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Biotech / Medical : Novoste (novt) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: TwoBear who wrote (94)	1/18/2001 8:31:00 PM
From: Oak Tree	Respond to of 100

You're correct rapamycin is a bacterial product that nominally is in the category of antimetabolite and immunosuppressive. Of course chemotherapies are often antimetaobites and immunosuppressive (for example adriamycin, actinomycin, ...) Some plant products are also in that category (Taxol). The exact mechanism of action of rapamycin is unknown. Its half-life however is not that long. It appears to be real good at knocking out T-cells. I really can't tell if its killing them or just desensitizing them. The effect seems to be prolonged even compared to chemotherapy. I don't think anyone has yet looked to see if it is antiangiogenic, thus expliing the prevention of restenosis. Obviously, it usually isn't good to desensitize T-cells (thats what AIDS is about). Interesting drug however. Still, the amount of drug that can be put on a stent is necessarily only a few molecules. The problem of candy wrapper still will occur since the drug can't possibly treat the margins on the proximal and distal ends of the stent.

To: TwoBear who wrote (94)	3/5/2001 5:03:01 PM
From: Oak Tree	Respond to of 100

Novoste is showing some life (broke through some resistance on increased volume). Word is that their angioplasty trial (non- stent) is going to be positive. If the results are the same as stents, it will put pressure on stent prices. If the results are better than stents, there will need to be a head to head against stents, but some people might convert to radiation if the price goes down. I bought at 34-35 -- probably too much. Hoping for mid 40's.

To: TwoBear who wrote (94)	3/16/2001 5:49:43 PM
From: Oak Tree	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 100

Novoste is having a live webcast on sunday PM with the american college or radiology. I'm not sure if that is good or bad. There was a bit of a selloff today which makes me a little nervous. www.novoste.com

To: TwoBear who wrote (94)	9/15/2001 5:49:18 PM
From: Oak Tree	Respond to of 100

Looks like the rapamycin stent killed the NOVT stock price. THe NOVT system works however the company has a net cumulative loss per share of about $2 (or about $650MM). Even thought the price looks low here it could easily go further south especially since 38% of the shares are in the hads of insiders that are likely to want to get out soon (like Monday) <<Insiders own 38%. Pilgrim Baxter owns 7%, Putnam Investments owns 6%.>> Might come back in however if it survives the crash.