Rick Harmon:
Univec is a fairly recent IPO. Its a speculative play but probably less so than the majority of biotech issues. The company may be more appropriately considered a medical device supplier: they manufacture a locking, disposable syringe which is difficult, if not impossible, to reuse. The locking 'clip' is a proprietary component which can be applied to numerous other such clinical devices.
What's so interesting here? On the investment side, it appears the company has a clear edge on what should be a large market: they're in production, making an actual product (in fact, the recent performance of the stock may be due to their inability to meet demand) and they're taking aggressive steps to meet demand (see Mark Fisner's previous post; also see the other Univec thread in the IPO forum). They're developing additional products to their headline 1cc syringe and the company has now budgeted for marketing and implemented a strategy. Thus, if my perception is correct, Univec is making a transition from development stage to supplier (with all the inherent difficulties) in what appears to be a lucrative market.
On the ~non-investment side, the Company is involved with the World Health Organization to supply their product to non-governmental groups in developing nations. WHO has selected Univec since the spread of infectious diseases, especially meningitis, through the use of contaminated syringes, is a serious and widespread problem. I believe the company supplies a percentage of its products for free; this is not a marketing strategy but (I believe) simply part of the Company's charter of operation. Thus, if I'm understanding their relationship with WHO correctly, it appears the company operates with some degree of integrity. (At the investment level, it also has the benefit of fostering international good will towards the firm - and engaging potential clients; the company has recently hired a number of overseas sales reps).
I hope I've represented Univec accurately. Let me know what you think.
Best wishes,
Peter
<off topic>
Rick- I met your graduate mentor 3 weeks ago at the Myelin Meeting (ISN satellite) in Mystic, CN. Nice lady and sharp. I'm now up to my microglia in a field she once pursued: the role of NO in demyelination. We (Jenny and I) have a non-EAE in vivo model working with quite pleasing results. I'll provide more details if you're interested. |
