I received an email from Sandi Heine, the controller, answering some questions. Here is the info I received. This is paraphrased, but I did the best I could....
ISV 900:
Recent discussions with PNU and other international companies. Interest is very high, esp. in Japan. In Japan only 30% of patients with glaucoma are receiving treatment. so the partner would benefit not only from the test kit revenues, but greatly expanded sales of treatment products. This kind of thing is a good bargaining point with partners.
The test kit isn't technically complete because they are continuing to find new mutations and genes that impact the big picture. The existing test has value to the doctor and could be marketed as is. They are continually adding to it to improve its value to a partner. I got the impression, though I could be wrong, that these additions could/would continue after a deal is done as long as the researchers kept finding new mutations/genetic factors.
ISV is "understandably optimistic" but can't quote a timeframe. After their experience with PNU, who could blame them? Murphy expects a deal in 4-6 months max. well before they could run out of money again. Murphy just raised ISV to a buy from a hold after meeting with them.
The 900 Research Database:
Working with their international partners, they are identifying what effect certain mutations and other genetic factors have on the effect of the disease progression. Different mutations or genetic factors= earlier or more aggressive progression of the disease. Huge plus for doctors treating their glaucoma patients because they would better able to pinpoint correct treatments. Sandi mentioned that this is an exciting development in their research. ISV needs to prove that this will increase demand from doctors and can then use it in their negotiations.
PR:
They know they are below the "radar screens", CEO will be meeting with analysts, brokers, investment folks, etc next week. Will be at IIF in July and possibly other IIF conferences if schedules allow. They are "committed" to getting their story out.
Well that is it. I believe that this stock is severely undervalued. Once the story starts getting out and the picture is even more obvious, the stock will move. An investment fund of GM owns over 5% of the stock according to recent Edgar filings and at a lot higher basis than a buck I imagine. There is clearly competition for the test kit, and Japan could conceivably be broken out separately.
I still don't know of another stock that I could almost be guaranteed a quadruple on in the next year. And that's only taking it to $4.00!
All the best,
Awashonks |
