This week, five energy services stocks are improving their overall ratings on Portfolio Grader. Each of these stocks is rated an “A” (“strong buy”) or “B” overall (“buy”).
Hot New Stocks To Watch For 2015: BioTime Inc (BTX)
BioTime, Inc., incorporated on November 30, 1990, is a biotechnology company focused on the emerging field of regenerative medicine. Its commercial strategy is focused on its line of research products, such as ACTCellerate cell lines and associated ESpan culture media, HyStem hydrogels, human embryonic stem (hES) cell lines, and royalties from Hextend. Its focus is to provide regenerative therapies for age-related degenerative diseases. In January 2011, the Company acquired the assets of Cell Targeting, Inc. (CTI), a biotechnology company focused on methods of painting molecules on the surface of cells, which in turn causes the cells to adhere to particular tissues, such as those afflicted with disease. On March 21, 2011, the Company acquired Glycosan BioSystems, Inc. (Glycosan) through a merger of Glycosan with OrthoCyte Corporation (OrthoCyte). Through the merger, OrthoCyte acquired all of Glycosan�� assets, including Glycosan�� Hystem hydrogel product line. In March 2011, the Company entered into an agreement with XenneX, Inc., pursuant to which it organized LifeMap Sciences, Inc. (LifeMap), a subsidiary formed to advance the development and commercialization of its human embryonic stem (hES) cell data base. In August 2011, four hES cell lines (ESI-035, ESI-049, ESI-051 and ESI-053) developed by its subsidiary ES Cell International (ESI) were approved by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for inclusion in the NIH Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry. In May 2012, the Company acquired XenneX, Inc., through a merger of XenneX into LifeMap Sciences. In September 2012, the Company formed a wholly owned subsidiary, BioTime Acquisition Corporation. In October 2013, Geron Corporation announced the closing of the transaction to divest the Company's stem cell assets to Asterias Biotherapeutics, Inc., a subsidiary of BioTime, Inc.
HyStem is a biomaterial, which mimics the human extracellular matrix, which is the network of molecules surrounding cells in organs and tissues which is essent! ial to cellular function. Its HyStem hydrogels may have other applications when combined with the diverse and scalable cell types its scientists have isolated from hES cells. HyStem-Rx is a clinical grade formulation of HyStem-C, a biocompatible, implantable hyaluronan and collagen-based matrix for cell delivery in human clinical applications. Its subsidiary, OncoCyte Corporation, is developing PanC-Dx, a non-invasive blood-based cancer screening test designed to detect the presence of various human cancers, including cancers of the breast, lung, bladder, uterus, stomach, and colon, during routine check -ups. BioTime Asia, Limited (BioTime Asia) sells products for research use and may develop therapies to treat cancer and neurological and orthopedic diseases in Asia. OrthoCyte Corporation (OrthoCyte) is developing therapies to treat orthopedic disorders, diseases and injuries. ReCyte Therapeutics, Inc. (ReCyte Therapeutics) is developing therapies for age-related cardiovascular and blood disorders. Cell Cure Neurosciences Ltd. (Cell Cure Neurosciences), is a biotechnology company focused on developing stem cell-based therapies for retinal and other neurological disorders, including the development of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. LifeMap Sciences, Inc. (LifeMap) is advancing the development and commercialization of our embryonic stem cell database and plans to make the database available for the marketing of research products and for use by stem cell researchers at pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and other institutions via paid subscriptions or on a fee per use basis.
The Company�� blood plasma expander product, Hextend, is a physiologically balanced intravenous solution used in the treatment of hypovolemia, a condition caused by low blood volume, often from blood loss during surgery or injury. Hextend maintains circulatory system fluid volume and blood pressure, and keeps vital organs perfused during surgery and t! rauma car! e. Hextend is manufactured and distributed in the United States by Hospira, Inc., and in South Korea by CJ CheilJedang (CJ), under license from it.
Human Embryonic Stem Cell Lines for Research Use
Combined with the Company�� ACTCellerate technology, it derives of a range of markets human embryonic progenitor cells (hEPCs). ESI�� six current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) hES cell lines have been approved by the NIH for inclusion in the Human Embryonic Stem Cell Registry, which renders those cell lines eligible for use in federally funded research. The ESI hES cell lines are available for purchase through www.biotimeinc.com. It also markets hEPCs developed using ACTCellerate technology. Its hEPCs are also available for sale through www.biotimeinc.com. It derived the complete genome sequence of five of the ESI hES cell lines to facilitate the development of products derived from these cell lines. It has made these GMP-grade cell lines, along with certain documentation and complete genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence information, available for sale.
The Company offers human stem cell products and technology that can be used by researchers at universities and at companies in the bioscience and biopharmaceutical industries. It has developed research and clinical grade hES cell lines, which it markets for both basic research and therapeutic product development. It also markets human embryonic progenitor cell (hEPCs) developed using ACTCellerate technology. These hEPCs are purified lineages of cells, which are intermediate in the developmental process between embryonic stem cells and fully differentiated cells. The ACTCellerate cell lines are also available for purchase through http://www.biotimeinc.com.
Human Embryonic Progenitor Cells
Through the Company�� subsidiary ReCyte Therapeutics, it had a license from Advanced Cell Technology, Inc. (ACT) to use ACTCellerate technology, and the rights to market more than 200 human c! ell types! made using that process. ACTCellerate allows the rapid isolation of hEPCs, which are cells that are intermediate in the developmental process between embryonic stem cells and fully differentiated cells.
Through an agreement with ReCyte Therapeutics, Millipore Corporation became a global distributor of ACTCellerate hEPC lines. In addition to the products, which it is co-marketing with Millipore, it offers 92 other ACTCellerate hEPC lines for purchase at www.biotimeinc.com. Through its subsidiary LifeMap, it provides online biomedical database services to increase awareness of molecular markers and diverse cell types comprising its ACTCellerate hEPC lines. It also focuses to market additional cell types manufactured with its PureStem technology. PureStem cell lines are produced by the exogenous expression of specific transcription factors, which regulate the differentiation of cell types from hES or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. BioTime Asia has an agreement with Shanghai Genext Medical Technology Co., Ltd. to sell ACTCellerate hEPC lines and related ESpan growth media to the medical and biological research communities in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau on an exclusive basis. The marketing agreement includes provisions for an initial stocking inventory and annual milestones to maintain exclusivity. The Company�� California Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)-funded research addresses the need for industrial scale production of purified therapeutic cells.
hES Cells Carrying Genetic Diseases
The Company focuses to add to its product line muscle progenitor cells produced from five hES cell lines carrying genes for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy Type I, facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy 1A, and Becker muscular dystrophy. It obtained the diseased hES cell lines from Reproductive Genetics Institute (RGI).
ESpan Cell Growth Media
The Company is marketing a range of! cell-gro! wth media products called ESpan. These growth media are optimized for the growth of hEPC types. Cells need to be propagated in liquid media, in both the laboratory setting, where basic research on stem cells is performed, and in the commercial sector. Its ESpan products are marketed through Millipore and Genext.
ESpy Cell Lines
The Company focuses for development of ESpy cell lines. The ability of the ESpy cells to emit light will allow researchers to track the location and distribution of the cells in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
HyStem Hydrogel for Research and HyStem-Rx for Cell Delivery Medical Devices
HyStem is a patented biomaterial that mimics the ECM, the network of molecules surrounding cells in organs and tissues that is essential to cellular function. Its HyStem technology forms the foundation for stem cell delivery products in both the adult and embryonic stem cell marketplace, including products manufactured using its ACTCellerate technology. As an injectable product, HyStem-Rx may address need in cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries and other procedures by transplanting adipose derived cells or other adult stem cells. The transfer of cells in HyStem-Rx localizes the transplanted cells at the intended site and by providing a three-dimensional scaffold upon which cells can rebuild normal tissue. HyStem-Rx may support other emerging cell and tissue transplant therapies, such as those derived from hES and iPS cells, in addition to its potential application in the treatment of a range of conditions such as osteoarthritis, brain tumors, stroke, bone fracture, and wounds.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Brian Pacampara]
Based on the aggregated intelligence of 180,000-plus investors participating in Motley Fool CAPS, the Fool's free investing community, biotechnology company BioTime (NYSEMKT: BTX ) has received the dreaded one-star ranking.
- [By John Udovich]
Stem cell stocks have not exactly been the best performers lately in part because the controversy over their use has died down over the years while major breakthroughs have been few or far between, but the industry along with small cap stem cell stocks Pluristem Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: PSTI), BioTime, Inc (NYSEMKT: BTX) and BioRestorative Therapies (OTCBB: BRTX) are still quietly producing their share of news or minor breakthroughs worth taking note of. Just consider the following stem cell news or news from small cap players in the sector:
Top 10 Biotech Stocks For 2014: Intrexon Corp (XON)
Intrexon Corporation, incorporated on April 19, 2004, is engaged in the business of synthetic biology. Using the Company�� suite of complementary technologies, it design, build and regulate gene programs, or sequences of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that control cellular function, and cellular systems, or activities that take place within a cell and the interaction of those systems in the greater cellular environment, to enable the development of new and improved products and manufacturing processes across a variety of end markets, including healthcare, food, energy and environmental sciences. Its technologies include the UltraVector gene design and fabrication platform; Cell Systems Informatics; LEAP-cell identification and selection, and mAbLogix-antibody discovery.
The Company�� LEAP technology facilitates the automated identification of an individual cell with the highest levels of expression, quality and potency from a population of over 100,000 cells. Its mAbLogix platform complements UltraVector with a library of human antibodies that exceeds 500 million. By immortalizing human tonsils, which consists of lymphatic tissue containing B-cells, its mAbLogix platform creates a B-cell library that can generate antibodies against an almost infinite number of new antigens.
The UltraVector gene design and fabrication platform
The Company�� gene program design platform, which it refer to as UltraVector, is an integrated suite of tools comprising advanced DNA construction technology and components, cellular and protein engineering tools, computational models and statistical methods which facilitate the rapid design, build and testing of complex systems. The UltraVector platform allows the Company to translate gene programs into standard components that can be designed, manufactured and tested in an automated format. This technology enables it to engineer at the cellular level from biological sources.
UltraVector DNA design is computer-automated and ! utilizes a set of defined construction rules to assemble components that are stored in its DNA library. In addition to the number of gene components in its UltraVector library, it is designing and creating enzymatic and regulatory components that provide control over genome integration and gene regulation. Its RheoSwitch Therapeutic System is a three-component transcriptional regulator that provides inducible gene expression. The RheoSwitch Therapeutic System provides the ability to not only express proteins/enzymes of interest, but also the ability to control the level and timing of expression to achieve a biological outcome. Other ongoing programs include its Attsite recombinases, which mediate predictable gene exchange into host cells thereby eliminating many of the difficulties seen with traditional gene insertion.
Cell Systems Informatics
The Company�� Cell systems informatics permits design, as well as testing and learning about new gene targets or product pathways. Its bioinformatics software and database systems for mapping cellular pathways when combined with its genome-scale modeling and experimental data, including, gene expression profiling and protein engineering, enable the Company to optimize selection and development of gene programs and cellular systems for its collaborators. Its computational modeling and simulation platform enables the development of predictive computer models of organisms, from microbes to humans. This platform builds virtual cells from their basic molecular components, and can simulate the activity of the cell�� complete reaction network.
The Company is designing proteins with post-translational modifications. It is also working to develop enzyme inhibitors and fusion proteins for a variety of applications in human and animal therapeutics. Its protein engineering may utilize one or more of its technologies to obtain catalysis activitiesits component library, the generation of component variants sequence, evolutionary analy! sis and s! tructure-based sequence alignment, computer-aided drug discovery, de novo, or synthesized or generated, and comparative protein modeling, molecular dynamics simulation and free energy analysis, antibody design and humanization, antigenicity prediction, protein pharmacokinetics optimization, and/or in silico support of enzyme engineeringand quantitative structure-function relationships with machine learning algorithms to optimize, facilitate and prioritize protein variant libraries for the advancement of its collaborators.
LEAP-cell identification and selection
The Company�� Laser-Enabled Analysis and Processing technology (LEAP), is an instrument that merges semiconductor manufacturing technologies for cell processing applications to provide high levels of control and scale to cell purification and stem cell culture management. The LEAP platform can identify and purify cells of interest from large libraries of cells created by its UltraVector and bioinformatics technologies using a laser-based purification process, thereby providing a mechanism of testing the degree of protein expression in genetically modified cells, as well as means to learn from the genetic building process.
mAbLogix- antibody discovery
The Company�� mAbLogix antibody discovery platform, or mAbLogix platform, enables production of B-cell libraries for discovery of antibodies. The mAbLogix platform permits antigen targeting using fully human monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Its mAbLogix antibody discovery process consists of two major activities: the build of human B-cell libraries expressing a large number of antibodies, and the testing of these libraries based on an analysis of B-cells that express antibodies in response to a chosen antigen.
The Company competes with AbD SeroTec, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., XOMA Corporation, Genmab US, Inc., MorphoSys AG, NovImmune SA, Societe Des Systemes Biologiques, Adimab, LLC, ProMab Biotechnologies, Inc., Abpro, Inc.,! AIIM The! rapeutics and Open Monoclonal Technology, Inc.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Ben Levisohn]
Overvalued companies include MWI Veterinary (MWIV) and�Stericycle (SRCL), while companies with attractive valuations include Cardinal Health (CAH), Selected Medical (SEM). He’s not a fan of Intrexon (XON) but calls�Aratana (PETX) a “hidden gem.”
- [By Jon C. Ogg]
Intrexon Corp. (NYSE: XON) was started as Buy at Mizuho Securities, started as Equal Weight at Barclays and started as Overweight at J.P. Morgan.
Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) was raised to Hold from Sell at Deutsche Bank, raised to Neutral from Underperform at Credit Suisse and
Canaccord Genuity raised its price target to $5.50 from $3.30. - [By John Udovich]
Bubble talk, biotech IPO setbacks plus news�about small cap biotechs like Intrexon Corp (NYSE: XON) and TNI BioTech (OTCMKTS: TNIB) have dominated biotech news this week or in recent weeks. Just consider the following news:
Top 10 Biotech Stocks For 2014: Merck & Company Inc.(MRK)
Merck & Co., Inc. provides various health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and consumer care products. The company?s Pharmaceutical segment provides human health pharmaceutical products, such as therapeutic and preventive agents for the treatment of human disorders in the areas of bone, respiratory, immunology, dermatology, cardiovascular, diabetes and obesity, infectious diseases, neurosciences and ophthalmology, oncology, vaccines, and women's health and endocrine. This segment also offers human health vaccines, such as preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines. Its Animal Health segment discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets animal health products. This segment offers antibiotics, anti-inflammatory products, vaccines, products for the treatment of fertility disorders, and parasiticides for cattle, swine, horses, poultry, dogs, cats, salmons, and fish. The Consumer Care segment develops, manufac tures, and markets over-the-counter, foot care, and sun care products. Its over-the-counter product line includes non-drowsy antihistamines; treatment for occasional constipation; decongestant-free cold/flu medicine for people with high blood pressure; nasal decongestant spray; and treatment for frequent heartburn. This segment?s foot care products comprise topical antifungal, and foot and sneaker odor/wetness products; and sun care products include sun care lotions, sprays and dry oils; and sunburn relief products. The company serves drug wholesalers and retailers, hospitals, government agencies, physicians, physician distributors, veterinarians, animal producers, and managed health care providers, as well as food chain and mass merchandiser outlets in the United States and Canada. Merck & Co., Inc. was founded in 1891 and is headquartered in Whitehouse Station, New Jersey.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Keith Speights]
Pfizer and Merck (NYSE: MRK ) are working together on development of SGL2 inhibitor ertugliflozin. The drug should begin late-stage trials in the near future. The companies are pursuing use of ertugliflozin as a stand-alone treatment and in combination with Merck's other diabetes drugs, particularly Januvia.�
- [By Johanna Bennett]
It was actually a pretty busy day for Forest. Though it restructuring plans attracted the most attention, the company also announced the sale of $1 billion of new debt to help fund $400 million in accelerated stock buybacks as part of a larger $1 billion share repurchase plan and a $250 million deal to acquire exclusive rights to the schizophrenia medication Saphris from Merck & Co. (MRK).
- [By Matt Thalman]
Finally, shares of Merck (NYSE: MRK ) increased by 0.84% today on mixed news. The company announced that it would maintain its current quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share for another quarter, but Forbes is reporting that, based on the most recent data which comes as of July 15, 2013, Merck is now the most-shorted Dow component, overtaking Intel.�Despite the large short interest, the announcement that the drug company will maintain its current dividend was enough to help move shares higher, as Merck only experienced slightly more than half its average trading volume, 10 million shares, while the three-month average is 18 million. But, as for Merck, that number is likely distorted to the high end due to a few extremely high-volume days back on June 7, 10, and 11. During those three days, an average of 50 million shares trading hands.
- [By Jessica Alling]
Leaders and laggards
Merck (NYSE: MRK ) is at the top of the class this morning with a 5.19% gain following some extremely encouraging news about its latest experimental drug,�lambrolizumab. Aimed at unleashing the powers of a patient's own immune system, the drug disables the immune system cells' prevention method that curbs its attack on cancer cells -- a protein called the programmed death 1 receptor, or PD-1. Merck's drug has shown a 38% rate in tumor reduction in patients with advanced melanoma, and up to 52% in patients who received the highest dosage of the drug. Though the patients have not undergone the trial for a long enough period yet, the results are attracting attention for matching the current treatments from two Bristol-Meyers Squibb (NYSE: BMS ) drugs, Yervoy and nivolumab, with potentially milder side effects. The news is great for Merck investors, as the company has only played a small part in oncology treatments to date.
Top 10 Biotech Stocks For 2014: Provectus Pharmaceuticals Inc (PVCT)
Provectus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., incorporated on May 1, 1978, is a development-stage pharmaceutical company that is primarily engaged in developing ethical pharmaceuticals for oncology and dermatology indications. The Company develops and focuses to license or market and sells its two prescription drug candidates, PV-10 and PH-10. The Company has transferred all its intellectual property related to over the counter (OTC) products and non-core technologies to its subsidiaries and designated, such subsidiaries as non-core to its primary business of developing its oncology and dermatology prescription drug candidates. The Company focuses on developing its prescription drug candidates PV-10 and PH-10. The Company is developing PV-10 for treatment of several life threatening cancers, including metastatic melanoma, liver cancer, and breast cancer. The Company is developing PH-10 to provide minimally invasive treatment of chronic severe skin afflictions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema. All of the Company's prescription drug candidates are in either the pre-clinical or clinical trial stage.
PV-10
As of December 31, 2011, the Company is developing PV-10, a sterile injectible form of rose bengal disodium (Rose Bengal), for direct injection into tumors. Its PV-10 is retained in diseased or damaged tissue but dissipates from healthy tissue. The Company had conducted Phase I and Phase IIstudies of PV-10 for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, and Phase I studies of PV-10 for the treatment of liver and breast cancers.
PH-10
The Company�� prescription drug candidate PH-10 is an aqueous hydrogel formulation of Rose Bengal for topical administration to the skin. The Company is developing PH-10 for the treatment of cutaneous skin disorders, specifically psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In August 2011, the Company completed follow-up of all Phase IIc patients.
Over-the-Counter Pharmaceuticals
The Company had desi! gnated its subsidiary that holds its OTC products, GloveAid and Pure-ific, Pure-Stick, Pure N Clear as non-core. The Company�� GloveAid is a hand cream with both antiperspirant and antibacterial properties, for the comfort of users��hands during and after the wearing of disposable gloves. Its Pure-ific line of products includes two quick-drying sprays, Pure-ific and Pure-ific Kids, that immediately kill up to 99.9% of germs on skin and prevent regrowth for six hours. Pure-ific products prevent the spread of germs and thus complement its other OTC products designed to treat irritated skin or skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, dandruff and fungal infections. Its Pure-ific sprays have been designed with convenience in mind and are targeted towards mothers, travelers, and anyone concerned about the spread of sickness-causing germs.
The Company�� acne products Pure-Stick and Pure N Clear work by decreasing the production of fats, oils and sweat that create an environment conducive to unchecked growth of bacteria. Secondly, the products also act to reduce the number bacteria already present. The Pure-Stick and Pure N Clear are applied topically to affected areas there are no safety concerns with healthy skin.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Jake L'Ecuyer]
Provectus Biopharmaceuticals (NYSE: PVCT) was also down, falling 3.02 percent to $3.01, letting out some air after the company's opening on the NYSE Friday.
Top 10 Biotech Stocks For 2014: KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals Inc (KYTH)
KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, Inc., incorporated in June 2004, is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription products for the aesthetic medicine market. The Company�� initial focus is on the facial aesthetics market. The Company�� product candidate, ATX-101, is a injectable drug in Phase III clinical development for the reduction of submental fat, which commonly presents as an undesirable double chin. Based on clinical trials conducted, ATX-101 has exhibited results in the reduction of submental fat. ATX-101 contains a synthetic form of sodium deoxycholate. In the United States and Canada, the Company is conducting two pivotal Phase III trials of ATX-101 for the reduction of submental fat. The Company initiated this pivotal Phase III clinical program, with planned enrollment of 1,000 patients, in March 2012.
In Europe, Bayer, its collaborator outside the United States and Canada, recently completed two pivotal Phase III trials of ATX-101 for the reduction of submental fat. In these multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pivotal trials involving 723 patients, ATX-101 resulted in a reduction in submental fat, as assessed by a validated clinician scale and a patient satisfaction scale.
ATX-101 contains a synthetic form of sodium deoxycholate. ATX-101 is designed to be a locally-injected drug that causes proximal, preferential destruction of adipocytes, or fat cells, with minimal effect on surrounding tissue. Upon subcutaneous injection under the skin, ATX-101 disrupts cell membranes in protein-poor tissues, such as fat, while being attenuated by interactions with protein-rich tissue, such as skin, muscle and blood vessels. This attenuation by protein-rich tissue results in the preferential destruction of adipocytes by ATX-101. The destruction of adipocytes, or adipocytolysis, elicits a natural response, in which macrophages are attracted to remove cellular debris and fat particles t! hrough the lymphatic system. The macrophages also emit low levels of chemical messengers, known as cytokines, which attract fibroblasts, another cell type, to the area. Fibroblasts produce collagen, and it is believed that new collagen production, or neocollagenesis, promotes retraction of the skin in the areas of fat reduction. The fat removal process with ATX-101 is incremental with each treatment, thereby allowing for control of the aesthetic outcome.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Bioassociate Consulting]
Yesterday evening, after trading hours, Kythera Biopharmaceuticals (KYTH) announced positive top line results from its Phase III studies with ATX-101 for the reduction of submental fat. The REFINE-1 and REFINE-2 Phase III trials met all primary and secondary endpoints and reaffirmed the efficacy and safety of ATX-101 for the reduction of submental fat, commonly referred to as a double chin.
- [By Roberto Pedone]
Kythera Biopharmaceuticals (KYTH) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel prescription products for the aesthetic medicine market. This stock closed up 12.2% to $31.99 in Monday's trading session.
Monday's Volume: 221,000
Three-Month Average Volume: 72,572
Volume % Change: 220%From a technical perspective, KYTH ripped sharply higher here right above its 50-day moving average of $26.92 with heavy upside volume. This move pushed shares of KYTH into new all-time-high territory above its previous all-time high at $31.93, which is bullish technical price action.
Traders should now look for long-biased trades in KYTH as long as it's trending above Monday's low of $28.28 and then once it sustains a move or close above its new all-time high at $32 with volume that hits near or above 72,572 shares. If we get that move soon, then KYTH will set up to enter new all-time-high territory, which is bullish price action. Some possible upside targets off that move are $35 to $37.
- [By Roberto Pedone]
One stock that's quickly moving within range of triggering a major breakout trade is Kythera Biopharmaceuticals (KYTH), which is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of novel prescription products for the aesthetic medicine market. This stock has been on a bullish run in 2013, with shares up by 48%.
If you take a look at the chart for Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, you'll notice that this stock has been trending sideways and consolidating for the last month, with shares moving between $40.55 on the downside and $47.85 on the upside. Shares of KYTH are now starting to spike higher off some near-term support at $42.54 a share. That move is quickly pushing KYTH within range of triggering a major breakout trade above the upper-end of its recent range.
Traders should now look for long-biased trades in KYTH if it manages to break out above some near-term overhead resistance at $47.50 to its all-time high of $47.85 a share with high volume. Look for a sustained move or close above those levels with volume that hits near or above its three-month average action of 199,029 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then KYTH will set up to enter new all-time high territory, which is bullish technical price action. Some possible upside targets off that breakout are $55 to $57, or even $60 a share.
Traders can look to buy KYTH off any weakness to anticipate that breakout and simply use a stop that sits right below some key near-term support at $42.54 a share, or at $40.55 a share. One can also buy KYTH off strength once it takes out those breakout levels with volume and then simply use a stop that sits a comfortable percentage from your entry point.
- [By John Udovich]
On Tuesday, small cap biotech stock Kythera Biopharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: KYTH) surged around 25% after announcing that its ATX-101 REFINE-1 and REFINE-2 Phase III trials met all primary and secondary endpoints for the reduction of so-called double chins; but if investors missed out on that rally, small caps Zeltiq Aesthetics Inc (NASDAQ: ZLTQ), Solta Medical Inc (NASDAQ: SLTM) and Cynosure, Inc (NASDAQ: CYNO) each have a piece of the aesthetic market as well. In the case of Kythera Biopharmaceuticals, its ATX-101 can be injected to deal with double chins���meaning its less invasive than liposuction as the drug dissolves fat cells but leaves other tissue alone. JP Morgan has noted:
Top 10 Biotech Stocks For 2014: Cell Therapeutics Inc (CTIC)
Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (CTI), incorporated in 1991, develops, acquires and commercializes treatments for cancer. The Company�� research, development, acquisition and in-licensing activities concentrate on identifying and developing new ways to treat cancer. As of December 31, 2011, CTI focused its efforts on Pixuvri (pixantrone dimaleate) (Pixuvri), OPAXIO (paclitaxel poliglumex) (OPAXIO), tosedostat, brostallicin and bisplatinates. As of December 31, 2011, it developed Pixuvri, an anthracycline derivative for the treatment of hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Another late-stage drug candidate of the Company, OPAXIO, is being studied as a potential maintenance therapy for women with advanced stage ovarian cancer, who achieve a complete remission following first-line therapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin. As of December 31, 2011, it also developed tosedostat in collaboration with Chroma Therapeutics, Ltd. (Chroma). On May 31, 2012, CTI completed its acquisition gaining worldwide rights to S*BIO Pte Ltd.'s (S*BIO) pacritinib.
Pixuvri
As of December 31, 2011, the Company developed Pixuvri, an aza-anthracenedione derivative, for the treatment of non-Hodgkin�� lymphoma (NHL), and various other hematologic malignancies, and solid tumors. Pixuvri was studied in the Company�� EXTEND, or PIX301, clinical trial, which was a phase III single-agent trial of Pixuvri for patients with relapsed, refractory aggressive NHL who received two or more prior therapies and who were sensitive to treatment with anthracyclines. On September 28, 2011, CTI announced that a second independent radiology assessment of response and progression endpoint data from its PIX301 clinical trial of Pixuvri was achieved with statistical significance. The results of the EXTEND trial met its primary endpoint and showed that patients randomized to treatment with Pixuvri achieved a significantly higher rate of confirmed and unconfirmed complete response compared to patients treated with standard chem! otherapy had a significantly increased overall response rate and experienced a statistically significant improvement in median progression free survival. Pixuvri had predictable and manageable toxicities when administered at the proposed dose and schedule in the EXTEND clinical trial in heavily pre-treated patients. In March 2011, the Company initiated the PIX-R trial to study Pixuvri in combination with rituximab in patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Pixuvri has also been studied in patients with HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer who have tumor progression after at least two, but not more than three, prior chemotherapy regimens. In the second quarter of 2010, the NCCTG opened this phase II study for enrollment. The study is closed to accrual and results are expected to be reported by the NCCTG later in 2012.
OPAXIO
OPAXIO is the Company�� biologically-enhanced chemotherapeutic agent that links paclitaxel to a biodegradable polyglutamate polymer, resulting in a new chemical entity. As of December 31, 2011, the Company focused its development of OPAXIO on ovarian, brain, esophageal, head and neck cancer. OPAXIO was designed to improve the delivery of paclitaxel to tumor tissue while protecting normal tissue from toxic side effects. In November 2010, results were presented by the Brown University Oncology Group from a phase II trial of OPAXIO combined with temozolomide (TMZ), and radiotherapy in patients with newly-diagnosed, high-grade gliomas, a type of brain cancer. The trial demonstrated a high rate of complete and partial responses and a high rate of six month progression free survival (PFS). Based on these results, the Brown University Oncology Group has initiated a randomized, multicenter, phase II study of OPAXIO and standard radiotherapy versus TMZ and radiotherapy for newly diagnosed patients with glioblastoma with an active gene termed MGMT that reduces responsiveness to TMZ. A phase I/II study of OPAXIO combined with radi! otherapy ! and cisplatin was initiated by SUNY Upstate Medical University, in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.
Tosedostat
In March 2011, the Company entered into a co-development and license agreement with Chroma Therapeutics, Ltd. (Chroma), providing the Company with marketing and co-development rights to Chroma�� drug candidate, tosedostat, in North, Central and South America. Tosedostat is an oral, aminopeptidase inhibitor that has demonstrated anti-tumor responses in blood related cancers and solid tumors in phase I-II clinical trials. Interim results from the phase II OPAL study of tosedostat in elderly patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) showed that once-daily, oral doses of tosedostat had predictable and manageable toxicities and results demonstrated response rates, including a high-response rate among patients who received prior hypomethylating agents, which are used to treat myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a precursor of AML.
Brostallicin
As of December 31, 2011, the Company developed brostallicin through its wholly owned subsidiary, Systems Medicine LLC, which holds rights to use, develop, import and export brostallicin. Brostallicin is a synthetic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) minor groove binding agent that has demonstrated anti-tumor activity and a favorable safety profile in clinical trials, in which more than 230 patients have been treated as of December 31, 2011. The Company uses a genomic-based platform to guide the development of brostallicin. A phase II study of brostallicin in relapsed, refractory soft tissue sarcoma met its predefined activity and safety hurdles and resulted in a first-line phase II clinical trial study that was conducted by the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC).
The Company competes with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Sanofi-Aventis, Pfizer, Roche Group, Genentech, Inc., Astellas Pharma, Eli Lilly and Company, Celgene, Telik, I! nc., TEVA! Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd. and PharmaMar.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By MONEYMORNING]
Cell Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: CTIC), based in Seattle, Wash., acquires, develops, and commercializes treatments for cancers, including non-Hodgkin's leukemia and ovarian, neck, and brain cancers. The company just announced it has completed patient enrollment in clinical trials for an investigational agent to be used as a maintenance therapy in ovarian cancer patients. The trial is being conducted by the Gynecologic Oncology Group, one of the National Cancer Institute's funded research groups. Roth Capital recently reiterated a "Buy" rating on the stock and raised its price target from $6 to $7. Roth believes the company's treatment for leukemia, Pacritinib, is effectively evolving. Additionally, the investment firm sees potential in CTIC's Tosedostat, which deprives tumor cells of the amino acid building blocks needed to make proteins necessary for tumor cell survival. Shares rose 2% Tuesday to $3.52 on volume of 6 million shares.
- [By Sean Williams]
Cell Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CTIC )
Certainly no discussion of companies with large accumulated deficits would be complete without discussing a biotechnology company. It's perfectly understandable to see a biotech, especially a clinical-stage one, run with an accumulated deficit, as it takes time and money to build up a drug pipeline. However, after multiple complete response letters (the equivalent of a rejection) by the Food and Drug Administration and years without an approved drug, Cell Therapeutics racked up an astounding $1.83 billion in accumulated deficits through the end of fiscal 2012. By comparison, that's nearly 56 times larger than its shareholder equity.� - [By John Udovich]
If you have not been watching the biotech sector lately, you should start paying attention as the sector along with small cap biotech stocks like Cell Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: CTIC), BIND Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: BIND) and TNI BioTech (OTCMKTS: TNIB) continue to produce a steady stream of good news for investors thanks to positive industry trends. Moreover, Ophthotech Corp (NASDAQ: OPHT), Foundation Medicine Inc (NASDAQ: FMI), Evoke Pharma and Fate Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: FATE) are this week's biotech IPOs that will no doubt be watched closely by Wall Street and industry observers in general. With that in mind, consider the following biotech news or recent articles about the industry and the small cap players in it:
- [By Bryan Murphy]
Like it or not, all good things must come to an end.... even for a red hot stock like Cell Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:CTIC). Yes, CTIC is up 111% since the end of 2013, up 14% today alone, and it doesn't look like the bulls have any reason to slow down now. That's exactly why now's the time for current shareholders to be afraid, however - expect it when you least expect it.
Top 10 Biotech Stocks For 2014: Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc.(CBST)
Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the research, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical products that address unmet medical needs in the acute care environment. The company markets CUBICIN (daptomycin for injection), a once-daily, bactericidal, intravenous, antibiotic with activity against gram-positive organisms, including methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. Its clinical development product pipeline consists of CXA-201, which is in the phase III clinical trial for patients with complicated urinary tract infections; and in phase II clinical trial for patients with complicated abdominal infections. The company is also developing CXA-201 for the treatment of hospital acquired pneumonia. In addition, its product under development comprises CB-183,315, an oral, bactericidal lipopeptide with in vitro bactericidal activity against C. difficile, for the treatment of clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Further , the company?s pre-clinical programs include therapies to treat various bacterial infections and agents to treat acute pain. Additionally, it promotes MERREM I.V. (meropenem for injection), a carbapenem class intravenous antibiotic, in the United States under a commercial services agreement with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP; and DIFICID as the treatment for CDAD in adults under the co-promotion agreement with Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The company also has collaborations with Forma Therapeutics, Inc. to discover and develop antibacterial compounds; an agreement with the Broad Institute to transform natural products discovery; a collaboration with Hydra Biosciences, Inc., to develop ion channel drugs; and a collaboration agreement with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for the development and commercialization of Alnylam's RNAi therapeutics as a therapy for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Lexington, Mas sachusetts.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Maria Armental var popups = dojo.query(".socialByline .popC"); popups.forEach]
Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc.(CBST) said the Food and Drug Administration accepted for priority review the company’s new drug application for its investigational antibiotic for complicated urinary tract and complicated intra-abdominal infections. Shares rose 3.6% to $71 premarket.
- [By Rich Bieglmeier]
Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CBST) share price is the beneficiary of an upgrade yesterday. Leerink Swann analyst Marko Kozul believes the biotech is headed to $76.
- [By Lee Jackson]
Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CBST) is another top stock to buy making acquisitions. It recently received antitrust clearance for its�purchase of Trius Pharmaceutical. The acquisition strengthens its already strong antibiotic franchise. UBS has a $70 price target, and the consensus is placed at $65.
No comments:
Post a Comment