To: TATRADER who wrote (33934 ) 12/14/2002 4:07:32 PM From: scaram(o)uche Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 59879 >> looks like potential move to 2.50 on VPHM...may enter if it moves at 2.00 with 300,000+ volume day << I follow this company closely. It appears to me that the convert holders are both trying to cover AND hold it back....... because there is so little enthusiasm for the company, it appears that they sell and/or short as momentum develops, and cover when it is nipped. Does that sound logical?? We should hear, any day now, news of the 50406-followup molecule ("371", from a recent conference call) entering phase I clinical testing for hepatitis C virus. Except that I haven't been able to figure ANYTHING out about the weird trading for this stock, I'd expect that news to blow it right through $2.50. Disclaimer..... I'm long. Other stuff the CEO has hinted could be in the news (no time frame hints)....... 1. announce RSV license agreement 2. product in-license 3. "fourth front" fleshed out (bioterrorism? West Nile?) 4. additional news re. debt buy back 5. niche indication goal determined for picornavirus At 9/30, the company had approximately $7/share cash, and was buying back debt at $0.35/dollar. The CEO has been adamant about the potential for in-license of a viable product, niche anti-infective. If he pulls that off, it will turn the company into a little profit center. I have my doubts, but he's super-well connected. The HCV IND was submitted in October. That means that it's either been dinged by now by FDA (in which case, the company should have let shareholders know) or that it's "go". The HCV projects are partnered with Wyeth, and they've indicated that the phase I trial should start this year. So...... IMO, there should be news soon. I'd appreciate ANY insight you have. That is, why did you single it (VPHM) out? I know nada about TA. TIA! Rick