ZymoGentics just presented their intrim phase 1 RCC trial results in December 07 and are now starting the phase 2 with IL-21, in combination with Nexavar, less than one month later. I guess they dont have to deal with the TGA. RCC and Melanoma respond the best to immune system stimulation, and they are two indications ZGEN is testing with IL-21. IL-2(another immune system stimulating cytokyne) is already in use against RCC and I think ZGEN is hoping to take some of their market with a better safety profile. All of the IL-21 trial patients are treated as out patients. Often IL-2 treated patients have to stay in hospital due to possible side effects. "We're encouraged by the results of the Phase 1 portion of this trial and are convinced that IL-21 in combination with Nexavar deserves further evaluation in renal cell cancer," said Nicole Onetto, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of ZymoGenetics. "In Phase 2, we'll continue to evaluate the tolerability and anti-tumor activity of this combination therapy in patients with late stage renal cell cancer." http://www.zymogenetics.com/ir/newsItem.php?id=1093118
More about ZGEN unrelated to RCC FDA Approves ZymoGenetics' RECOTHROM(TM) Thrombin - First recombinant plasma-free thrombin for use in surgical hemostasis - - $40 million milestone payment from Bayer - http://www.zymogenetics.com/ir/newsItem.php?id=1097618 That was approved by the FDA a few days ago. You would think that on that news that ZGEN shares would fly. It is the only thrombin(used to stop bleeding during operations) with no black box safety warnings and it will be about 10-20 bucks dearer than the competition. The SP had been $15 till recently, then when the FDA delayed a decision it fell to about $11. There was 23% of the float short. After approval on the 17th, the price rose $2 before the Hedgies attacked it and drove the price down below pre approval prices. They trotted out an Oppenheimer analyst spouting what I thought was utter rubbish and Brean Murrays John Aschoff and B of A jumped in as well. Then they proceeded to sell the stock down. All IMHO
SBP Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
