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 : Cor Therapeutics Inc. (CORR) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Joe Dancy who wrote (394)	3/23/1999 6:45:00 PM
From: Platter	Respond to of 712

From The Internet Fin Connection.."A "Historic Opportunity" in Biotech Stocks Today we are seeing "a historic opportunity to buy smaller and mid-size" biotechs - an opportunity that presents a "fantastically attractive" risk/reward ratio according to Jim McCamant, Editor of the Medical Technology Stock Letter. [http://www.bioinvest.com]. Designated the best financial newsletter by the Hulbert Financial Digest in 1995, McCamant notes that small companies - and many biotechs fall into this sector - are in his opinion "as undervalued as they've ever been." He expects the small cap and biotech sectors to recover in the near future. "The only similar period was the low of 1974" according to McCamant, "but at that time the entire market was depressed." Some of the money now being invested in larger companies could be shifted to smaller caps as undervalued small cap firms are acquired. At these depressed levels, competitors looking for growth and new products can buy them at an affordable price. In fact, McCamant notes that acquisitions in the biotech area have already begun. Companies such as Elan (ELN 77 1/2) and Alza (AZA 50) have been active making acquisitions. He expects an acceleration of acquisitions in the biotech sector, and he notes several of his model portfolio picks would make excellent targets. Once the process begins, momentum will build and money will flow into the biotech sector. The biotech area is attractive to investors for several reasons. First, companies in this sector have a tremendous potential for growth - a potential much greater than many investors realize according to McCamant. Second, biotechs are in one of the most inefficient sectors of the market. Third, due to the inefficiencies and specialized nature of this sector, stock in these companies can be acquired for a fraction of what it is really worth. McCamant notes that "to make really big money in the market," he recommends buying good growth stocks for the long term. "Not much turnover in my portfolios" he notes. And the biotech sector, for the reasons stated above, will "substantially outperform" the averages according to McCamant. What companies does he like now? ICOS Corp. (ICOS 29 5/8) is one of his recent selections. It is well managed, and very inexpensive at these levels from a risk/reward standpoint. ICOS has promising products being developed to treat inflammatory diseases and symptoms, and the market for these products will be significant. InClone Systems (IMCL 14 5/8) is involved in clinical trials for a "blockbuster" drug that may treat certain cancers very effectively. The market for this product could be very large. Onyx (ONXX 6 1/2) has a genetically engineered virus that will attack cancer cells but not normal cells. A "pivotal trial" begins this fall. Due to the technology, and potential market, ONXX is a "likely acquisition target" as larger companies seek to acquire this technology. ImmunoGen (IMGN 2 9/16) has recently begun anti-cancer drug trials, and has partnered with SmithKline Beecham (SBH 67 5/8). The partnership significantly reduces the risks. The "risk/reward ratio here is spectacular" according to McCamant. Ligand (LGND 9 1/8) also has anti-cancer products in development. A couple of cancer products are currently being sold, but the market for these is not significant. It is difficult to explain all the technology this company is involved in according to McCamant, which may explain its' valuation. One very attractive product in development is for ostorophorsis - the loss of calcium and strength of the bone. A huge market exists as the populations age, especially for post-menapausal women. Cor Therapeutics (CORR 8 7/8) will make an "ideal acquisition candidate" as it moves into the black for the first time this year. It has good management, finances, and a strong product pipeline. "

To: Joe Dancy who wrote (394)	3/29/1999 2:57:00 PM
From: aknahow	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 712

Corr is very active today. I used to think it was an acquisition candidate but now believe that its' partnership agreements with Schering Plough make it unattractive to others. Can only see Schering itself or a company that acquires Schering as having much of an interest. Find it interesting that there are no post on the CORR board even with the rise in price and volume. I have gone over the 10K several times and while I like it, I can't find anything new that would account for the rise.