Today, Novartis (NVS) acquired exclusive worldwide rights to PTK 0796, a broad spectrum antibiotic from a privately held company, Paratek Pharmaceuticals. The drug is meant for the treatment of infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multi-drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (MDRSP). PTK 0796, being a broad spectrum antibiotic, could be used as a single agent against a range of bacteria unlike other antibiotics, which may have to be used in combination. Although we are yet to know the exact financial terms of the deal, Novartis will be making an upfront payment to Paratek in addition to future milestone payments and royalties. Both the companies will share the costs and responsibilities related to the drug’s development. A phase III trial for the drug is being conducted for the treatment of complicated skin and skin structure infections (cSSSI). Clinical studies conducted on more ...

THRX, Theravance, Inc.

PWRM, Power 3 Medical Products Inc, PWRM.OB

SPNG, SpongeTech Delivery Systems Inc, SPNG.OB

DrStockPick Watch List!

 

DrStockPick.com Watch List! for Monday September 14, 2009

 

My Picks for Monday September 14, 2009 are:

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SPNG, SpongeTech Delivery Systems Inc, SPNG.OB

SPNG is a company which designs, produces and markets innovative, cost-effective, and environmentally sensitive packaging and product delivery solutions through its exclusive patented packaging technology.

SPNG plans to apply for a NASDAQ listing. Its Board of Directors has unanimously approved a reverse split of SpongeTech®’s issued and outstanding capital stock at a 1-for-100 split ratio. The reverse stock split demonstrates its commitment to

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Aradigm Corporation

(Public, OTC:ARDM)

Aradigm is a company with a lot of potential positive long-term gains, especially with regards to its product pipeline involving the inhaled Cipro product (ILCH) for BE and CF, however the short-term play is a very different story. This company lacks visibility and the ability to fully utilize press release syndication to maximize potential reach for investors, and also engages in massive dilution in order to maintain ongoing operations. Moreover, the financial position also suffers as the company is enduring a heavy amount of cash burn every year with zero revenues as of Q1 (Mar’09). There is also a big question mark when it comes to partnerships — who will step up to the plate and infuse the cash which is so badly sought after?

About

Aradigm Corporation is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused

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2 indications for Telavancin expected to be approved in 20092009 is going to be a banner year for Theravance (THRX) as the company waits for two FDA approvals for its lead antibiotic drug candidate Telavancin. Telavancin is a novel lipoglycopeptide injectable antibiotic discovered by Theravance that targets serious Gram-positive infections including drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains. Data has shown that Telavancin has a unique multifunctional mechanism of action that results in bacterial killing and may help reduce the risk of inducing resistance.In November 2005, the company entered into a collaboration arrangement with Japan's Astellas Pharma Inc. for the development and commercialization of Telavancin, giving Astellas worldwide rights to this potential medicine. In addition to upfront and milestone payments, the company will be entitled to receive royalties on global sales of Telavancin by Astellas that, on a percentage basis, range from the high teens ...

Highlights include Theravance, Inc. (THRX), ViroPharma, Inc. (VPHM), Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (CBST), Pfizer, Inc. (PFE), Wyeth (WYE) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).Theravance Neports Narrower Loss, Awaits 2 FDA ApprovalsNarrower 1Q09 net loss, improvement anticipated in the coming quarters        Theravance, Inc. (THRX) reported 1Q09 results on April 22, 2009.Revenue increased 70% to $9.5 million for the quarter compared to $5.6 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to the recognition of the remaining deferred revenue of the LAMA program since the program has been returned to the company from GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK). In our model we had projected higher revenue with the expectation of FDA approval of Telavancin, which now seems to be possible during 2Q or 3Q 2009. Net loss for the first quarter was at ...

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Staphylococcus (staph) bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections in the United States. Staph is found in high-traffic facilities such as hospitals, gyms and schools. Some types of the bacteria are drug resistant, generating the need for strict sanitary regulations, as well as the need for the development of treatment to combat bacteria resistant to drugs.

PolyMedix Inc. (PYMX.OB) focuses on the development of products to treat infectious diseases such as staph, as well as acute cardiovascular disorders. The company today announced it will present information of its research and findings at the 2009 Gordon Conference on Antimicrobial Peptides: Understanding Health and Disease through Antimicrobial Host Defense Peptides on Wednesday, March 4 in Ventura, Calif.

Dr. Richard Scott, PolyMedix’s vice president of research, will present the company’s antibiotic compounds and their efficacy against various drug resistant

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Highlights include Theravance (THRX), ViroPharma (VPHM), Cubist (CBST), Pfizer (PFE), Wyeth (WYE) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ). Theravance Close to Commercialization; Competition a ConcernTheravance (THRX) reported 4Q08 results on February 12, 2008.Revenue came in at $5.9 million for the 4th quarter of 2008 compared with $5.6 million for the same period of 2007. For the full year of 2008, revenue was $23.1 million, compared with $22.0 million for the full year of 2007. Revenues in 4th quarter and full year of 2008 were in line with our estimates. Net loss for the 4th quarter and full year of 2008 was $15.9 million and $93.6 million, respectively, compared with $33.1 million and $160.0 million for the same periods of 2007. Net loss per share was $0.26 and $1.53 for the 4th quarter and full year of ...

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) is a biotechnology company that develops and markets drugs for infectious diseases, including viral, fungal and bacterial infections. The company also has specialized focus on developing drugs for patients suffering from HIV/AIDS.We remain optimistic about growth of HIV/AIDS franchise drugs Truvada and the recently approved Atripla. Earnings over the past few quarters have been above expectations specifically on strong sales of the HIV franchise products.We continue to be positive on the name and would recommend opportunistic buying at this level. We view the name as a core biotech to own. Our target is $55.Read the full analyst report on GILD "GILD" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?Zacks Investment Research

Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) is a biotechnology company that develops and markets drugs for infectious diseases, including viral, fungal and bacterial infections. The company also has specialized focus on developing drugs for patients suffering from HIV/AIDS.We remain optimistic about growth of HIV/AIDS franchise drugs Truvada and the recently approved Atripla. Earnings over the past few quarters have been above expectations, specifically on strong sales of the HIV franchise products.We continue to be positive on the name and would recommend opportunistic buying at this level. We view the name as a core biotech to own. Our target is $52.Read the full analyst report on GILD "GILD" Free Stock Analysis: Buy? Sell? Hold?Zacks Investment Research

Nabi Biopharmaceuticals is a biotech company focused on developing products that encompass two main areas of treatment; nicotine addiction, and bacterial infections.

NicVAX® is Nabi’s weapon against nicotine addiction/relapse, and as its name suggests, comes in vaccination form. Nicotine is absorbed through the lungs into the blood, where it is subsequently carried to the brain; more specifically, to nicotine receptors in the brain. This results in the dispersal of natural stimulants, and produces the desirable sensation that smokers find addicting. NicVAX® stimulates the system into producing nicotine antibodies, which in turn bond with any nicotine molecules in the bloodstream, and prevents them from reaching the brain.

StaphVAX® is a vaccination developed by Nabi that produces antibodies which are critical in fighting certain bacterial infections; most commonly the infection known as S. aureus (also known as Golden Staph, the most common of the Staphylococcus infections). In laymen’s terms, chemicals found

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