| Vertex Leaps Ahead: Hepatitis C Drug Produces Encouraging Results The Burrill Report submits: By Michael Fitzhugh A late-stage hepatitis C drug tested by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) substantially shortened the amount of time needed to tackle the virus, minimizing the side effects usually associated with current treatments. The trial showed that three quarters of the people treated with the drug telaprevir showed undetectable levels of the virus following a 24 week course of treatment. By comparison, the current standard of care—using a long-acting interferon combined with another drug called ribavirin over 48 weeks—is only effective at clearing the virus in 40 percent to 50 percent of people treated. The results are a promising sign for people struggling with the potentially life-threatening virus, which can result in progressive liver damage. By dodging some of the common side effects of current treatments, such as fatigue and flu-like symptoms, and reducing the length of treatment, the drug could potentially make treatment an easier and more tolerable experience for many patients. Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Illumina, Inc. Q2 2010 Earnings Call Transcript Illumina, Inc. (ILMN)Q2 2010 Earnings Call TranscriptComplete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Good News for Generex: Positive Data on Oral Insulin Coming in September R.J Steffens submits:"I poke my fingers to check my sugar. I have to take shots before I eat. I’m tired of all this. I wish it was easier. I can’t go to my friends’ houses. They don’t know what to do". ~ Josh from An Anthology of Poems by Kids with DiabetesWhile subcutaneous insulin is effective in controlling blood glucose and HbAIc concentrations, the required injections can be a burden for patients, which can impact compliance. Patients and physicians hesitate initiating insulin therapy for several reasons, such as concern that injections are painful, difficult to administer, inconvenient, and the overall perception that initiating insulin treatment signifies a dramatic worsening of the disease. These inherent limitations are among other possible reasons why diabetics often have poorly controlled HbA1c levels while on conventional insulin therapies.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Several Scenarios Ahead of the FDA's Imminent Decision on Alexza M.E. Garza submits: By Patrick CrutcherBiotech investors should be ready for a big week. With multiple FDA decisions on the line, there should be ample trading and investing opportunities out there. Let's focus on one of these events in particular.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Savient Pharma: Today's Pain Could Be Tomorrow's Gain Stone Fox Capital submits:Savinet Pharma (SVNT) might be one of today's biggest losers, but it could be tomorrow's biggest gainer. SVNT announced that they have been unable to find a buyer at a suitable price for the company. The stock initially dropped over 50% to a 52 week low on the announcement. Was the move warranted? Regardless of whether SVNT is bought out, the company still owns an orphan drug, KRYSTEXXZA, recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe gout cases where no other option exists. The intrinsic value of the company hasn't changed because they couldn't find a deal for an agreeable price. The only change is the value an investor can expect to receive in the short term.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |