If you want a small biotech that IMO will have fantastic news within a matter of weeks (by mid-November) take a look at DSCO. They will be presenting Phase III data (actually they have for all practical purposes exposed it but due to the fact it will be reported in the Lancet publication this year, they have to hold back the minute details)soon and file an NDA shortly thereafter. What is unique about DSCO is they will have the first human surfactant that isn't made from minced up cows and pigs lungs. The natural human surfactant is what allows us to breathe in that it helps absorb oxygen and to maintain proper airflow through the respiratory system. The first application that DSCO will file approval for is for premature infants they don't have fully developed lungs at birth...thus the lack of normal surfactants and major cause of their deaths. This indication is small, however, the next trial results for ARDS adult is a huge $1B plus market and there is no current available treatment for this condition. Thus to clarify what ARDS is, think pneumonia, septic shock, smoke inhalation, near drowings, industrial accidents(chemical inhaled) and other traumas to the lung. And think down the road that this drug can be used as a drug delivery system via the lungs.
But back to the Phase III results that will be out soon and you can look to today's WSJ and a front page article. This article doesn't mention Surfaxin by name, but it should be known that the hospital mentioned in the article has a doctor on the DSCO advisory team and the drug is being tested there. This is a recap of the article:
DSCO followers, be sure to read the article on the front page of the WSJ today about one family's struggle to save their premature son, Dalton. The article chronicles how families are increasingly using the internet to prod neonatologists to apply the latest medical technology to save the lives of premature babies. The hospital mentioned in the article is Stony Brook University Hospital and presumably DSCO's Surfaxin is being tested there. Surfaxin is not mentioned by name but there is a reference to a powerful drug for the lungs that the head neonatologist uses to save the life of baby Dalton who goes on to be a relatively healthy toddler.
"When Dr. Spitzer came on duty that morning, he spoke frankly with the DiIorios, telling them that he was going to use powerful medications to make one last effort to reduce the inflammation in Dalton's lungs. Despite the improved x-ray, he said he feared the end was near...Two weeks ago, the DiIorios brought Dalton back to the hospital for a follow-up examination. The baby was alert, looking around Dr. Spitzer's office from his stroller."
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Several brokerage houses have put out buy recs over the past few weeks....IMO when the Phase III results are out.....we could get a double on this small indication and off-labeluse will certain be a possibility for all ARDS adult... |
