Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of drug developer BioSante Pharmaceuticals
So what: OK, I'll admit it. I haven't, and probably won't, read the thrillingly titled study "A Lethally Irradiated Allogeneic GM-CSF-Secreting Tumor Vaccine for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Phase II Trial of Safety, Efficacy, and Immune Activation" in this month's Annals of Surgery. But what's key for investors is the bottom line -- BioSante's pancreatic cancer vaccine improved survival rates among 60 patients in a phase 2 study at Johns Hopkins. The drug is part of the company's group of GVAX cancer therapies that came into the fold through the Cell Genesys merger.
Now what: This suggests that both sides of the company's business are moving forward. In its development efforts in the realm of female sexual health, BioSante got word last month that its LibiGel was safe enough to allow its trial to continue. In the current environment, getting the Food and Drug Administration on board with a new drug seems tougher, so investors are wise to keep much of their celebrating until after a drug has actually crossed the finish line. But with some fresh cash in the bank after a December share sale, at least shareholders know that BioSante is moving in the right direction.
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