OT to Sam,
[Given that this is a slow week on the AMAT thread, I'll continue responding openly until I see the first request from anyone to take the discussion elsewhere - like the QLT thread.]
CNV is a term used to describe the formation of new, abnormal blood vessels in the Choroid which is behind the retina. The central part of the retina which is where all vision occurs is called the macula.
Age related Macular Degeneration is precisely that. degeneration of the macula that happens to 1/2 the people over age 50 sometime before they die. It comes in two main forms: Wet and Dry. Dry form becomes Wet form after a variable number of years. Wet form leads to the most rapid loss of vision. Wet form also has two main subdivisions: Classical and Occult. There are twice as many Occult occurrences as Classical. Pathological myopia is a distinct disease. What they have in common is abnormal blood vessels which leak. That leakage initially impairs vision, then leads to scarring of the retina and ultimately a permanent loss of vision.
Visudyne is selectively absorbed by these abnormal blood vessels. 30 minutes after its injection, a non thermal laser is shone into the eyes causing Visudyne to break down. Ozone is released which destroys the abnormal blood vessels, stops the leaking, and the various causes of loss of vision.
With that lead in, we now get to your question: Is there any condition of the eye that Visudyne will not treat?
Yes, many. The only conditions treated would be those related to the abnormal blood vessels. Another biggie which is on the way is Diabetic retinopathy which is also caused, in some cases by these same abnormal leaky blood vessels.
Re best time to get in: There is no single answer. For an emerging biotech such as QLTI, the best time is the 2 year window before and after first Q of profitability. QLT's profits to date have resulted primarily from earnings on Cash. First Q of operating profits will occur later this year. For established major Pharmaceuticals, the best time seems to be while the government is talking about drug plans. Other events may trigger overreactions such as the TKTX patent ruling.
This is a high risk area. Picking the right company can lead to better than a 10 bagger in under 2 years. i.e. - First blockbuster drug from an emerging biotech. finding these kinds of companies is far from easy however. So far, I haven't selected the more common type: A reverse 10-bagger in less than a year.
Hope I haven't further confused the subject,
Ian. |
