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.

"Sangamo Biosciences (SGMO) has been receiving the kind of news that biotech companies dream of, with multiple main-stream news outlets picking up the story that the company is developing what may be a 'functional cure' for AIDS," notes biotech sector specialist John McCamant.

The editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter explains, "The treatments that SGMO is developing are exciting, and we see this stock going much higher this year and in subsequent years based on clinical progress.

Continue reading Sangamo (SGMO): An HIV Treatment Speculation

Sangamo (SGMO): An HIV Treatment Speculation originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"As tradition holds, Celgene (CELG) gave the first presentation at the recent 29th JP Morgan Healthcare Conference, where CEO Bog Hugin focused on Celgene's ongoing plans to become a world-wide company and expansion into global markets," reports John McCamant.

The biotech specialist and editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter explains, "They expect 2011 to be the first year where the company earns a majority of sales outside the U.S. The company is currently conducting 25 Phase III trials on its various drugs.

"Celgene also announced 4th quarter 2010 earnings last week, and revenue was down 16%, mostly based on costs incurred due to the Abraxis acquisition.

Continue reading Celgene (CELG): A Biotech Takeover Target?

Celgene (CELG): A Biotech Takeover Target? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"We are recommending Aastrom Biosciences (ASTM) as our top stock recommendation for 2011 because we believe that they are the clear leader in the regenerative stem cell space," notes biotech sector specialist John McCamant.

The editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter explains, "The company is focused on the development of autologous cellular therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases utilizing its Tissue Repair Cell (TRC) technology.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Aastrom Biosciences (ASTM)

Top Picks 2011: Aastrom Biosciences (ASTM) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 31 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"After releasing their 3Q financials. the stock price at Isis Pharmacueticals (ISIS) perked up as their large cash position and deep pipeline have attracted some new investors," notes biotech expert John McCamant.

The editor of The Medical Technology Stock Letter explains, "When investors investigate the ISIS story and all its parts, they come away with an appreciation for all the potential long-term value being created at the company.

Continue reading Isis (ISIS): 'Deep Pipeline, Long-Term Value'

Isis (ISIS): 'Deep Pipeline, Long-Term Value' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading OncoGenex (OXGI) Targets Prostate Cancer

OncoGenex (OXGI) Targets Prostate Cancer originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Biotech Expert Eyes Isis Pharmaceuticals (ISIS)

Biotech Expert Eyes Isis Pharmaceuticals (ISIS) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is part of a special report, Top Picks for 2010, the 27th annual survey in which TheStockAdvisors.com asks the nation's leading advisors for their single favorite stock for the new year. See all 80 stocks listed here.

"Our top stock pick for 2010 is ImmunoGen (IMGN)," says biotech specialist John McCamant.

In his The Medical Technology Stock Letter, he explains, "The company's potent cancer-cell killing antibodies were developed for targeted delivery to tumor cells."

Continue reading Top Picks for 2010: ImmunoGen (IMGN)

Top Picks for 2010: ImmunoGen (IMGN) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"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.

"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.

"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)."

Continue reading Genentech (DNA): 'Irrational' selling creates opportunity

Genentech (DNA): 'Irrational' selling creates opportunity originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"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."

Continue reading Amylin (AMLN): 'Blockbuster potential' in diabetes

Amylin (AMLN): 'Blockbuster potential' in diabetes originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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."

Continue reading Amgen (AMGN): A trading buy in biotech

Amgen (AMGN): A trading buy in biotech originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.