The SanDiego bootstraping (?) conference was today, and there seems to be a positive effect on ABSC, TRGA, and SQNA.... So its time for an update on ABSC, Aurora Biosciences.
I took the following from an NB Alex Brown report... Aug 6,1997 STRONG BUY
Main thesis is high throughput screening together with fluorescence based functional assays... which should
accelerate drug discovery 100 fold in time. This all takes a little time because a lot of robotics must be
integrated with assays and miniaturization.
A. Brown's ANTICIPATED MILESTONES:
New syndicate member 4Q 97 (that was WLA in 3rd Q)
BMY and LLY first payments in 1Q 1998
Announce 3rd screening service collaboration in 1H 1998
Announcement of functonal genomics alliance in 1H 1998 (SQNA?)
Achieve profitability in 1999
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A lot depends on execution, but the pressure from big pharma to get the most out of the tidal wave of
genomics information is driving Aurora and its collaborators (SQNA, Trega, ARQL). I think that explains
why they have 3 high profile members for the screening syndicate even before the pieces have all come
together.
I think that even modest signs of progress will move the stock price well in advance of any near term earnings.
Keep the faith and pray for brilliant presentations at the coming biotech meetings (Oppenheimer, RS, and
H&Q, all by mid January 1998).
If you are nervous, you can Bail at 20 -- or stay for the long haul. |
