Banchee,
johnstol
DDDP..A bio IPO which I couldn't decide
to hold or sell after QP ended, seems to
be hanging in there....Could use your
opinion on that one.I'm not crazy about
their fundamentals but future could be
good....Tks...,
At $40 in less than a month someone likes it quite a bit...
It seems to be in a good area and has some decent collaborations.
DDDP:
Proteomic drug researcher
Following completion of the genomic mapping project the next major research frontier is expected to focus on proteins. While considerably more complicated, proteomics holds even more promise for treatments of complex multi-gene diseases.
This firm has developed proprietary high performance systems for identifying protein related drug targets. While several targets have already been identified, the real strength of this firm is its technology.
The firm is capable of screening target proteins and associated drug responses within 1 month, vs. the industry standard 2-6 months. It also has the ability to conduct 3 dimensional protein analysis. Both capabilities are important capabilities in this field and are distinct competitive advantages.
Response to the technology has been positive and the firm has research collaborations with DuPont, Boehringer Ingelheim, Aventis, Heska, and BioCyst Pharmaceuticals. The presence of these collaborators suggests an indirect “certification” of the quality of the firm’s technology. An early product, designed to inhibit blood clot formation, is currently in Phase I testing.
Typical of most recent biotech offerings, this firm is still in its development stages. Revenues are from research contracts and average about $5 million per year. In ’99 the firm lost $16.6 million and added a $3.9 million loss in 1Q’00.
Valuations in this sector are mixed and uncertain. Competitors Aurora Biosciences, Corvas Int’l., Tripos, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals all recently traded in the upper half of their 52-week trading range. ArQule, Axys Pharmaceuticals, and Emisphere were in the lower half. |
