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Biotech / Medical : VD's Model Portfolio & Discussion Thread -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Volsi Mimir who wrote (4272)	3/8/1998 10:30:00 PM
From: Pseudo Biologist	Respond to of 9719

Eddy, thanks for the link on Vical. We've discussed Vical on and off here. Most recently a few days back in the context of a general, but brief, exchange on approaches to gene therapy. Naked DNA will be big, not sure how soon. PB P.S. Your post was certainly on topic.

To: Volsi Mimir who wrote (4272)	3/9/1998 1:56:00 AM
From: Vector1	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 9719

Eddy, Welcome to the thread. First, I had never heard of George Stasen. I read the article you posted and while it is not fair of me I was not impressed. A little short on analysis-- scientific, financial or otherwise. That being said I like Vical. As pointed out on some prior posts they are one of a number of pure plays in gene therapy. By the way there was an excellent and readable article on gene Therapy in Scientific American about 9 months ago. Anyone remember which issue. Indeed as the genomic revolution continues and we learn more about the genetic causes of disease there will be many more targets for technologies like gene therapy, and antisense. Vical is the class of the gene therapy companies thus far and is covered by Goldman Saks. However, while naked DNA is impressive and Vical has an impressive IP portfolio, gene therapy is as of yet unproven and IMHO at a very immature stage in its development. Look at some of the other gene therapy companies such as TGEN which are trading at microcap levels. I have litlle doubt that in 10 years gene therapy will be an important technique used to fight all sorts of diseases. Unfortunately I am less sure that Vical will be one of the winners. They may very well be, but I think there are better bets available. The Merk collaberations are terrific but watch the burn very carefully. Vical is going after a wide variety of ailments and the lack of focus can get very expensive. V1