"PROGEN PHARMACEUTICALS (ASX:PGL), once one of the most highly regarded bio-techs, and once $9 a share, has been on a long, slow slide. Shareholders may well have believed the stock had finally hit rock-bottom last week at $1.125. But, as we have often learnt with many stocks in this shakeout, there's always scope for more damage. Progen crashed 63c to touch a new rock-bottom (no, better just make that "new low" for now) of 57c on Wednesday. It managed a recovery to 65c yesterday. Bio-tech followers are shocked at the sudden downturn in the company's fortunes, with Wednesday's stark announcement that it had discontinued the PI-88 phase 3 study in liver cancer. The company will now pursue merger and acquisition opportunities to expand its clinical-stage pipeline, given its strong cash position. Progen said that at June 30 it had $76.7 million cash, excluding creditors and accruals of $6.2 million. Hey, did it say $76.7 million? That's $1.26 a share. Hands up all Progen shareholders who would like to take-the-cash-and-run option."
PGL Price at posting:
0.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held