Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Biotech / Medical : Ligand (LGND) Breakout! -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: buyhiman who wrote (11097)	11/14/1997 4:36:00 PM
From: Henry Niman	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 32384

Carl, You are correct about the footwork. It only matters to traders. Sometimes its just to free up some shares. A dip causes some retail selling so MMs can fill orders from big boys. Although there has been some recent profit taking, most of the big blocks have been buyers. Last year LGND dippped to 11 1/4 about this time, before movving to 17 in early January. I think that LGND is much more developed this year, and I do expect it to head north big time. A year ago, pivotal trials were at early stages and there was some uncertainty, especially for Panretin. In fact, I think that the early data may have contributred to LGND's price decline right after H&Q. Although the data was statistically significant, most investors didn't want excuses for the high "untreated" response, although the explanation now appears to have been right on the money. The interim look verified that the earlier "untreated" response was inappropriately high, and the halted International trial also confirmed this. I expect next month's release of the North American data to be similar to the International data, resulting in a slam dunk for approval of the NDA next year. The other question mark a year ago was oral Targretin. Although topical Targretin looked great (for CTCL), the oral response was only 2 out of 9. However, the expanded numbers show that almost all patients respond, even those with advanced or refractory disease. Mark up another slam dunk for next year. The slam dunk for oral Targretin is especially important because of the LLY deal which will put Tragretin into US diabetes patients very soon. LGND's clinicals are right on the money. They have acheived remarkable success, and they are just the first generation compounds. LGND's pipeline is among the best if not the best in the entire Biotech sector. Long term they are a slam. Short term, too many shareholders are watching the tape :-).