I also certainly didn’t invest in POH because of its cosmetics line. My research and discussion of TPM’s cosmetic applications is simply because I follow every aspect of this company with great interest and, as you may have observed, I’m into detail! There's more on cosmetics at the moment simply because that's where there's action at the moment. Some might share that interest in the cosmetics side, most probably won’t, but I work on the assumption that people will read what they’re interested in and skip what they’re not. Equine health was of no interest to me either before POH’S involvement in the field. Now I follow that closely too, have learned a great deal of interesting stuff along the way and write up the information that I find for those who are interested.
As for the “great minds at POH”, such as Paul Gavin, I wouldn't be overly worried. I think you’ll find they are unlikely to be too distracted by the cosmetics side. I doubt that Dr Gavin slaves away in the lab on his weekends to further perfect the BioElixia “Radiance Body Cleanser” formulation. But you might just find him inspired to do so to advance progress of the oxymorphone patch.
I agree with your opinion that Dr Ogru’s departure can be seen as a positive for a number of reasons and have already expressed that view. However I don’t base that opinion on the belief that Dr Ogru was primarily focused on cosmetics. Certainly, she promoted it, because she was suited to that, but the picture painted by some of Esra Ogru as some kind of cosmetics-obsessed fashion plate with a penchant for expensive jewellery and fine champagne is, I think, a convenient caricature and a total misread of her. But that’s simply my observation.
Cosmetics was never going to be a company maker for POH and I don’t think anyone has ever been suggesting otherwise. It was/is simply an attempt to leverage TPM technology in a fast-to-market way in order to generate cash flow to assist the company’s survival through those lean pre-drug commercialization years. (It may alternatively generate funds as a sell-off proposition). POH is certainly not the only biotech with topical/transdermal capability that has attempted to exploit the “cosmetics cashflow” avenue.
Finally, I wouldn’t be concerned that Harry or the board will be demanding the new CEO has experience in the cosmetics industry on his/her CV. Just because POH has a cosmetic sideline project doesn’t mean those at the head are in any way confused about what is the company’s main game.
POH Price at posting:
11.5¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
