS feed)
Filed under: Newsletters, ETF Investing
Each year Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, surveys the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is part of his 24th annual Top Picks Report.
Sonus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SNUS) is the top speculative pick for 2007 from John McCamant. The editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter says, "Sonus is one of the more exciting companies in the biotech investment arena.
"The firm is intently focused on the development of superior versions of existing cancer drug treatments that not only offer potentially improved efficacy, but also significantly more attractive safety profiles. Their lead product candidate, TOCOSOL Paclitaxel, is a reformulated version of paclitaxel, which belongs to the taxane class of chemotherapeutics -- which are among the most successful and frequently used.
"However, existing treatments have unattractive safety profiles; Sonus's treatment may be a significant improvement, and we will not have to wait much longer to find out. SNUS just recently completed enrollment in their over 800-patient Phase III trial for metastatic breast cancer treatment. We can expect results in the second half of next year, and if positive, the company will file for approval by the end of 2007.
Continue reading Top Picks 2007: McCamant sees promise in cancer treatment