In a previous article, I discussed three exciting ways that Google (NASDAQ: GOOG ) was revolutionizing the health care industry via new investments in biotech, medical devices, and electronic health records (EHRs). However, Google's (NASDAQ: GOOG ) chief rival in smartphones and tablets, Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) , also has some grand plans of its own for expanding into the health care industry.
Let's take a look at three ways Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL ) could expand its footprint into health care, and how they could alter the path of a company mainly supported by sales of the iPhone and the iPad.
1. iOS 8: Apple's launchpad into consumer health care
According to a recent report at 9to5mac, Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL ) long-rumored iWatch will run on iOS 8, which will be designed with personal fitness in mind.
Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL ) iOS 8 health care plans reportedly center around an app codenamed "Healthbook," which monitors fitness statistics such as steps taken, miles walked, calories burned, and weight loss. However, the app goes one step beyond fitness bands like Nike's�FuelBand and Jawbone's Up -- "Healthbook" can reportedly even monitor vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, hydration levels, and glucose levels.
Top 10 Canadian Companies To Own In Right Now: AMAG Pharmaceuticals Inc.(AMAG)
AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development and commercialization of a therapeutic iron compound to treat iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Its principal product includes Feraheme (ferumoxytol) injection for intravenous (IV) use, which was approved for marketing in the United States in June 2009 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for use as an IV iron replacement therapy for the treatment of IDA in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The company is pursuing marketing applications in the European Union, Canada, and Switzerland for Feraheme for the treatment of IDA in CKD patients. AMAG Pharmaceuticals was founded in 1981 and is based in Lexington, Massachusetts.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By John Udovich]
The start of 2014 shows that biotech is still a hot area with the sector along with small cap biotech stocks like AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc (NASDAQ: AMAG), Mast Therapeutics Inc (NYSEMKT: MSTX), Cell Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: CTIC), Imprimis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: IMMY) and TNI BioTech (OTCMKTS: TNIB) producing news or returns�plus Auspex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ASPX), Cara Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CARA), Egalet (NASDAQ: EGLT), Flexion Therapeutics (NASDAQ: FLXN) and Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (NASDAQ: RARE) are among the (many�� planned biotech IPOs that have recently been announced publicly:
Best Biotech Stocks To Own Right Now: Genomic Health Inc (GHDX)
Genomic Health, Inc. (Genomic Health), incorporated in August 2000, is a molecular diagnostics company focused on the global development and commercialization of genomic-based clinical laboratory services that analyze the underlying biology of cancer allowing physicians and patients to make individualized treatment decisions. Its Oncotype DX platform utilizes quantitative genomic analysis known as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in standard tumor pathology specimens to provide tumor-specific information, or the oncotype of a tumor. As of February 2012, Oncotype DX was evaluated in invasive breast cancer in 13 clinical studies involving more than 4,000 breast cancer patients worldwide. Genomic Health offers its Oncotype DX tests as a clinical service, where it analyzes the expression levels of genes in tumor tissue samples and provide physicians with a quantitative gene expression profile expressed as a single quantitative score, which it calls a Recurrence Score, for invasive breast cancer and colon cancer and a DCIS Score for DCIS. Its Oncotype DX breast cancer test analyzes the expression levels of 21 genes and Oncotype DX colon cancer test analyzes the expression levels of 12 genes. In March 2012, the Company established a wholly owned subsidiary, InVitae Corporation.
Oncotype DX Platform
The Company�� Oncotype DX platform uses its RT-PCR approach to improve cancer treatment decisions. Its diagnostic approach correlates gene expression to clinical outcomes and provides an individualized analysis of each patient's tumor. The Company has built a diagnostic infrastructure that allows it to move from research into development through to processing actual patient samples in its clinical reference laboratory. The Company offers Oncotype DX tests as clinical laboratory services. Its technology allows the Company to analyze tumor tissue samples in its clinical reference laboratory and provide physicians with genomic information specific to the patient'! s tumor. It analyzes tissues that are handled, processed and stored under routine clinical pathology laboratory practices.
Oncotype DX Breast Cancer Test
To develop its Oncotype DX breast cancer test, the Company evaluated 250 genes in three independent clinical studies, which identified a 21-gene panel whose composite gene expression profile can be represented by a breast cancer Recurrence Score. The Company conducted studies of its Oncotype DX breast cancer test with clinical samples from postmenopausal women with invasive breast cancer who were treated with aromatase inhibitors. In March 2010, the Journal of Clinical Oncology published results from a European study using its test to analyze tumor samples from over 1,200 patients in the ATAC (Arimedix, Tamoxifen, Alone or in Combination) trial, which established the use of aromatase inhibitors for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. The study demonstrated that, along with other standard measures, such as tumor size, its Oncotype DX breast cancer test contributes independently to provide a more complete picture of prognosis for N- and N+ patients treated with aromatase inhibitors.
In December 2011, the Company presented positive results from the ECOG E5194 DCIS clinical validation study at SABCS. The study met its primary endpoint by demonstrating that a pre-specified Oncotype DX DCIS Score can predict the risk of local recurrence, defined as either the development of a new invasive breast cancer or the recurrence of DCIS in the same breast. In December 2011, the Company made Oncotype DX available for patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), of the breast, a pre-invasive form of breast cancer. The launch of Oncotype DX for DCIS patients was based on positive results presented from a clinical validation study of Oncotype DX breast cancer test in patients with DCIS, conducted by the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG), a clinical trials cooperative! group su! pported by the National Cancer Institute.
Oncotype DX Colon Cancer Test
The Company developed its gene panel by identifying 761 cancer-related genes through review of existing research literature and computer analysis of genomic databases. The 761 candidate genes were also examined to determine whether they would be useful beyond other key variables including tumor stage, tumor grade, lymph nodes examined and MMR/MSI. It selected a final set of 12 genes, which were then independently evaluated in a validation study of over 1,400 stage II colon cancer patients from the Quick and Simple and Reliable (QUASAR), randomized study of adjuvant chemotherapy in the United Kingdom. This international, multi-center randomized trial examined the recurrence risk and the benefit associated with 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin, or 5FU/LV, adjuvant chemotherapy. Gene expression was quantified by RT-PCR from manually microdissected FPE primary colon cancer tissue, and recurrence-free interval, disease-free survival and overall survival were analyzed. In January 2012, the Company presented positive results of the first clinical decision making study of the Oncotype DX colon cancer test that shows that Recurrence Score result has a significant impact on treatment recommendations for stage II colon cancer patients.
The Company competes with General Electric Company, Hologic, Inc., Novartis AG, Myriad Genetics, Inc., Qiagen N.V., Response Genetics, Inc., Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, Roche Holding, Ltd, Siemens AG and Johnson & Johnson.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Keith Speights]
Genetic testing stands out as one current example of how scientific advances can help reduce medical costs. Genomic Health (NASDAQ: GHDX ) makes genetic diagnostic tests for�breast, colon, and prostate cancer. Half of the patients diagnosed with prostate cancer each year actually have a very low risk of the cancer progressing. However, 90% of these low-risk patients still undergo surgery or radiation -- at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars per patient. Genomic Health's genetic test helps identify which patients really need more extensive treatment and holds the potential to reduce overall costs.
Best Biotech Stocks To Own Right Now: Applied Nanotech Holdings Inc (APNT)
Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc., incorporated on May 22, 1989, is engaged in nanotechnology research and development business. The Company's nanotechnology research involves performing contract research and development services for others to develop products and materials for new applications, and then leveraging this research by applying it to other similar applications in other industries. The Company also develops intellectual property (IP) around its products and technologies. The Company develops five technology platforms: nanosensor technology; nanocomposites, based on carbon nanotube composites; thermal management materials; nanoelectronics applications, and electron emission activities, primarily in the display area. The Company's electron emission IP is divided into display activities and non-display activities. Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc. is the parent company. Applied Nanotech, Inc. (ANI) is a subsidiary of ANHI. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company formed EZDiagnostix, Inc., (EZDX).
Sensors
The Company develops sensors based on ion mobility sensor technology and differential mobility spectroscopy. The Company is involved in projects to develop Mercaptan and Methane sensors for uses in the natural gas industry. The Company is also applying this technology to other applications, including agricultural pathology, wound care, and breath analysis. The Company develops hydrogen sensor for use in the measurement of hydrogen in power transformer products. The Company develops carbon monoxide sensor that can last for 10,000 hours on a single battery. The Company's carbon nanotube technology is for use in biosensors. Sensors based on carbon nanotubes or other nanomaterials can be used to detect chemical, organic, or biological warfare agents, as well as explosives, hydrogen, ammonia and numerous other chemicals.
Nanocomposites
The Company is in the advanced stages of development of nanomaterials using carbon nanotube (CNT) and! other composites. Epoxies are used in industries with worldwide markets, with applications, including adhesives, paints, coatings, and composites. In addition to epoxy resins, the Company develops other types of resins, including polyesters and vinyl esters. Vinyl esters are used in a variety of industrial applications, including storage tanks, piping, and construction. The Company develops a process for coating nylon pellets with CNTs to improves electrical conductivity. Nylon 6 with improved electrical conductivity can be used for its anti-static qualities, electrostatic discharge, and electromagnetic/RF shielding.
Thermal Management
The Company markets thermal management material called CarbAl. CarbAl provides a passive thermal management solution for temperature control issues that plague electronics manufacturers. CarbAl is a carbon based metal nanocomposite comprised of 80% carbonaceous matrix and a dispersed metal component of 20% aluminum. The Company also develops a simplified version of CarbAl based on graphite.
Conductive Inks
The Company develops aluminum and silver inks and pastes that is ideal for use in the production of solar cells. The Company also develops aluminum paste that can be used in current solar cell production.
The Company competes with Zyvex Performance Materials, GSI Creos, Amroy Europe, Ltd., DuPont and Ferro
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Anuchit Nguyen]
India�� S&P BSE Sensex rose, holding at a three-year high, amid better-than-estimated corporate earnings. Engineering company Larsen & Toubro Ltd. (LT) rallied to a three-month high and Asian Paints Ltd. (APNT) surged about 6 percent after reporting profit that beat forecasts.
Best Biotech Stocks To Own Right Now: Ophthotech Corp (OPHT)
Ophthotech Corporation, incorporated on January 05, 2007, is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of therapeutics to treat diseases of the eye. The Company�� advanced product candidate is Fovista, which the Company is developing for use in combination with anti-VEGF drugs that represent the current standard of care for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD). Wet AMD is a serious disease of the central portion of the retina, known as the macula, which is responsible for detailed central vision and color perception. It is characterized by abnormal new blood vessel formation and growth, referred to as neovascularization, which results in blood vessel leakage, retinal distortion and scar formation. If untreated, the progressive retinal damage results in rapid, irreversible and severe vision loss. Wet AMD is the cause of blindness in patients over the age of 55 in the United States and the European Union.
The anti-VEGF market for the treatment of wet AMD consists predominantly of two drugs that are approved for marketing and primarily prescribed for the treatment of wet AMD, Lucentis and Eylea, and off-label use of the cancer therapy Avastin. The use of anti-VEGF drugs has significantly improved visual outcomes for patients with wet AMD who have been treated with these drugs as compared to untreated patients.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Jake L'Ecuyer]
Shares of Ophthotech (NASDAQ: OPHT) got a boost, shooting up 25.78 percent to $39.54 after the company reported that it has entered into an ex-US licensing and commercialization deal with Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
- [By John Udovich]
The biotech sector has been pretty exciting this year�with small cap biotech stocks Prana Biotechnology Limited (NASDAQ: PRAN) and TNI BioTech (OTCMKTS: TNIB) having recently produced noteworthy news for investors�while Acceleron Pharma, Inc (NASDAQ: XLRN), Ophthotech (NASDAQ: OPHT) and BIND Therapeutics (NASDAQ: BIND) have just�set term sheets for their upcoming IPOs. Just consider all of the following recent news:
- [By Todd Campbell]
That leads me to Medivation (NASDAQ: MDVN ) , Ophthotech (NASDAQ: OPHT ) , and Portola (NASDAQ: PTLA ) , three companies with important therapies that may very well be destined to become top sellers.
Best Biotech Stocks To Own Right Now: ArQule Inc.(ARQL)
ArQule, Inc., a clinical-stage biotechnology company, engages in the research and development of cancer therapeutics directed toward molecular targets and biological processes. Its lead product ARQ 197 is non-adenosine triphosphate competitive inhibitor of the c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase, which is being evaluated as monotherapy and in combination therapy in a Phase II clinical development program that includes trials in non-small cell lung cancer, c-Met-associated soft tissue sarcomas, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, germ cell tumors, and colorectal cancer. The company is also developing ARQ 621, a Phase I program focused on inhibition of the Eg5 kinesin spindle protein. Its clinical stage products include ARQ 501, ARQ 761, and ARQ 171, which are designed to kill cancer cells selectively while sparing normal cells through the direct activation of DNA damage response/checkpoint pathways. In addition, the company involves in pre-clinical development o f B-RAF and AKIP Kinase inhibitors. The company has collaborations with Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co., Ltd. and Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd. ArQule, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Roberto Pedone]
ArQule (ARQL), a clinical-stage biotechnology company, researches and develops cancer therapeutics. This stock closed up 3.4% to $1.49 in Thursday's trading session.
Thursday's Range: $1.44-$1.54
52-Week Range: $1.29-$2.94
Thursday's Volume: 908,000
Three-Month Average Volume: 567,811From a technical perspective, ARQL jumped higher here right above some near-term support at $1.40 with above-average volume. This move briefly pushed shares of ARQL back above its 50-day moving average of $1.53, before the stock closed just below that level at $1.49. This move is starting to push shares of ARQL within range of triggering a near-term breakout trade. That trade will hit if ARQL manages to take out some near-term overhead resistance levels at $1.54 to $1.60 with high volume.
Traders should now look for long-biased trades in ARQL as long as it's trending above some near-term support levels at $1.40 or at $1.35 and then once it sustains a move or close above those breakout levels with volume that hits near or above 567,811 shares. If that breakout hits soon, then ARQL will set up to re-test or possibly take out its next major overhead resistance levels at $1.66 to $1.78, or even $1.90 to $2.
Best Biotech Stocks To Own Right Now: Lpath Inc (LPTN)
Lpath, Inc. (Lpath), incorporated on September 18, 2002, is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of bio-active lipid-targeted monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics. The Company has three product candidates, iSONEP, ASONEP and Lpathomab. The Company's program, iSONEP, is a mAb against Sphingosine-1-Phosphate (S1P). As of December 31, 2012, it was in phase-II clinical trials for wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration. The Company is also advancing ASONEP, the systemic formulation of the mAb to S1P. ASONEP has completed a phase-I clinical trial and is entering phase-II clinical trials in Renal Cell Carcinoma.
Lpath's third product candidate, Lpathomab, is a mAb to the bioactive lipid, Lysophosphatidic Acid (LPA). The Company also applies its technology platform, ImmuneY2, to discovering mAbs to new bioactive lipid targets.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Lauren Pollock]
Lpath Inc.(LPTN) said it is no longer actively seeking to reacquire exclusive rights to its leading product candidate from Pfizer Inc.(PFE), saying the pharmaceutical giant informed the company that its offers weren’t competitive. The biotechnology company in October had warned that Pfizer might may divest itself of its exclusive option to co-develop the smaller firm’s leading product candidate–known as iSONEP.
- [By Lauren Pollock]
Biotechnology company Lpath Inc.(LPTN) warned Pfizer Inc.(PFE) may divest itself of its exclusive option to co-develop the smaller firm’s leading product candidate. Lpath’s stock fell.
No comments:
Post a Comment