The Biotech Banter crew is getting into the World Cup spirit, looking at foreign biotechs to see whether they're investable.
Alkermes (ALKS 1.13%) has drugs of its own but is probably most famous for its drug delivery platforms to create extended-release drugs. The biotech gets royalties from Johnson & Johnson's schizophrenia drugs, Risperdal Consta and Invega, among others.
GW Pharmaceuticals (GWPH +0.00%) is developing drugs for epilepsy and other nervous system issues using chemicals derived from marijuana. Unlike the typical medical marijuana stocks that are cashing in on the legalization of its use, GW Pharmaceuticals is really a biotech because it's running clinical trials and seeking FDA approval for its drugs.
Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX +0.35%) is a specialty pharma, most famous at the moment for trying to buy Allergan. The drug company has grown substantially over the years through acquisitions and even became a foreign company though its acquisition of Canada-based Biovail.
Watch the following video to see whether senior biotech specialist Brian Orelli and health-care analyst David Williamson give the companies a goal, raise a yellow card, or send them off with a red card.
