Continue reading OncoGenex (OGXI): Biotech Targets Cancer Treatments

OncoGenex (OGXI): Biotech Targets Cancer Treatments originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"How does one go about investing in the antibody space?" asks biotech specialist John McCamant. In The Medical Technology Stock Letter, he eyes Immunogen (NASDAQ: IMGN), and offers an in-depth report for biotech-savvy readers.

"As background, T-DM1 is a second generation Herceptin that may even exceed the original in sales because the armed antibody has been more potent to date by showing effectiveness in mBC patients who have failed either Herceptin or Tykerb.

"The company will continue to benefit from Genetech's extensive antibody experience as they continue to run all development for Immunogen's T-DM1.

Continue reading Immunogen (IMGN): Investing in antibody technology

Immunogen (IMGN): Investing in antibody technology originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"After warning that it would only achieve the low end of its previous guidance range for 2009, Celgene (NASDAQ: CELG) sold off significantly," notes biotech expert John McCamant.

Nevertheless, in his The Medical Technology Stock Letter he sees the selloff as any opportunity, calling the company a "great growth story."

"Celgene pre-announced 1Q 09 revenues of $600 million, which was significantly below Wall Street consensus estimates of $640-$650 million.

"The earnings miss was completely unexpected, and has partially shaken the belief that the Big Bios would be able to deliver solid earnings despite the economic problems.Nevertheless, we remain positive on the CELG story.

Continue reading Celgene (CELG): Selloff creates opportunity

Celgene (CELG): Selloff creates opportunity originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Two experts eye Isis (ISIS) as biotech bet originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:20:00 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.

"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.

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)

Biotech experts bet on Celgene (CELG) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 05 May 2008 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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)

Best Stocks for 2008: Partnerships and takeover appeal at Isis (ISIS) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 31 Dec 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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)

Best Stocks for 2008: Cancer drugs and controversy at Celgene (CELG) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Top Picks 2007: McCamant bets on "fallen angel" biotech strategy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 29 Dec 2006 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Top Picks 2007: McCamant sees promise in cancer treatment originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.