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 : Techniclone (TCLN) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Maurice Winn who wrote (2737)	11/27/1998 7:33:00 PM
From: Maurice Winn	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3702

messages.yahoo.com@m2.yahoo.com and the following post. messages.yahoo.com@m2.yahoo.com There is competition for TNT. Medtronic Inc and Neurocrine Biosciences Inc have agreed to evaluate a drug and delivery system for treating malignant brain tumors. Each year about 15 000 people are diagnosed with malignant brain tumors in the United States. The drug IL4-Pseudomonas Exotoxin Fusion Protein [IL4-PE] is a combination of a blood cell derived growth factor and a substance that may destroy cancer cells. The IL-4 portion of the compound binds to the IL-4 receptors on the surface of cancer cells, thereby delivering the toxin directly into the cell. In animal trials, the FDA and the NIH research team found that IL-4 resulted in complete tumor remission. The drug was well tolerated, with no apparent signs of toxicity or death. They'll use Medtronic's SynchroMed® Infusion System which is an implantable drug pump and catheter that delivers medication directly into the tumor. They plan to begin clinical studies in the second half of 1999. Maurice *OT To Wildhorses* Sorry if I miss posts in Yahoo! - I only look sometimes. 1. If Exxon could improve engine life by adding a new expensive additive to their top line synthetic oil but, the cost of the additive overshadowed Exxon's ability to recoup the additive cost and Exxon would effectively lose money, would they do it? Answer: If the additive was so expensive that motorists would not pay for it, then of course they would not include it. There has to be a net benefit.They would prove the advantage, then get a car company or several to back them, then sell it and gain market share and profits. Bad luck for Castrol, BP Oil/Amoco and others who didn't have such an additive. 2. When you buy Shell gasoline at the pump, is it better than Chevron's? Is it better than Raceway's? Why is it better? Because they have the best additive package? Because they meter the additive more accurately into the fuel? Or, because there is a better chance that it is actually Shell gasoline? Answer: Gasolines are all different and each batch is different for each oil company. Octane quality, volatility, end point, distillation curve and other features are all significant quality parameters. Mostly companies aim at similar specifications and many countries create legal standards to be met. They buy and sell from each other a lot. It is a lowest common denominator game for the most part. 3 Fact of life is that station owners cheat and blend off-brand (less expensive gasoline) into branded gas. Also, branded guys have trouble metering their additive effectively. Would it surprise you that some tank trucks leaving additive terminals have as little as 10% of targeted additive while others have 200%. Substitution and ineffective additive dosing are common-place. Still, armed with this knowledge, I continue to buy the premium brands because I want that "tiger in my tank", etc., etc., etc. Answer: There are all sorts of poor quality and crooks in most businesses. Some doctors are criminals. Some are drug addicts or drunks. Most are reputable and doing a great job. Even the FDA will have genuine, highly skilled, reputable and achieving people in it. They should allow competition though so they could be 'market tested'.