Biotech Stock Mailbag: Neuralstem, Genfit, Intercept, Amarin

BOSTON (TheStreet) --A question about Neuralstem (CUR - Get Report) and its stem-cell therapy for ALS kicks off this week's Biotech Stock Mailbag.

Steve writes, "If 47% of the people responded well and their progression of the disease slowed considerably, then I see this as a huge success for a disease with no cure. I don't have ALS or know anyone that does, but if I had it, I would immediately want the treatment knowing that there is a 47% chance that I will respond positively to it and it would DRASTICALLY slow the progression of the disease. Wouldn't you agree, or am I missing the point somewhere?"

Eight of the 15 (53%) ALS patients enrolled in the study saw their ALSFRS scores fall from an average of 40 to 14 over nine months. This is a rapid decline in muscle function and suggests NSI-566 accelerates the progression of ALS.

If you believe 47% of patients in the Neuralstem study benefit from NSI-566, you can't ignore the 53% of patients who fare far worse and may actually be harmed by the stem cell therapy.

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Biotech Stock Mailbag: Neuralstem, Genfit, Intercept, Amarin