1 Upcoming Catalyst for Ziopharm

Shares of biotech company Ziopharm Oncology (NASDAQ: ZIOP  ) were up more than 17% today, after the company announced that its phase 3 clinical trial for its experimental cancer drug palifosfamide reached enough progression-free survival events to initiate data collection and the statistical analysis of the study. With top-line results -- a major binary event for Ziopharm investors -- to be revealed in late March, health-care analyst Max Macaluso discusses today's stock-price surge and what Ziopharm investors need to watch.

The most interesting story in biotech?
Investors tend to focus on binary events, but drug launches are also rife with drama. The obesity market, for instance, is poised to become a head-to-head battle between VIVUS and Arena Pharmaceuticals. Can VIVUS pick up its lagging sales and fend off the competition, or will Arena Pharmaceuticals reign supreme in the obesity space? If you're in the dark, grab copies of The Motley Fool's premium research reports on VIVUS and Arena Pharmaceuticals to stay up to date. Senior biotech analyst Brian Orelli gives investors the must-know information, including an in-depth look at the obesity market and reasons to buy and sell both stocks. Click now for an exclusive look at Arena and VIVUS -- complete with a full year of free updates -- today.