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

To: Peter Singleton who wrote (4970)	5/26/1998 1:14:00 AM
From: Larry Liebman	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 9719

Peter, could you post some of the "neuropharmaceuticals" that are currently recommended?

To: Peter Singleton who wrote (4970)	5/27/1998 6:17:00 PM
From: scaram(o)uche	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 9719

Peter: Re. Dr. Tracy..... he's taken his lumps. I always appreciate his technical and financial analysis, and value it highly. I feel that, if you pulled Harry, Miljenko and John De Castro together and sent them packing to companies, that you'd have the best neuro analysis available. If you're going to pick early-stage biotechs like Dr. Tracy and I tend to do, you need to pick diversified and leveraged business plans. There is no other sane way to invest in early stage biotechs, much less neuros. This is where Harry has made his mistakes. In neuro, I have had six major plays. I bought ATHN (now a subsidiary of Elan) at the IPO and held it until they were acquired. I purchased NTII at 3 1/4 in an institutional offering, and sat through the Jeff Price days. Then there's GLIA, GLFD and NRGN, which I have held and traded with grace. So..... four out of five, in neuro, ain't bad. Long out of GLFD, currently out of GLIA and holding a limited "forever" position in NRGN. SIBI, still an open story.... I've acquired it between 4 7/8 and 6 and sold portions at 6 3/4 to 7 1/4, reducing my basis significantly (I wouldn't air this, but I've got all I want). However, I have no technical background in neuro. I try to pick companies on the basis of the quality of their scientists/advisors, not the latest hot-sounding molecule. If they're a one-shot company or if their scientists like money more than quality science, I don't even look at them. Now, to address your question....... research premiums, across the entirety of biotech, are on fire sale, and, yes, I agree with Dr. Tracy that neuro is going to be big. But.... neuros have proven to be even more crap-shoot than the average biotech, and I don't feel that there are many balanced business plans out there, limiting downside risk. IMO, NRGN belongs in every high-risk biotech basket. Next breath, you'd be nuts to have a large percentage of your net worth in it. I currently own NRGN, SIBI and a "keep an eye on it smidge" of SNAP. Constantly watching the GLFD show versus VRTX. Cheers! Rick