The unofficial closing bells put the DJIA up triple digits with a gain of 178 points to 11,575.46, the NASDAQ rose more than 42 (1.6%) to 2,657.43, and the S&P 500 rose 2% or 24 points to 1,225.28.  Today’s top analyst upgrade and downgrade calls were numerous and included Charter Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR), Halliburton Company (NYSE: HAL), and more than a dozen other companies.

There has been a turnaround from the indicated loss in Bank of America Corporation (NYSE: BAC) after its earnings showed that book value managed to actually grow and the stock was up almost 10% at $6.63 late in the session.

Some food for thought… Now the MLP and pipeline sector may look cheap on the heels of the El Paso Corporation (NYSE: EP) buyout.

As far as the other big earnings report reactions today (prices within 20 minutes of the closing bell): The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) was down 0.3% at $66.79; International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM) was a huge drag on teh DJIA with shares still down 4.5% at $178.30; Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) was up 1.2% at $64.54; State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) was up 9% at $36.97.

Several other standouts from today are as follows…

American Public Education Inc. (NASDAQ: APEI) lost more than 20% of its value to $30.05 after the American Military University will see far lower tuition assistance from the U.S. Marine Corps.

Badger Meter Inc. (NYSE: BMI) was a loser even if it is supposed to be a water winner after missing earnings estimates.  Shares were down 13% at $29.08 in the final minutes of the day.

Crocs Inc. (NASDAQ: CROX) was a disaster after an earnings warning that would not have been so bad had the stock not been up 100% from its 52-week lows before the report.  The stock was down a massive 39% at $16.20 right before the close on more than 8-times normal volume of 25 million shares.

Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) was such a winner that it should be called “Master Chief” for its stock ticker.  Its subcutaneous Herceptin trial met the study goals and the stock was up over 18% at $7.34 right before the close.  This was not even a 52-week high.

Harley-Davidson Inc. (NYSE: HOG) was about 4% shy of sales targets in its earnings report and that had the stock down 7% to $34.56 right before the close.  With a 52-week high of $46.88, it seemed a bit harsh of a reaction even with slightly lower margin guidance.

Human Genome Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ: HGSI) was up over 15% at $12.95 on reports that a $25.00 per share buyout could be headed its way.  We gave a handicap on the odds of a deal happening.

USEC Inc. (NYSE: USU) broke a major run higher today and still no news exists.  The belief is that the loan approval from the DOE may get a better review now that solar loan fraud seems to be prevailing after Solyndra.  Shares were down 4% at $2.10 right before the close.  Still, this was a $1.30 stock just last Thursday.

Stay tuned for Wednesday.  We have speeches to watch from Rosengren and Lockhart on the docket as well as a hearing about ETFs.  Here are some economic releases due in the morning and throughout the day:

• 8:30 September CPI
• 8:30 Housing Starts
• 10:30 Weekly Oil Inventories
• 2:00 PM Beige Book

JON C. OGG

Our screen was looking for roughly 50% upside or more to the consensus analyst price target at Thomson Reuters.  We also screened out extreme small cap names and those which are too thin in volume.  We came up Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALNY), Dendreon Corporation (NASDAQ: DNDN), Geron Corporation (NASDAQ: GERN), Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) and VIVUS Inc. (NASDAQ: VVUS).  There were actually enough in the $200 million to $1 billion range that we’ll probably have another list tomorrow.  Thomson Reuters has a consensus price target of $17.94 but a median price target of $15.00.  The analyst field is also very mixed here and the coverage looks a bit stale by our count.  The lower target still implies upside of more than 55%.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALNY) is fresh off news that it won a $10 milestone payment from Takeda in Japan on part of its gene silencing drug collaboration.  Alnylam transferred its RNA technology and it stands to win up to $1 billion ($140 million or so collected so far) if all milestones and targets get reached.  With shares at $9.65, its 52-week trading range is $8.79 to $17.59 and its market cap is almost $410 million.

Dendreon Corporation (NASDAQ: DNDN) was surprising to see on the list of implied upside targets despite its Provenge which has been approved for prostate cancer.  Shares are already up big from before its approval, but they are also considerably from highs.  The revenue stage has not yet gone into full tilt as production is being ramped up through 2011 and into 2012. At $36.17 its 52-week trading range is $25.78 to $57.67 and its market cap is about $5.2 billion.  Thomson Reuters has a consensus price target of $54.50, implying upside of just over 50%.  Bristol-Myers’ recent approval has helped this class of drugs which use the body’s immune system to fight cancer back in favor. Shares were around $33.00 on Friday versus $36.17 today.

Geron Corporation (NASDAQ: GERN) is the king of stem cells in America as far as the investor community is concerned.  Analysts have an average price target of $10.13 but the median target is actually $8.00.  At $4.98, this still represents about 60% implied upside to the lower target and more than 100% to an average target.  The 52-week range is $4.37 to $6.40 and its market cap is roughly $641 million.  Again, the analyst crowd is very far apart here on expectations.  Another risk to consider is that the company conducts secondary offerings on and off as it needs to raise cash to fund its expensive R&D pipeline.  This stock tends to pop around stem cell study news and presentation results being given at key conferences.

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) is about six-weeks past news that it and partner Roche announced the first patient received subcutaneous MabThera (rituximab) as an anticancer biologic in a Phase 3 registration trial using Enhanze technology.  This was the second Roche cancer medicine after Herceptin to enter a Phase 3 registration study as part of the Halozyme-Roche collaboration. The clinical trial also triggered a milestone payment of $5 million to Halozyme. At $6.76 its 52-week trading range is $5.79 to $9.11 and its market cap is $685 million.  Thomson Reuters has a consensus price target of $10.80, implying upside of about 60%.  We would note that the consensus price targets are rather far apart here and no major analyst calls have been seen in some time.

VIVUS Inc. (NASDAQ: VVUS) has one of the more promising obesity drug candidates.  At $6.36 its 52-week trading range is $4.69 to $13.68 and its market cap is about $520 million. Thomson Reuters has a consensus price target of $9.36, implying upside of more than 47%. Just be advised that this ‘more promising’ notes has severe caveats.  The FDA doesn’t seem to endorse anything related to obesity treatments due to side effects and safety profiles.  The reason there is so much implied upside is because there are those who are fighting over whether or not VIVUS will win full FDA approval.

Stay tuned for another screen of other biotech-related shares in BioHealth for Thursday as there are many others with large implied upside ahead.  As always, do your own due diligence when it comes to “Wall Street Research” and always understand what you are investing in.  Speculative biotech stocks aren’t exactly for widows and orphans.

JON C. OGG

We have offered news summaries, as well as the price moves and any expectations if available, as well as offered color where applicable on each.

Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) is giving a little of this week’s gains back after its annual R&D day showed the top-line results from the first clinical study with placenta-derived cells that met the primary endpoint of safety goals and showed encouraging clinical benefit… including clinical remission.  There is not anything bad that was seen here, but a sell-the-news reaction is taking place.  There may be some disappointment that a stock split has yet to be seen.  Shares are down 0.35% at $63.02 on over 2.5 million shares.  Update for Close: shares closed down 0.2% at $63.12 on 4.2 million shares.

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) is up, but not booming volume.  William Blair initiated    analyst coverage with an Outperform.  Shares are up 5.17% at $8.54 on 362,000 shares.  Average volume is 554,000 shares and this is almost a 52-week considering its $5.07 to $8.67 trading range.  Update for Close: shares closed up 3.7% at $8.42 on over 600,000 shares.

Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CTIC) may be anticipation or may be something else.  Tomorrow is the company’s special shareholder meeting.  We previously outlined what was expected to come up there, although you can imagine it will be a heated and passionate meeting.  Shares are up 5% at $0.6245 on about 12.9 million shares.  That is actually light trading volume. Update for Close: shares closed up 7% at $0.637 on 16.3 million shares.

EntreMed, Inc. (NASDAQ: ENMD) noted yesterday in a filing… “On April 2, 2010, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of EntreMed, Inc. (the “Company”) approved the dismissal of Ernst & Young LLP (“Ernst & Young”) as its independent registered public accounting firm….Except for an explanatory paragraph in the report of Ernst & Young regarding the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 which noted that there was substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern, the reports of Ernst & Young on the company’s consolidated financial statements…. did not contain any adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles.”  The company recently got its NASDAQ listing extended, but that has already been seen.  Shares are up 4.6% at $0.73 on 335,000 shares (150% of normal volume).  Today’s move may be nothing more than ‘more buyers than sellers’ outside of the ongoing issues. Update for Close: shares closed up 5.7% at $0.74 on moe than 600,000 shares.

Forest Laboratories Inc. (NYSE: FRX) is down hard after an FDA panel rejected its Nycomed lung disease drug after that same FDA panel earlier commented that its benefits were marginal.  We have seen at least two analyst downgrades today from Lazard and from Piper Jaffray.  Shares had been around $30 before seeing a late-day rise on Wednesday before closing at $32.46.  Shares today are down 13% at $28.15 on over 15 million shares.  That is almost 5-times normal volume and the 52-week range is $20.93 to $33.10. Update for Close: shares closed down 13.7% at $27.99 on over 22 million shares.

Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX) is trading higher today and this may be nothing more than a delayed reaction to news out yesterday.  On Wednesday it announced that James F. Young, Ph.D. was joining its Board of Directors as an independent board member effective immediately.  He has 30 years of experience in molecular genetics, microbiology, immunology and pharmaceutical development and had previously been president of R&D at MedImmune where he was “instrumental in the development of FluMist and Synagis.”  Shares are up 4.2% at $2.44 on 1.7 million shares versus 1.56 million shares on average.  The 52-week range is $0.76 to $7.79. Update for Close: shares closed up 4.24% at $2.44 on 2.3 million shares.

Tongjitang Chinese Medicines Co. (NYSE: TCM) is up on a buyout, although not as much as seen in other medical related companies.  It received a proposal to acquire all outstanding shares of the company for the equivalent of $4.50 per ADS.  Shares are up 16% at $4.38 on over 535,000 shares.  The stock’s 52-week range is $2.90 to $5.10 and average daily trading volume is only about 14,000 shares. Update for Close: shares closed up 16.4% at $4.40 on 650,000 shares.

You can join our free daily email distribution list to hear more about dividend trends, analyst upgrades and downgrades, top day trader and active trader alerts, news on Buffett and other investment gurus, IPOs, secondary offerings, private equity, and more.

JON C. OGG

Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc.’s (NASDAQ: RIGL) Phase IIb trial results Thursday morning of its rheumatoid arthritis candidate R788, is boosting its stock on speculation it may help the company attract a clinical partner.

Biogen Idec Inc. (NASDAQ: BIIB) is enjoying a second day of gains after its new PEGylated interferon beta-1a (BIIB017) for relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS) received an FDA Fast Track designation.  This might be a game-changing event for the company with some risks as well.

Array BioPharma Inc. (Nasdaq: ARRY) now says it will discontinue development of ARRY-797 in chronic inflammatory diseases. Attention may now turn to Array’s ARRY-162, another anti-inflammatory that showed much more promising efficacy.

Also, see our in-depth feature this week on five fast-growing biotechs with improving analyst estimates: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY), Amicus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: FOLD), Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: HALO), American Oriental Bioengineering Inc. (NYSE: AOB), and Stemcells Inc. (Nasdaq: STEM).

-The 24/7 Wall St. Team

Cigna corp. (NYSE: CI), Aetna Inc. (NYSE: AET), and other managed care companies are rising despite making health care reform concessions, as shareholders see they have a seat at the bargaining table.

Mylan Inc. (NASDAQ: MYL) has received FDA approval for a generic version of an AstraZeneca (AZN) prostate cancer drug — a rather unusual new generic.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: JAZZ) shares are up more than 25 percent after the company took steps to ease a cash crunch that had curtailed drug development.

King Pharmaceuticals (KG) and Pain Therapeutics (PTIE) said  they expect to resubmit a new drug application in mid-2010, slightly later than anticipated.

GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) announced a positive study on its Cervarix vaccine, although it’s unclear if the company can play catch-up to Merck & Co.’s (NYSE: MRK) Gardasil.

See our in-depth feature this week on five fast-growing biotechs with improving analyst estimates: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY), Amicus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: FOLD), Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: HALO), American Oriental Bioengineering Inc. (NYSE: AOB), and Stemcells Inc. (Nasdaq: STEM).

-The 24/7 Wall St. Team

BioHealth Investor began by analyzing 171 stocks in the biotech sector based on revenue growth over the trailing four quarters, identifying 30 stocks in the sector with better
than 50 percent revenue growth over the past 12 months.

We then screened those 30 stocks to look for those very few names that have seen both strong growth in at least the past two years and positive analyst estimate revisions in recent months, in an effort to find stocks with strong trends that still have potentially improving operations going forward.

The work resulted in growth biotech stocks to watch: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: ALNY), Amicus Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: FOLD), Halozyme Therapeutics Inc. (Nasdaq: HALO), American Oriental Bioengineering Inc. (NYSE: AOB), and Stemcells Inc. (Nasdaq: STEM).

1) Alnylam:

With a new class of potential biotech medicines, aggressive goals for development and partnerships, cash on the books and a large addressable market, Alnylam tops our short list of biotechs with strong growth and increasing analyst estimates.

The technology:

Alnylam is developing potential drugs to treat infection, liver cancer, high cholesterol and Huntingdon’s Disease. All of its candidates are taking advantage of RNA interference technologies, which uses short strands of genetic RNA to block the expression of disease-causing genes. The company first demonstrated in 2008 in a Phase II study that a treatment based on RNA interference, or RNAi, achieved significant efficacy in a human
trial.

Key trials:

In June, Alnylam and partner Cubist Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: CBST) announced Phase II study data for ALN-RSV01, an RNAi therapeutic in development for the treatment of a type of respiratory viral infection in adult lung transplant patients. The study
achieved its primary objective of showing the drug was safe and well tolerated.

An upcoming key trial is the company’s drug candidate ALN-VSP02 to treat liver and liver-related cancers. The Phase II data is expected in the first half of 2010.

Catalyst:

The company is expected to add to its pipeline over the next 12 to 18 months. By the end of calendar 2010, it expects to have four or more RNAi therapeutic programs in clinical development. It also plans to announce four or more new major business collaborations by
the end of next year, including broad platform alliances similar to the one has in place with Roche Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTC: RHHBY).

Financials:

Alnylam has more than $400 million in cash, and no debt. The company may announce partnerships, but it likely doesn’t need to raise cash from partners.

Revenue growth is expected to slow to about 9 to 10 percent this year, but the trend is in Alnylam’s favor. Cumulative annualized growth since 2005 has been more than 100 percent a year. Revenue increased 89 percent in 2008, and still rose double-digits in March, despite an incredibly tough year-ago comparison.

—-

2) Amicus Therapeutics:

There may not seem to be a mega-market for treating genetic diseases such as Fabry disease for which Amicus currently has a Phase III trial, but it could be the gateway to eventually targeting much larger markets, such as Parkinson’s.

The technology:

Certain types of diseases such as Fabry disease, Gaucher disease and Pompe disease are caused by gene mutations that lead to the production of deformed proteins. Amicus has developed oral therapies that bind to those mutated proteins and stabilize them, offering potentially new treatment options.

The Amicus therapy in theory has the potential to cost less than options on the market today, such as enzyme replacement therapy. And unlike enzymes delivered through an IV, the Amicus therapy can be delivered orally, resulting in more comfort for patients. Over time, it could prove to be a better way to target diseases that attack the central nervous system.

Key trial:

The company earlier in June announced it will start a Phase III study of its investigational treatment for Fabry disease, involving about 60 patients for its drug called Amigal. It marks the company’s first move into late-stage development. The FDA has given its OK for Amicus to seek accelerated approval for Amigal.

Catalyst:

Data could be delivered in a Phase II trial of patients with Gaucher disease as early as the third quarter. Positive results could help drive the stock higher.

Financials:

Revenue is small, but growing fast, up more than 700 percent last year to $15 million. Revenue in the first quarter was $4.6 million, up more than 43 percent from a year earlier. The company just filed for a $100 million mixed shelf offering in April; it is expected to have roughly that amount of cash by year’s end.

—-

3) Halozyme Therapeutics

Halozyme has both important intellectual property in its Enhanze drug delivery technology, and a key partner in Roche to help put it to use in products.

The technology:

The company’s claim to fame is its Enhanze drug delivery system. The Enhanze technology may allow for a partner’s drug to be delivered by temporarily opening flow channels under the skin. It might allow many drugs to be delivered with better absorption and dispersion into the body. Halozyme is targeting in-vitro fertilization, and may be partnering with companies that may using the technology to deliver cancer drugs.

One of the key Halozyme-owned drugs is Hylenex, which works to temporarily speed absorption of injected drugs and/or fluids. It was approved by the FDA in 2005, and has been licensed commercially by Baxter Bioscience (NYSE: BAX).

Key trials:

One of the markets for Halozyme’s technology is insulin absorption. In June, the company showed in its Phase II PH20 study that its technology showed faster insulin absorption and increased peak insulin concentrations for Type 1 diabetic patients. A Phase III multi-dose insulin study is expected to get under way by year’s end.

Catalysts:

Roche is a key partner, and it’s possible that Roche could be expanding the use of Halozyme technology in drug trials. Analysts have theorized that through partnerships, explorative work may already be under way to test cancer drugs such as Genentech Inc.’s
(Nasdaq: DNA) Avastin or Rituxan using Halozyme’s delivery technology. Any announcements of a successful trial could be a positive for the stock.

Financials:

With the addition of $40 million the company raised in June, Halozyme may have close to $100 million in cash when it reports second-quarter results, perhaps enough to last through the end of 2010. The company’s revenue rose 131 percent last year to $8.8 million– very small numbers, but the ramp of its Cumulase and Hylenex products continues. Revenue growth was 56 percent in the first quarter.

—-

4) American Oriental Bioengineering:

Quarterly growth has recently slowed to its lowest level in four years, and operating margins have slid, but there is reason to think there’s stronger growth ahead for American Oriental Bioengineering’s largest sales category, its Jinji brand of women’s health products.

The technology:

AOB is not a pure biotech, in that it markets prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as neutraceutical products in China. Most of its prescription offerings target traditional plant-based Chinese medicines for a rural population. More than 85 percent of the company’s revenue last year came from plant-based cures that the company has modernized.

But the company does have some innovative products, such as its CE gel, approved in China as a treatment for bedwetting. The company also manufactures a freeze-dried plant-based injectable antiviral treatment that accounts for nearly 15 percent of sales, although
similar products were recalled by some other manufacturers last year amid safety concerns.

Key trial:

The company started a Phase I trial in the U.S. for CE Gel in March. It has potential applications for children, as well as adult women.

Catalysts:

AOB has made nine acquisitions over the past five years totaling more than $240 million. Additional acquisitions have the potential to dilute the stock temporarily, although the company has done a good job integrating the acquisitions it’s made to date. Another
catalyst could be a focus on Jinji this year, as well as on more prescription pharmaceuticals in general, which carry higher margin.

Financials:

The company does not have a positive net cash position. But unlike most biotechs, it’s actually creating cash rather than burning it. Gross margins have been about 68 percent over the past three years, and were still above 60 percent in the most recent quarter,  leading to profit margins well above 20 percent. Revenue growth has averaged
nearly 70 percent over the past four years. Sales growth is expected to slow to about 30 percent this year.

—-

5) Stemcells

It’s very possible that other large companies may be seeking partnerships with other stem cell companies after GE Healthcare (Nasdaq: GE) signed a very high profile one with small-cap Geron Inc. (Nasdaq: GERN) last month, raising expectations for tiny Stemcells Inc.

The technology:

As its name implies, Stemcells is focused on delivering products based on stem cell technologies, including cell-based treatments for diseases targeting the central nervous system, liver and pancreas. The company’s advances are from non-embryonic stem cells.
The company owns more than 40 U.S. patents, and more than 170 worldwide.

In the case of degenerative diseases, organ transplants are not always an option, and there are rarely enough healthy donor organs to go around. Stemcells’ technology helps identify and transplant stem cells that can conceivably generate new and healthy cells that may help restore the diseased organ to health.

Key trial:

Although it was only Phase I data, the company in June showed with its HuCNS-SC trail in Batten disease, the treatment was well tolerated; the treatment involved implanting stem cells into the brains of children. While that trial was completed in January, further
analysis could be used to glean potential early data on HuCNS-SC’s efficacy.

Catalysts:

Any potential deal with a large partner would be a major catalyst for the stock. That is not all that far fetched, after President Obama in March lifted the eight-year ban on embryonic stem cell research imposed by the Bush Administration, and GE Healthcare’s exclusive global agreement to commercialize stem cell drug discovery technologies with Stemcell rival Geron.  It is also possible that by late this year, Stemcells could file for FDA approval to start human trials for treating spinal cord injuries with stem cells.

Financials:

With about $34 million in net cash, Stemcells is not as strong as Geron, with $200 million in cash on the books. But Stemcells has enough to last it through the rest of the year without the need for a partnership or a dilutive offering. Sales remain minuscule, but the
company has posted meaningful revenue for two consecutive quarters for the first time in its history.

MIke Tarsala is the editor of BioHealth Investor, a part of the 24/7 Wall St. network of sites.

Anika Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: ANIK) moving up after reporting solid first quarter earnings this morning. The leader in tissue protection products and healing and repair based on hyaluronic acid (“HA”) technology showed double digit revenues in each product line for total revenue growth of 39%. Shares are up over 12% at $9.68. The 52-week range is $7.85 to $22.49.

Athersys, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATHX) dropping a whopping 23% today on no relevant news. Shares are down $0.70 to $2.30. The 52-week range is $1.55 to $10.00.

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) up over 8% to $5.37. They announced that first quarter earnings will be released May 8 after market close and on May 9 they will provide a pipeline update. The 52-week range is $4.19 to $11.00.

Idera Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDRA) announced today that under its collaboration agreement with Merck (NYSE: MRK), they achieved a preclinical milestone with a novel Toll-Like Receptor 9 agonists for an adjuvant in cancer vaccines. Idera should receive a milestone payment from Merck. Idera is up 3% to $14.34 off a 52-week range of $6.21 to $14.00. Merck is up over 1% to $38.77 on a 52-week range of $ 36.80 to $61.62. 

Obagi Medical Products, Inc. (NASDAQ: OMPI) is up over 7% to $8.62 on now news. The 52-week range for the skincare developer is $6.80 to $25.60.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) up 5% today after first quarter results were released this morning. They showed a loss of $11.6 million, or $0.15 EPS, narrower than the $29.9 million loss in first quarter 2007. Shares are up $1.11 to $20.73. The 52-week range is $13.55 to $28.74.

SCOLR Pharma Inc. (AMEX: DDD) up over 8% today after announcing that it entered into a lease buyout deal to move into a cheaper location, with the proceeds of over $4 million, the company said it will be able to fund 2009 expenses. Shares are trading at $1.26. The 52-week range is $0.13 to $4.07.

Sequenom Inc. (NASDAQ: SQNM) up today after reporting financial results after close yesterday. They posted a net loss of $8.6 million compared to a loss of $3.8 million in first quarter last year. Revenues increased by 7%. Shares are trading up over 8% to $6.85 on a 52-week range of $3.16 to $11.63.

Rachel Lopez
May 1, 2008

Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD) presents Phase II data on pimavanserin, a treatment  for Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP) at the 60th American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting today. According the results from the study, pimavanserin is safe and effective at improving psychosis scores without hindering motor abilities. Shares are up $0.46 to $8.36 on a 52-week range of $7.63 to $17.33.

Amylin Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: AMLN) up almost 3% in mid-morning trading. They announced that the earnings call is schedule for March 21. Trading at $30.42 on a 52-week range of $23.75 to $53.25.

CV Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CVTX) soaring today after they announced Tuesday that they will receive $185 milliion from TPG-Axon Capital for rights to the sales of Lexiscan, a drug for patients that are unable to exercise during heart tests and was granted FDA approval last Thursday. Shares are up over 15% to $8.63 on a 52-week range of $5.41 to $13.74.

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) announced pre-clinical findings in combinations of bisphosphonates and rHuPH20 at the American Association for Cancer Reseacrch conference today. The study showed that a combination of these molecules could reduce local irritation from chemotherapy by allowing a subcutaneous route of administration. Shares are up over 10% to $5.99 on a 52-week range of $4.19 to $11.00.

Kosan Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: KOSN) is still steadily rising after Monday announcement that Phase II testing for Epothilone KOS-1584 initiated. The drug targets patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Shares are up over 11% to $2.00 today. Monday, shares opened at $1.50. The 52-week range is $1.28 to $6.53.

Medicure Inc. (AMEX: MCU) up by 40% with the announcement that Phase II results for MC-1 and lisinpril for patients with type-II diabetes and hypertension will be presented at Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology (ATVB) Annual Conference today. The data from the study was previously released. Shares are up 40% to $0.09 on a 52-week range of $0.05 to $1.64.

Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX) reported positive results in preclinical studies of Trivalent, a seasonal influenza vaccine. Phase II testing is hoped to begin in the third-quarter this year. Shares are up over 5% to $2.51. The 52-week range is $2.24 to $4.38.

Pozen, Inc. (NASDAQ: POZN) skyrocketing today on news that migraine drug Treximet has received FDA approval. They partnered with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for development of the drug. It is a follow up for Glaxo’s similar drug, Imitrex, which is set to lose patent protection in 2009. Pozen up 34% to $14.19 on a 52-week range of $8.29 to $19.75. Glaxo is up marginally to $42.57.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: REGN) moving higher than the rest today on no new developments. Shares are up $1.37 to $19.60 on a 52-week range of $13.55 to $28.74.

Sirtris Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: SIRT) published a report by Scientific Advisory Board Co-Chairs that showed first in-vivo data demonstrating that SIRT1 enzymes suppress tumor development in colon cancer cells. Shares are up almost 5% to $12.56 on a 52-week range of $9.50 to $21.99.

Rachel Lopez
April 16, 2008

Baxter International (NYSE: BAX)—contaminant in recalled Heparin identified by the FDA today. Shares rose slightly to $58.18 in response to board approved $2 billion stock buyback program. maybe it’s a major drug stock, but this has been a pending issue for some time.

Cytokinetics Inc. (NASDAQ: CYTK) up almost 10% to $3.38 today; annual report filed last week.

Discovery Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: DSCO) up over 10% today to $2.38 on a late afternoon rise on no new news.

Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: HALO) up 23% today to $6.06 on heavy late afternoon trading volume and no news. Halozyme dipped earlier this week due to downgrades.

ImClone Systems (NASDAQ: IMCL) showed little response to upgrades in anticipation to cancer clinical trial data. Shares inched up $0.20 to $43.30.

Seattle Genetics Inc. (NASDAQ: SGEN) upgraded by RBC Capital Markets and noted for strong research platform. Up 4% to $8.70. The 52-week range is $7.20 to $3.44.

Rachel Lopez
March 19, 2008

The product, details of which will be unveiled at a later date, will be developed and published by BioWare and LucasArts, and will push the boundaries of the gaming market by utilizing the strengths of both companies to deliver an innovative, high-quality experience.

It sure sounds like a new MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game) is coming down the pipe.  These and other companies are soon to be covered in our Special Situation Investing Newsletter because of some radical changes that are coming in the video game sector in 2008.  Bungie Studios is on the path to independence, at least somewhat.  Certain previews will be made to our free email distribution list.

Jon C. Ogg
October 30, 2007