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Biotech / Medical : Biotech Valuation -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Mark Bong who wrote (1941)	11/3/2000 3:19:11 PM
From: Biomaven	Respond to of 52153

Here's an interesting article warning just how hard it is to go from genotype to phenotype. Single genetic defect, complex and varied outcomes: Single gene disorders or complex traits: lessons from the thalassaemias and other monogenic diseases bmj.com Sickle cell anemia presents very similar issues. Also some discussion in the same issue: The new genetics: which genie out of which bottle? In his millennial musings historian Roy Porter unfashionably doubts whether the human genome project will dramatically transform medical practice or spectacularly enhance human health (p 1092). But he gets some support from clinician and scientist David Weatherall, who argues that those expecting rapid progress to follow the sequencing of the human genome may be disappointed (p 1117). He looks at the commonest diseases caused by a single gene, in particular thalassaemia, and accounts for the bewildering phenotypic variability of the disease by "layer upon layer of genetic complexity, with a strong environmental component." How much harder therefore will it be to unravel genetically the many common diseases of Western society that seem to have a genetic component, but are not inherited in a Mendelian fashion? Jane Kaye and Paul Martin worry that in an era when people's confidence in the governance of clinical practice is at an all time low, controversial research might be an early casualty (p 1146). They discuss the UK Population Biomedical Collection, which will contain DNA samples from up to half a million people and will link to medical records and family histories through general practices. The authors look at the lessons to be learnt from the Icelandic Health Sector Database and believe that the outstanding issues deserve widespread public debate. They argue for a clear legal framework and strong independent oversightif the public is to be convinced that sensitive genetic information will not be misused. Peter

To: Mark Bong who wrote (1941)	11/6/2000 8:59:22 AM
From: scott_jiminez	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 52153

Mark - responding to your questions (regarding Hypertension Diagnostics (HDII) re: FDA approval for their principle product announced last Friday): Do they have partners? HDI recently announced a collaboration with Pfizer for a multi-center drug research study (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/001025/mn_hyperte.html ). This is in addition to a study announced earlier with Solvay (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/000926/mn_hyperte.html ). Also, while not strictly a partner, they will gaining additional exposure through their participation in a NIH/NHLBI multi-site of atherosclerosis study (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/001017/mn_hyperte.html ). Can their equipment be put into hospital modules?/ Is it quick or easy to use? Go to the ‘products’ page of their website (http://www.hdi-pulsewave.com/). From all appearances, I would say an emphatic yes to both questions. Is there a reimbursable mechanism in place that is cost effective to medical institutions or doctors. Are their recurring costs for each treatment to HDI? I am unfamiliar with those issues at the moment. However, since a version of their device is already marketed in Europe, I would feel safe in assume they’ve established a cost effective mechanism for reimbursement. I am unaware if this mechanism will translate into the US health care system. However, IMO, the advantages of a non-invasive cardiovascular profiling system will significantly enhance the likelihood the device will be perceived as eminently reimbursable.