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Category Archives: Biotechnology

Trump’s China ambassador vows to make beef trade and biotechnology priorities – Agri-Pulse

Posted: February 24, 2017 at 5:43 pm

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2017 Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, President Trumps choice to be the next U.S. ambassador to China, said today that if confirmed he will make it a priority to get China to lift its ban on U.S. beef and reform its biotechnology approval process.

Branstad spoke at USDAs annual Agricultural Outlook Forum before a scheduled meeting at the Chinese embassy in Washington,

We soon hope to reopen the market for American beef, Branstad said. I want to serve it at the (U.S.) embassy and I certainly want to do what I can to convince the Chinese leadership to do that sooner than later.

It was in September last year that China announced it was going to lift its 14-year-old ban on U.S. beef, but there have been no signs since then that the country was actually following through with that promise.

China was just one of many countries that banned U.S. beef in 2003 after theU.S. discovered its first case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).Since then most countries have lifted those bans, and in 2013 the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) announced that it was placing the U.S. into the negligible, or lowest risk category, for BSE, commonly known as mad cow disease.. Previously the U.S. fell into the higher controlled risk category.

Mad cow disease is long since gone in this country, Branstad said. Theres no reason why the Chinese should continue to restrict American beef. Thats one of the things high on my priority list.

Another thing high on his priority list is persuading China to reform its biotechnology approval process. The Obama administration tried for years to get China to begin the approval process of new seed traits at the same time as regulators in the U.S. or other countries begin. But little progress has been made.

China, to the growing frustration of U.S. farm groups and biotech seed companies, continues to refuse to begin its approval process until new traits have already been approved in another country first. That can add years to the time that it takes for seed companies to get their products on the market.

Furthermore, Branstad said another priority wouldbe to persuadethe Chinese to remove stiff import duties on U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS).

It was just last month that Chinas Commerce Ministry slapped new duties and taxes on DDGS that total roughly 90 percent of the price of the commodity, a byproduct of ethanol production and a popular livestock feed ingredient.

U.S. Grains Council President Tom Sleight says the barriers are high enough to virtually halt U.S. exports to China.

China bought 6.3 million tons of DDGS in 2015, valued at about $1.6 billion, according to U.S. Grains Council officials. That was up from 4.3 million tons, valued at $1.25 billion,in 2014.

Branstad told Agri-Pulse that he expects to succeed where others have failed in China because of his strong personal relationships with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials.

I have the advantage of being an old friend of President Xi, he said.His very first trip to America was to Iowa. He led a corn processing delegation that came to Iowa in 1985.

The two have stayed in contact since then, Branstad said. We have a longstanding personal relationship and thats really important in their culture. I think thats why President Trump chose me.

Branstad also stressed today that the U.S. and China are already major trading partners and he hopes to expand that relationship.

IncreasingChinas demand for U.S. farm commodities took up a significant part of USDA Chief Economist Robert Johansson's presentation today at the Outlook Forum.

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China is the largest destination for U.S. agricultural exports and the country's demand continues togrow for American soybeans, cotton, wheat and other commodities, Johansson said.

In (fiscal year) 2017 U.S. exports to China are projected at $22.3 billion, up more than $3 billion from 2016 and making it the top export market for U.S. agriculture, Johansson said.

The future is especially bright for Chinese imports of soybeans and cotton, he said, predictingthat China will be buying about 14 million bales of cotton from the U.S. annually 10years from now, a 9.6-million-bale increase from present sales.

I look forward to being an advocate for all agricultural exports in this new role. Im humbled by the prospect that a farm kid from Iowa could be chosen to represent our country in China.

#30

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My Republica – Biotechnology company is introducing Nepal to the … – Republica

Posted: February 22, 2017 at 10:43 pm

Innovation not necessarily comprises a scientific breakthrough but seeks the immediacy of needs to be acknowledged, asserts Rabindra Mohan Sapkota, 43, who is the chairman of Shikhar Biotech established in 2000. In conversation with Republicas Sonam Lama, he shares some of his insights on initiating the first biotechnological company in Nepal, followed by its different setbacks.

Tell us about Shikhar Biotech? Shikhar Biotech is pioneer antibody production company in Nepal which was initiated by the parent biotech company based in the United Kingdom. Our company is a spin-off of the British-Nepali venture Everest Biotech Limited, UK. We aim to manufacture and deliver the highest quality reagents and services to life-science researchers and other biotech companies worldwide.

How is Shikhar Biotech different from other biotech companies? Yes. Many experiments in Nepal are carried out on plant biotechnology but we have been conducting a specific operation on producing and manufacturing goat antibodies. With a smooth manufacture and delivery of more than 3000 antibodies till date, we believe we are attained a renowned space in the international market with our products being on long term demand. We have a strong track record of testing thousands of high quality goat polyclonal antibodies on behalf of our previous parent company. This experience has enabled us to offer this service now to other companies or researchers at competitive prices without any compromise in quality.

How does Shikhar Biotech benefit Nepal? With our company being recognized as an independent one, it has helped acquiring first hand contribution to boost the economy of Nepal. Our rigorous research and hands on activities have increased the growth in productivity. Our operations run further with promoting goat rearing in several villages such as Taulung which has earned a good source of income for the village farmers. On this note, we have gradually been able to provide technological materials such as cell lines to students of Kathmandu and Tribhuwan Universities. We are now extending our work to developing new products within Nepal.

What were the setbacks of initiating a pioneer company in Nepal? There were certain challenges since its inception as there was a congested market with people being highly unaware of biotechnological studies. So we primarily had to struggle for an access to the market outside Nepal. Moreover, limited amount of revenue and acute lack of investments occurred with the scarcity of raw materials and services. In context of Nepal, the financial crisis has been lagging us behind. However, in the case of availability of ample resources, we still fall short for research, innovation, and awareness.

What are your further plans? One of our long term plans is to include the development of testing material of vitamin D. This tester is used to detect the content of Vitamin D in a human body through antibody platform. In order to make it easily accessible and cost cheaper in Nepal, the research on producing diagnostic kits have been under high consideration. We have been conducting researches on developing the glucose tester in Nepal which would serve Nepal in the long run.

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Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCMKTS:GNBT) Pushes Higher on New Catalysts – The Oracle Dispatch

Posted: February 22, 2017 at 10:43 pm

Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCMKTS:GNBT) is a micro-cap biotech player that has been on the rise of late despite an avalanche of growing debt and no clear route to near term monetization. But such is the case quite often in this sector, even in the case of the best opportunities. GNBT stockis moving higher in recent days following a couple catalysts.

In the first case, the company announced a letter of intent for the acquisition of a controlling equity interest in Emmaus Life Sciences, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative treatments and therapies, primarily for rare and orphan disease. Initial product development efforts are focused on Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic disorder. In the second case, the company just announced that it has achieved the elimination of its outstanding derivative securities.

Generex Biotechnology Corporation (OTCMKTS:GNBT) trumpets itself as a company engaged in the research, development, and commercialization of drug delivery systems and technologies.

As the company states, Generex has developed a proprietary platform technology for the delivery of drugs into the human body through the oral cavity (with no deposit in the lungs). The Companys proprietary liquid formulations allow drugs typically administered by injection to be absorbed into the body by the lining of the inner mouth using the Companys proprietary RapidMist device. Antigen Express, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Generex.

The core platform technologies of Antigen Express comprise immunotherapeutic vaccines for the treatment of malignant, infectious, allergic, and autoimmune diseases. Antigen Express has pioneered the use of specific CD4+ T-helper stimulation technologies in immunotherapy. One focuses on modification of peptides with Ii-Key to increase potency, while a second relies on inhibition of expression of the Ii protein. Antigen Express scientists, and others, have shown clearly that suppression of expression of the Ii protein in cancer cells allows for potent stimulation of T-helper cells and prevents the further growth of cancer cells.

According to company materials, Hema Diagnostic Systems, LLC (www.rapid123.com) is a rapidly growing biotechnology company involved in the development, manufacture, assembly, and distribution of diagnostics targeting primary as well as orphan infectious diseases. Hema Diagnostic Systems continues to expand its product line to meet the needs of the worldwide market. Point-of-Care test devices are made simple to use and are highly cost effective when incorporated into Hema Diagnostic Systems patented and patent pending delivery systems. The Rapid 1-2-3 Hema EXPRESS is a novel delivery system that is self-contained and easy to use.

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In thinking about the potential benefits of a controlling position in Emmaus, Dr. Yutaka Niihara, MD, MPH, Chairman and CEO of Emmaus and Executive Chairman of Generex commented: R&D efforts continue apace at Emmaus, as evidenced by these new patents securing our intellectual property portfolio. We are pleased to add diverticulosis and diabetes as prospective new indications for our PGLG product which we are currently developing for the treatment of SCD.

Joseph Moscato, Generex President & CEO, stated: I am gratified by the confidence Emmaus has expressed in Generex in providing this leeway to allow us to consummate the reorganization of our capital structure which will set the stage for our future successes.

That said, our sense is that the biggest catalyst in recent action may actually be the cap table move through undercutting the companys derivative liabilities.

As noted in the companys most recent release, the consequent reduction in the number of shares coming into the market and the termination of the attendant price protection provisions will unburden the Company. In addition, the elimination of the derivative liability will greatly improve the Companys balance sheet. Thus unencumbered, and with a reinvigorated management team and Board of Directors, the Company will proceed to execute its business plans and to attract value investors.

The chart shows just under 290% piled on for shareholders of the listing during the trailing month. Market participants may want to pay attention to GNBTstock. Generex has a track record that includes a number of dramatic bounces. Whats more, the company has witnessed a pop in interest, as transaction volume levels have recently pushed just shy of 410% above its longer run average levels. Since we last covered the name, the stock has moved 58% higher.

Now commanding a market cap of $15.8M, GNBT has virtually no cash on the books, which compares with a mountain of current liabilities, in excess of $9 million. One should also note that debt has been growing over recent quarters. The company is pre-revenue at this point. This may be a very interesting story and we will look forward to updating it again soon. For continuing coverage on shares of GNBT stock, as well as our other hot stock picks, sign up for our free newsletter today and get our next hot stock pick!

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Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Plunges 10.56% on February 22 – Equities.com

Posted: February 22, 2017 at 10:43 pm

Market Summary Follow

Puma Biotechnology Inc is a A biopharmaceutical company

PBYI - Market Data & News

PBYI - Stock Valuation Report

Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) had a rough trading day for Wednesday February 22 as shares tumbled 10.56%, or a loss of $-4.05 per share, to close at $34.30. After opening the day at $38.05, shares of Puma Biotechnology Inc traded as high as $38.50 and as low as $34.25. Volume was 890,673 shares over 7,101 trades, against an average daily volume of 936,446 shares and a total float of 36.82 million.

As a result of the decline, Puma Biotechnology Inc now has a market cap of $1.26 billion. In the last year, shares of Puma Biotechnology Inc have traded between a range of $73.27 and $19.74, and its 50-day SMA is currently $34.41 and 200-day SMA is $41.71.

For a complete fundamental analysis of Puma Biotechnology Inc, check out Equities.coms Stock Valuation Analysis report for PBYI.

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Puma Biotechnology Inc is a biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in the acquisition, development and commercialization of products to enhance cancer care.

Puma Biotechnology Inc is based out of Los Angeles, CA and has some 156 employees. Its CEO is Alan H. Auerbach.

Puma Biotechnology Inc is a component of the Russell 2000. The Russell 2000 is one of the leading indices tracking small-cap companies in the United States. It's maintained by Russell Investments, an industry leader in creating and maintaining indices, and consists of the smallest 2000 stocks from the broader Russell 3000 index.

Russell's indices differ from traditional indices like the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) or S&P 500, whose members are selected by committee, because they base membership entirely on an objective, rules based methodology. The 3,000 largest companies by market cap make up the Russell 3000, with the 2,000 smaller companies making up the Russell 2000. It's a simple approach that gives a broad, unbiased look at the small-cap market as a whole.

To get more information on Puma Biotechnology Inc and to follow the companys latest updates, you can visit the companys profile page here: PBYIs Profile. For more news on the financial markets and emerging growth companies, be sure to visit Equities.coms Newsdesk. Also, dont forget to sign-up for our daily email newsletter to ensure you dont miss out on any of our best stories.

All data provided by QuoteMedia and was accurate as of 4:30PM ET.

DISCLOSURE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. To read our full disclosure, please go to: http://www.equities.com/disclaimer

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Minuteman HS Receives Biotechnology Lab Grant – Patch.com

Posted: February 21, 2017 at 11:42 pm


Patch.com
Minuteman HS Receives Biotechnology Lab Grant
Patch.com
From Minuteman HS:Minuteman High School has landed another major grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to help upgrade its Biotechnology program. The $108,172 competitive grant will enable the school to outfit its Biotechnology lab with ...

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MPs clash with biotechnology researchers over GMO ban | The Star … – The Star, Kenya

Posted: February 21, 2017 at 11:42 pm

MPs on Tuesday clashed with biotechnology researchers over the lifting of the GMO ban.

The law makers dismissed a call to have the ban lifted and called for development of home grown biotechnology solutions rather than imposing "foreign ideologies".

Our researchers should focus on home grown technologies that address some of the challenges farmers are facing such as aflatoxin, drought tolerant crop varieties and the stem borer pest, said Agriculture Parliamentary committee chair Noor Mohammed.

He assured local scientists that as long as they focus on need based research, the committee will lobby the government to allocate more resources.

Mohammed made the remarks during a consultative meeting between the committee and biotechnology stakeholders.

He noted that there has not been any scientific evidence on the safety of GMOs, or any guarantee that it can offer a solution to food insecurity in the country.

Read: University students want government to issue licence of GMO maize

Also read: State launches GMO labelling mark amid jitters of effect on existent ban

There is no research in the world specifically stating on the safety of the technology. Let any scientist give evidence in Kenya own up and that GMO is safe for human consumption, he said.

Mohammed stated that MPs remarks should not be construed to mean that the political class in the country is against the introduction of GMO, but warned the researchers and other experts against issuing conflicting statements.

He said all the Parliamentary committees - health, agriculture, environment, education - and all the biotechnology researchers need to work together with a view to providing a common approach regarding the issue.

Dr Margaret Karembu emphasised on the need by the government to allow application of GMO as one of the tools to taming food insecurity and enhancing agricultural productivity.

Any country that does not give opportunity to researcher will forever rely on other peoples products. GMOs have been proven safe by the World Health Organization and other global biotechnology players, said Karembu.

Willy Tonui, the National Biosafety Authority CEO, assured Kenyans that there is no GMO product in the market and that the government is vigilant in monitoring all the foreign materials that are being imported in the county.

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Cellect Biotechnology (APOP) Stock: Gaining Big On Positive Clinical Data – CNA Finance (press release)

Posted: February 21, 2017 at 11:42 pm

Cellect Biotechnology Ltd. (NASDAQ: APOP)

Cellect Biotechnology is having an incredibly strong day in the market today. As soon as the session opened, the stock was already trading on overwhelmingly impressive gains. From there, we've seen a continuation of strong movement. Below, we'll talk about what we're seeing from the stock, why, and what we'll be watching for with regard to APOP ahead.

As mentioned above, Cellect Biotechnology is having an incredibly strong day in the market today. At the opening bell, the stock was already trading well into the green. Throughout the morning, we've seen a continuation of gains. At the moment (10:52), APOP is trading at $6.91 per share after a gain of $1.08 per share (18.52%) thus far today.

As is almost always the case, our partners at Trade Ideas were the first to send the alert that APOP was making a run for the top. As soon as we received the alert, the CNA Finance team started digging to see exactly what was causing the movement. It didn't take long to uncover the story. The gains are ultimately the result of a positive data release.

Early this morning, Cellect Biotechnology released positive results from its clinical trial of ApoGraft(TM). The point of the study was to validate the company's proprietary method for stem cell selection. To do so, the company went through the process of production and characterization through ApoGraft. In the announcement, investors learned that the company met its primary endpoint in this study.

Moving forward, the CNA Finance team will continue to keep a close eye on APOP. In particular, we're following ongoing work with regard to ApoGraft as well as the rest of the company's pipeline. We'll keep a close eye on the news and continue to bring it to you as it breaks!

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Flourescent biotechnology for high lighting solid cancer for more complete surgical removal – Next Big Future

Posted: February 21, 2017 at 11:42 pm

With five U.S. patents issued and dozens more filed and pending around the world, On Target Laboratories LLC is working to advance its revolutionary fluorescent imaging technology that could help surgeons pinpoint and remove more cancerous tissues than has ever been possible while preserving more healthy tissue for patients.

Headquartered at Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, the company is developing a series of molecules, which, when administered intravenously, show promise in targeting many types of cancer cells, said Dr. Sumith Kularatne, On Targets vice president of research and development.

In addition to our current U.S. patents, we have 11 more either filed or pending in the U.S., Kularatne said. We have another 33 patents pending worldwide. These patents are very important in helping us move our discoveries to the public where they can help people.

These molecules carry a fluorescent dye and target diseased cells, including cancer, enabling surgeons to better diagnose and remove the disease while avoiding collateral damage to healthy tissue such as nerves.

OTL38 is a novel compound consisting of a folic acid-targeting molecule, or ligand, linked to a near-infrared dye. Following current clinical trial protocols, OTL38 is injected two hours before surgery and is intended to bind to diseased tissue, including several cancers, involving lung, ovarian, and renal. The goal of this technology is to allow the surgeon to see hard-to-detect, small cancer lesions or diseased lymph nodes that might otherwise be missed through the use of a NIR (near-infrared) camera. OTL ligands are designed to enhance the view in real time, and if proven successful, we believe may be an important addition to image-guided surgery.

We have a very robust portfolio of intellectual property (IP), said Martin Low, the companys chief executive officer. We believe, with this proprietary technology, we will enable surgeons in removing any solid tumor cancer.

In addition to cancer, On Target technology has shown promise in targeting infectious diseases and inflammatory diseases.

One of the patents issued for OTL38, On Targets primary molecule, is for the targeting of inflammatory diseases. Another pending patent is for the targeting of some infectious diseases.

In addition to OTL38, On Targets other molecules include: OTL78 which has four patents pending. Its shown promise for prostate, brain, liver, breast and colorectal cancers. OTL81 which has a pending patent. Its shown promise for gastric and thyroid cancers. OTL338 which has a pending patent. Its shown promise for pancreatic, colorectal and kidney cancers as well as tumors under hypoxic conditions. OTL228 which has three patents pending. Its shown promise for ovarian, lung, breast, pituitary and other cancers as well as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and atherosclerosis.

On Targets patenting process has moved very quickly due to the strength of the science involved as well as the level of communication between the science and legal teams, Kularatne said.

Normally the patenting process can take years. But our initial five patents were issued in two years, Low said. Pending completion of clinical trials, commercialization of OTL38 for ovarian cancer patients is scheduled for early 2019 and for lung cancer patients in 2021.

While we are working to protect our IP, the real goal here is to save lives, Kularatne said. Cancer may start the fight. We want to finish it.

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Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) Moves Lower on Volume Spike for February 21 – Equities.com

Posted: February 21, 2017 at 11:42 pm

Market Summary Follow

Puma Biotechnology Inc is a A biopharmaceutical company

PBYI - Market Data & News

PBYI - Stock Valuation Report

Puma Biotechnology Inc (PBYI) traded on unusually high volume on Feb. 21, as the stock lost 4.72% to close at $38.35. On the day, Puma Biotechnology Inc saw 1.1 million shares trade hands on 8,009 trades. Considering that the stock averages only a daily volume of 715,433 shares a day over the last month, this represents a pretty significant bump in volume over the norm.

Generally speaking, when a stock experiences a sudden spike in trading volume, it may be seen as a bullish signal for investors. An increase in volume means more market awareness for the company, potentially setting up a more meaningful move in stock price. The added volume also provides a level of support and stability for price advances.

The stock has traded between $73.27 and $19.74 over the last 52-weeks, its 50-day SMA is now $34.44, and its 200-day SMA $41.65. Puma Biotechnology Inc has a P/B ratio of 15.46.

Puma Biotechnology Inc is a biopharmaceutical company. It is engaged in the acquisition, development and commercialization of products to enhance cancer care.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, Puma Biotechnology Inc has 156 employees and is currently under the leadership of CEO Alan H. Auerbach.

For a complete fundamental analysis analysis of Puma Biotechnology Inc, check out Equities.coms Stock Valuation Analysis report for PBYI.

Want to invest with the experts? Subscribe to Equities Premium newsletters today! Visit http://www.equitiespremium.com/ to learn more about Guild Investments Market Commentary and Adam Sarhans Find Leading Stocks today.

To get more information on Puma Biotechnology Inc and to follow the companys latest updates, you can visit the companys profile page here: PBYIs Profile. For more news on the financial markets and emerging growth companies, be sure to visit Equities.coms Newsdesk. Also, dont forget to sign-up for our daily email newsletter to ensure you dont miss out on any of our best stories.

All data provided by QuoteMedia and was accurate as of 4:30PM ET.

DISCLOSURE: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors, and do not represent the views of equities.com. Readers should not consider statements made by the author as formal recommendations and should consult their financial advisor before making any investment decisions. To read our full disclosure, please go to: http://www.equities.com/disclaimer

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This Biotech ETF Looks Primed To Rally Again – Seeking Alpha

Posted: February 21, 2017 at 11:42 pm

The biotech sector has gotten a lot of attention lately both in the financial markets and in Washington. The sector, which was one of the worst performing areas of the market in 2016, posting a loss of more than 20%, has started posting gains again, and is looking like the rally may be poised to continue. The biggest play in the sector, the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (NASDAQ:IBB), is up more than 10% on the year (its smaller equal weight counterpart, the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (NYSEARCA:XBI), is up over 17%).

The sector has alternatively gotten good and bad news from the White House. For many months, there has been talk of lowering drug prices through open competition or price caps putting pressure on the big drug manufacturers. On the other hand, President Trump spoke recently of his desire to reform the entire drug approval process in order to "speed the approval of life-saving medications" and "cutting the red tape at the FDA." That notion was welcomed by the equity markets even though it received a tepid response from big pharma companies.

One thing working in favor of biotech right now is M&A and the big prize could be Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY). A StreetInsider article from this week called the company "in play" and listed Roche (OTCQX:RHHBY), Novartis (NYSE:NVS), Gilead (NASDAQ:GILD) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) all as potential buyers. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ACAD) could also be up for grabs with Biogen (NASDAQ:BIIB) rumored to be a possible bidder. In its quarterly analyst meeting, Amgen's (NASDAQ:AMGN) CEO Bob Bradway discussed how his company was going to be on the lookout for acquisitions, both big and small.

Even Gilead, the big biotech that just caught Wall Street off guard when it significantly lowered 2017 revenue guidance due to weak sales in its hepatitis C drugs, even provided some reason for optimism. The stock dropped roughly 10% on its weak forecast, from a pre-earnings level of around $73, down to a post-announcement low in the $65 area. Since then, however, it has, somewhat surprisingly, begun rallying anew. The stock closed Friday at $70, gaining back nearly of what was lost. Does this signal something of a capitulation point and indicate that buyers are ready to return?

From a technical standpoint, the fund just broke out to the upside from a wedge pattern that has been forming over the past several months.

I wrote earlier this month that I felt the Biotech ETF could close out February above $300 if it could break through the resistance level around $285. It has and now it feels like that $300 level is well within reach.

Despite its rally so far this year, the fund is still about 13% off of its 2016 highs and 26% off of its all-time highs. Valuations in the sector look very reasonable right now as well. Thomson Reuters estimates put the forward P/E of the sector at less than 13, a level it hasn't seen in several years.

Gilead's results notwithstanding, the Q4 earnings season has been pretty good for biotech. Big players such as Amgen, Celgene (NASDAQ:CELG), Illumina (NASDAQ:ILMN) and Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) - all top 10 holdings in the fund - popped strongly after announcing earnings. If the sector can continue posting generally good revenue and earnings results and get a little help from the White House along the way, this could be a nice spot to add a few shares.

Editor's Note: This article discusses one or more securities that do not trade on a major U.S. exchange. Please be aware of the risks associated with these stocks.

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