There was a doctor posting on this thread earlier and hopefully he can respond to your question about the "power of the product."
As an orthopedic patient, I can report that I have had consults with 2 neurosurgeons and 2 orthopedic surgeons at 2 different known hospitals (George Washington, Georgetown) and three of the four STRONGLY recommended this product and have urged me to wait a full year now (one year after having my injury and trying ALL less radical approaches) for this product instead of getting traditional fusion surgery. The doctor not suggesting it was at a small hospital and not aware of the device (he was the 1st local doctor I was sent to but was quickly sent to other more experienced specialists once problem was diagnosed).
The neurosurgeon who will do my surgery is real hot on this device and has already undergone training (and has scrubbed in with others a number of times).
According to the one analyst who downgraded SPYN from a "strong buy" to a "buy" (while increasing revenue expectations), "Bak-L may become the most successful orthopedic product ever launched in the U.S."
As you know, this device is for those with a degenerated lower lubar disc which effects millions of people. The current options are traditional fusion surgery (many months of recovery time and not a great success rate), pedicle screws (which every surgeon I have seen refuses to do due to prior problems and the multitude of lawsuits), and popping narcotic painkillers for life (the option I have being taking while waiting). Thus, this new device will be heaven for many (of us). Due to the fact that it is the first back surgery approach available with a high rate of success at addressing back pain I think it could get substantial mainstream press upon approval.
As far as approval, the company thinks it could happen any day. A person at the FDA predicted late August as a probability assuming no haggles occur (which the company says have not been happening). I am sure that with it being summer, and many folks at FDA on vacation, that this isn't helping mattiers. My doctor has also been calling the company and FDA and feels approval is real soon. In fact, GW hosptial has even hired a new endoscopic surgeon to assist with the procedure.
For Bruce, when calling Spine-Tech don't waste your time with the IR rep (who is also in charge of personnel). Very very nice lady, but out of the loop. Ask for David Stassen (CEO) and/or Kieth Eastman (CFO). Both are forthcoming with info, nice guys, and are pretty open. Being a small comany it is not that difficult to access either of them
Hope this answers some of the questions.
Now, can anyone tell me what the #@&! is going on with their stock price? Based on prior price history, anticipated revenue after approval, and the fact that approval is forthcoming, they should be in upper $20s now, going into $30s again after approval. Would appreciate any and all comments and input on this. I have learned about and researched (thoroughly, including attending their FDA panel hearings) this company from a different angle then most would (as a patient!) and I am a novice when it comes to stocks. Thus, when I have watched this price drop I have been baffled. I understand the comany's product, story, competition (none for a while!) and projected revenues. I just don't understand the price drop. ANYONE AND EVERYONE, please help me on this. Thanks. |
