"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.

"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.

"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.

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.

"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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

"Genentech (NYSE: DNA), the world leader in cancer treatment, has been weak following its third quarter earnings report," notes biotech sector expert John McCamant.

In his The Medical Technology Stock Letter, he explains, "What we are seeing with DNA's stock represents an irrational overreaction by Wall Street, and one that should be taken advantage of by investors."

The advisor notes, "Starting with their earnings, DNA reported non-GAAP operating revenues of $2.91 billion, and U.S. product sales of $2.2 billion, for the third quarter. These figures represent an increase of 22% and 18%, respectively, over the same figures reported during last year's third quarter.

"As such, we are pleased with the growth that DNA has continued to produce. However, because revenue came in a little shy of analysts' consensus expectation, the stock has sold off. We would note one glaring positive which DNA just isn't getting much credit for anymore. That is, even at its already huge size, the company still expects to produce impressive growth for the full year (and in the years to come)."

"After its run to a new all-time high last month, Amylin (NASDAQ: AMLN) appears to be undergoing some upper level consolidation," notes biotech specialist John McCamant.

Following a presentation by the firm's CEO at a biotech conference, the editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter concludes, "Management has made a compelling case why the stock's current trading range should be just a weigh station on the way to an even loftier valuation."

The advisor explains, "At the Newsmakers in the Biotech Industry Conference -- which took place September 6 – CEO Dan Bradbury discussed the still unrealized growth potential of both Byetta and Symlin."

Regarding Byetta, he notes that Mr. Bradbury indicated that over 85% of diabetes specialists have prescribed the drug at this point, we are now starting to see prescription growth among primary care physicians."

Although he typically focuses on longer-term buy-and-hold positions, John McCamant has issued a trading buy for Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN). He explains, "The stock has sold off so heavily, we now believe it is an attractive, shorter-term buy.

The editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter explains, "When we see fire sales in the shares of individual biotech stocks, our interest always perks up. When it involves a company which just happens to have been a biotech bellweather for over two decades, we become significantly more intrigued."

He continues, "Amgen recently traded down to over four-year lows in response to a barrage of negative news flow. The investment community has punished the stock price, primarily because their Epogen franchise is under pressure from both competitors and government payers."

"The long-term outlook for biotech is excellent and many of today's undervalued companies will ended up looking like screaming bargains at today's prices," notes biotech expert John McCamant.

In his Medical Technology Stock Letter, the advisor has long been a fan of Biogen Idec (NASDAQ: BIIB). Now, he is joined by Carl Ichan, who has purchased shares in the biotech firm.

Says McCamant, "There may be no such thing as a pure safe haven within the equity markets. However, we believe the market for new drugs will continue to grow rapidly even if we enter into a difficult period for the economy."

He argues, "Quite simply, if an individual has to decide whether to buy a new TV or a new cancer drug, it is a safe assumption that they will chose the best drug possible. Additionally, with the continued aging of America, the demand for healthcare is poised for unprecedented growth."

As to Biogen, he explains, "We have long recommended the stock primarily for the significant growth opportunity Rituxan brings to the plate in treating autoimmune disease, most importantly rheumatoid arthritis (RA)."

"Without question, now is an excellent time to be acquiring shares of Genentech (NYSE: DNA)," says biotech industry expert John McCamant.

In his The Medical Technology Stock Letter, the advisor explains, "The company is unquestionably the premier player in cancer drug development."

The advisor states, "Despite the fact that the company has consistently produced outstanding earnings and revenue growth, and is on track to continue to do so, the Street had become more and more negative on the company." He notes that this skepticism is largely because the expected growth rate in future years is not going to be as robust as it has been to this point.

For example, he points out that earnings grew by over 75% in 2006 over 2005. However, he adds, in 2007, they are expected to grow by only 30% (over last year).

McCamant states, "Yes, that's right. We said only 30%. Further, merely 20% growth (roughly) is expected next year over the current year. Common sense should tell everyone that as companies get bigger and bigger, the growth rate is going to slow down."

Biotechnology industry expert John McCamant last recommended ImClone Systems (NASDAQ: IMCL) in the mid-1990s at $5 a share, and later sold at $42. Now, he has issued a trading alert, once again recommending the shares.

Two events, he says, are the basis of his new buy. The editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter says, "The first event was Amgen's failed clinical trial of their competing product, Vectibix, when used in combination with Avastin and FOLFOX for the treatment of front-line metastatic colorectal cancer."

This, he notes, has "significantly strengthened" the competitive position of Imclone's Erbitux versus Vectibix. The second event, he adds, was the recent failure of Erbitux in the pancreatic cancer setting, which caused the stock to sell off.

McCamant explains, "This is a low impact event for Erbitux, and, in fact, they have other trials running in pancreatic that may still pan out."