I've received many positive reader emails about my first installment on biotech investing, and there was positive trial data from one of the companies I profiled later -- YM BioSciences
For DOR BioPharma (OTC BB: DORB.OB), May 9 is fast approaching. That's when the FDA's oncology advisory committee decides whether to recommend that the FDA approve its experimental orBec treatment for gastrointestinal graft versus host disease in transplant patients (a serious, potentially fatal complication in which the body attacks itself). The Food and Drug Administration will make its decision on July 21. The drug is a unique oral formulation of the steroid beclomethasone that failed to meet its primary endpoint in phase 3 trials but did show a noticeable survival benefit upon longer-term follow-up. The advisory committee must consider whether the survival benefit is due to orBec or some other factor, because it wasn't the primary endpoint in the trials. My guess is that orBec probably has slightly better odds than a coin toss (60%) of getting a recommendation from the committee, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.
The committee is also evaluating IDM Pharma's
Besides the recent FDA approval of its antibiotic eye drop AzaSite, InSite Vision
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Fool contributor Mike Havrilla, R.Ph., B.S., Pharm.D., is a Rite Aid pharmacist who lives, writes, works, and enjoys running on the streets and trails in the small Pennsylvania town of Portage. He invites your comments and feedback. Mike owns shares of InSite Vision but has no position in any other company mentioned in this article. The Fool has a disclosure policy.