| President Obama is likely to sign an executive order today ending the ban on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research, according to numerous published reports. Merriman contends that this executive order, which has been widely anticipated, would be a "headline boost" for companies that conduct all types of stem cell research. The firm reports that Geron (GERN) is the leader in embryonic stem cell research and may benefit from government subsidies for its research. The firm reiterates a Buy rating on the shares, which are jumping 88c, or 22.74%, to $4.75 in mid-morning trading. A number of other stocks of companies that perform stem cell research are also rising sharply, with Neuralstem (CUR) advancing 20c, or 23.26%, to $1.06, StemCells (STEM) surging 62c, or 44.93% to $2.00, and Cytori Therapeutics (CYTX) gaining 37c, or 16.02% to $2.68. Meanwhile, Osiris Therapeutics (OSIR) added 14c, or 0.78%, to $18.15. Several larger life sciences companies, including Life Technologies (LIFE), Thermo Fisher Scientific (TMO) and Millipore (MIL) also may be able to obtain federal funding from stem cell research, although stem cell research only account for a few percent of their revenue. :th |
