"OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals (OGXI) recently released their fourth quarter and year end 2010 financial results; during the conference call they discussed updates in their development programs and provided an outlook for 2011," notes biotech specialist John McCamant.

The editor of the Medical Technology Stock Letter continues, "The company reported a Q4 2010 net loss of $2.8 million or ($0.26) per share compared to Q4 2009 net profit of $3.9 million or $0.70 per share.

"OGXI finished the year in a solid position financially with $85.6 million in cash. The company expects to end 2011 with $50-$54 million on the balance sheet and use $31-$35 million in operating cash. They appear to have enough cash to fund operations into 2014.

"The pipelines of most Big Pharmas are bone dry; last year, the FDA approved the lowest number of new drugs (19) since 1983," notes Louis Basenese, editor of The Oxford Club.

"But opportunity always lurks in the wreckage, and one Big Pharma, in particular, is being unfairly punished." Here's his bullish outlook on Novartis (NYSE: NVS).

"Unlike others in the sector, Novartis doesn't suffer from an empty pipeline. It's launched more drugs globally than any other firm in the past seven years. It has more than 100 projects in phase II (or later) trials. And it expects to file at least six new drug applications this year alone.

"Plus, its products cover all bases, from vaccines to specialized drugs to generics to eye-care products, even animal health items. And most are enjoying rapidly expanding sales.

"Moreover, the company maintains a fortress-like financial position that includes a $10.8 billion cash horde. Management keeps raising the dividend, for 11 years and counting. And it recently announced a massive $9 billion stock-repurchase plan, too. Hardly the hallmarks of a sickly stock.