Expert Financial Analysis and Reporting

What is the CVR Worth? I wanted to address some additional points in regard to the proposed acquisition of Trius (TSRX) by Cubist (CBST). In my earlier note of July 31, I had not yet analyzed the terms of the CVR which are that Trius shareholders will receive $1.00 for each share that they tender […]

Summary and Investment Thesis InSite Vision (INSV.OB) just reported that topline results for AzaSite Plus and DexaSite in the DOUBle trial were disappointing and failed to meet the primary endpoint of that trial. Clinical trials can fail because the drug(s) is ineffective, but they can also fail because of trial design and there are good […]

Cytokinetics (CYTK) has completed its second meaningful deal in two weeks. Today they announced a deal with Astellas (ALPMY) and on June 12, they announced a deal that allows Amgen to develop omecamtiv mecarbil in Japan. Today’s deal brings in $16 million as an upfront milestone and the Amgen (AMGN) deal brought in $15 million […]

Cytokinetics (CYTK) has announced an expansion of the partnering agreement with Amgen (AMGN) for omecamtiv mecarbil, the Company’s lead product which is being developed for congestive heart failure. In the original agreement, rights to omecamtiv in Japan were not included. The expansion gives Amgen rights in Japan as well. Cytokinetics will receive $25 million which […]

Northwest Biotherapeutics (NWBO) announced today that the phase I/II trial of DCVax Direct has been initiated at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas; this is one of the premier centers for cancer drug development in the US. Additional sites in the US and UK should open soon. I view the lead role of M.D. […]

Investment Overview We hear constantly from the media about problems with bacterial resistance to antibiotics. I think that this is an indication that we have reached the point at which society will collectively decide to declare a war on resistant bacteria that could provide the same impetus to the development of anti-microbial drugs that the […]

Introduction This week’s edition of SmithOnStocks Opines includes brief comments on news concerning ImmunoCellular Therapeutics (IMUC) and Cadence (CADX), last week and have highlighted an upcoming presentation that could be a boost to Neuralstem’s (CUR) stock. ImmunoCellular Therapeutics (IMUC): The Company announced that the phase II trial of ICT-107 had reached an interim point that […]

Overview of This Week’s Report This week I published a major report on Alimera Sciences and pSivida which led to my recommendation of pSivida. I also comment on Neuralstem’s press release on a rat study modeling the use of NSI-566 neural stem cells in an acute spinal cord injury which showed some encouraging data. The […]

Introduction I have started to write a newsletter on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to supplement my reports and blogs. In this week’s edition, I start with some thoughts on financing strategies for biotechnology companies. This can have an impact on stock prices second only to product development news. I follow this with some brief […]

Purpose of Report An encouraging update on the phase I trial of Neuralstem’s (CUR) neural stem cells in ALS was just presented. I alerted investors about this potential catalyst in my recent blog.   Investment Conclusion Before I state my conclusions let me quote the lead investigator on the study, Dr. Eva Feldman. She said […]