The writing is no longer just on the wall for Peregrine and others |
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By M.E.Garza | |
Wednesday, 07 December 2011 07:22 | |
![]() For many, outside of biotech, the big, game-shifting headlines involving this unique platform are still- for the most part- only written on the wall. But as we've begun to see this week, once they make it to print they make big splashes across the entire market. First up was Tuesday's big news that preliminary results involving Peregrine Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: PPHM) drug candidate Bavituximab showed a 50% improvement in overall tumor response rates in non-small cell lung cancer patients who were participating in a randomized Phase II trial. The fact that Peregrine plans to report on secondary endpoints, including median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) once reached during 2012 ensures that speculators will continue to move in on shares, but an additional even on the horizon may help guarantee that volume won't soon dry up. In late September, an event mentioned by the firm in a news release was noted and is being tracked as a catalyst in our BioMedReports FDA Calendar. While some of the new investors may not yet realize it, Bavituximab is also being tested and developed as a first-in-class monoclonal antibody that represents a new approach to treating not only cancer but viral infections as well. In this case, the firm is looking forward to assessing its use in combination with ribavirin for patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Once all of the patients in the ongoing study have completed therapy, doctors will be looking for an early-virologic response and we can expect to hear Bavituximab Phase II data by the end of 2011 or early 2012. Surely, I don't have to remind biotech investors how blazing hot hepatitis stock plays continue to be. "These first randomized clinical data indicate bavituximab is an active anti-tumor agent and heightens our enthusiasm for the bavituximab program, including the upcoming results from seven ongoing trials in different oncology indications," said Kerstin B. Menander, M.D. Ph.D., head of medical oncology at Peregrine Pharmaceuticals. After incredibly positive news like this for the field, investors seeking the next big Lipidomics play aren't likely to limit their bets to Peregrine. Already Pfizer (NYSE: PFE ) has an established partnership with the firm for their ocular drug iSONEP and if upcoming study results with iSONEP™ are successful, Pfizer has the right to license global rights to the drug in exchange for development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, along with double-digit tiered royalties on net sales of iSONEP™. Those milestone payments potentially due Lpath are worth nearly $500 million. The firm’s market cap is only $63 million now and as such, volume and interest in the stock has been on the rise since our initial report. LPath believes that further investigation of ASONEP for efficacy in Phase 2 clinical trials is warranted and they are moving ASONEP into Phase 2 clinical testing, and are collaborating with Harvard Medical School on plans to conduct one or more Phase 2a clinical trials. As industry observers note, some of the world’s most expensive and successful biotechnology-based drugs are monoclonal antibodies and they have proven to be indispensable in the war against cancer and Autoimmune diseases. The fact that many antibody-based platform firms have been acquired for significant premiums by Big Pharma right after some of these same stage trial results is but one reason analysts who cover these types of firms are so bullish with buy recommendations and price targets. Both of these stocks have seen 30% jumps recently, but those with positions in Lpath, Inc. or Peregrine are likely to see continued price increases as those upcoming clinical results catalysts move closer. Disclosure: None ![]() "Featured Content" profiles are meant to provide awareness of these companies to investors in the small-cap and growth equity community and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy, sell or hold these securities. BiomedReports is not paid or compensated by newswires to disseminate or report news and developments about publicly traded companies, but may from time to time receive compensation for advertising, data, analytics and investor relation services from various entities and firms. Full disclosures should be read in the 'About Us Section'. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |