Looking at the wide variety of companies working to make a go of their business makes one wonder when and if any of them will actually make the leap from development to profitable. So many companies struggle through the year, with only a hope of breaking through. Every once in a while, however, a company makes the leap after laying out millions to get their product to market. Being willing to take the risk and invest is where the savvy investor profits. The risk remains, but it can certainly result in a nice profit.

MAP Pharmaceuticals Inc., a development stage drug company, works to develop pharmaceutical type medications primarily directed at pediatric asthma, non-pediatric asthma, migraines and diabetes. The company is more specifically involved in nebulized medications and cardiac inhaler delivery systems.

To imply that the company is more oriented toward the delivery system of the medications it develops would be

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The two critical elements to watch in the pharmaceutical industry are product development and FDA approvals. If a company’s product development pipeline starts to get a bit thin, it will eventually lose revenue generating capacity as patents expire and competition moves in. If FDA approval isn’t obtained, the company is simply sunk in the US for that product.

As an investor, watching the product pipeline is the key. This is important not only for the company’s current and future profitability, but because other companies, which may not have the same product development strength, may become interested in acquiring it. In today’s pharmaceutical marketplace, this point is even more relevant as several larger pharmaceutical companies have exceedingly large pools of cash and pipeline/patent issues.

Avanir Pharmaceuticals Inc., a pharmaceutical development company, works to develop pharmaceutical products directed at chronic disease and neuropathic diabetic pain. The company is best known for

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Cell Therapeutics Inc.’s (CTIC) recent acquisition of Zevalin will generate revenue for the company and prepare the company for the future launch of other cancer products. Two pipeline products, Xyotax and Pixantrone, account for the late-stage oncology focus. We are optimistic about Cell Therapeutics’ future; however, we are very concerned with its cash position.

The company is under great pressure to raise additional cash to fund its operations. It may need to tap the capital market as soon as in the third quarter to raise funds. We have seen this in the recent past. Cell Therapeutics has continued to issue notes and shares to raise funds for its operations which have led to massive dilution of its existing shareholder base. We believe this trend will continue in 2008 and beyond. Although Zevalin sales may pick up steam in 2009, it will only breakeven in 2008. However, with the expansion

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We have several tier-1 firms out positive on Monsanto (NYSE:MON) this AM:- Merrill Lynch is raising their tgt to $165 from $155 (Reit Buy) noting that at its recent investor field event Monsanto indicated that fiscal 2009 biotech trait price increases will be above earlier expectations, particularly for triple stacked corn up 33% on average from 2008 versus June guidance of a 20% increase. MLCO's proprietary review of Monsanto’s just-issued price lists indicate that the trait increase approaches 50% for the premium product (VT triple) in the high-yield, high-rootworm pressure areas, but is roughly flat in lower-yielding, low rootworm pressure areas, which they believe will drive penetration rates. Second generation Roundup-tolerant soybeans will be priced $20/acre above first generation versus original expectations of $15. The first generation product will see a seed and trait increase of ~$12/acre, which will be largely offset by higher production costs.Firm ...