Mkt and Stem Cells Up Thursday 7.30

Thursday 7.30.09: Dow +84(.9%)@9,154..NAS +16.5(.8%)@1,984..SP +11.6%(1.2%)@986.75

The market was up big early, then sold off just before close to end up almost one percent all around. Stem cells were mostly up, 20 up and 12 down. Yesterdays 300% gainer IMO gave back 54% today, and ICAD dropped 21% more after disappointing earnings.

Stem Cell Stocks (20 up, 12 down)
Big Winners: AVII +3.5%, CUR +3.6%, OPXA +3.8%
Losers: ASTM -3.8%, ATHX -8.9%, BEC -3.8%, BDX -8.4%, OSTE -4.6%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +3.5%, BCRX -8.5%, DVAX -1.65%, GILD -.5%, INHX n/c, INO -54%, NVAX -4.8%, SIGA +1.8%, SVA -9.9%

Other Biotech
Big Winners: CGEN +4.5%, CPD +3.5%, CRL +5%, DCTH +4.3%, INSM +4.2%, JAZZ +5.9%, KVA +4.5%, MED +3.7%, PGNX +7.1%, PRAN +7.8%, QGLY +5.2%, SCLN +5.6%, SNTS +5%, SVNT +5.2%
Losers: AGEN -8.5%, CRME -4.1%, DSCO -3.8%, ELRN -4.5%, EXAS -3.4%, ICAD -21%, ONCY -9.7%, RPRX -6.7%, SOMX -12.3%, VICL -5.7%, VPHM -4.9%

Disclosure: long GERN, ONXX. Sold SQNM and QID today as both fell.

Mkt Flat, Stem Cells Mixed Wednesday 7.29

Wednesday 7.29.09: Dow -26(.3%)@9,071..NAS -7.8(.4%)@1,968..SP -4.47(.46%)@975

The market was down most of the day, only to cut the losses near the close once again. Inovio Biomedical (INO) rose 330% (from .74 to 3.18) on news that a swine flu vaccine prevented the illness in lab animals. Elron Electronics (ELRN), Israeli maker of medical devices, rose 40% by the close, adding to yesterday's 30% gain, as their micropump for insulin is getting FDA approval - it was up 85% at its high of the day, 8.43, and closed at 6.70. A few recent gainers pulled back double digits today, like ARIA, AGEN, DSCO, JAZZ, IMMU, SOMX.

Stem Cell Stocks (20 up, 12 down)
Big Winners: GHDX +3.3%, LMNX +3.5%, OSTE +3.8%
Losers:ARIA -16.1%, AVII -7.3%, CRIS -7.3%, PSTI -4.6%, STEM -3.9%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII -7.3%, BCRX -4.9%, DVAX -.55%, GILD +.16%, INHX n/c, INO +330% (up more after hrs), NVAX +11.5%, SIGA -1%, SVA +7.4%

Other Biotech
Big Winners: ADLR +6.6%, CGEN +12.4%, CTIC +5.6%, ELRN +44.7%, GNBT +4.3%, KVA +9.4%, LIFE +7.7%, RPRX +15.5% (after a big drop this week), SGEN +4.5%, VICL +4.15%, VPHM +13.3%
Losers: AGEN -13%, ARIA -16.1%, CERS -15.65%, CPD -6%, CRIS -7.3%, DSCO -10.9%, HEB -3.85%, ICAD -12.7%, IMMU -7.3%, JAZZ -10.2%, NPSP -5.2%, NVGN +3.9%, ONCY +8.4%, PLX -5.3%, SCLN -11.7%, SNTS -4.8%, SOMX -10.4%

Disclosure: long QID (2x short Nasdaq), long GERN, ONXX, SQNM. Intraday I bought ELRN for 6.20 pre-mkt, sold reg session for 7.80 - sold too late, could've gotten over 8.40; it closed at 6.70.

INO leaps 330% on Swine Flu Vaccine

I missed this one earlier, Inovio (INO) rose from .74 to 3.18, a gain of 330%, on news that a swine flu vaccine prevented the illness in lab animals.

Here's the press release:
Co announced that the company's SynCon H1N1 influenza DNA vaccines achieved protection against current circulating swine origin influenza A/H1N1 viruses in animal studies. The company had previously reported interim data from an ongoing study in a pig model in which the SynCon based H1N1 vaccines achieved hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers above the protection threshold in 100% of the vaccinated animals against the swine influenza virus (A/Iowa/35233/1999). In a continuation of this study, Inovio investigators tested the immune sera for responses against a virus isolated from the current circulating strain of swine origin influenza A/H1N1 (Swine A/Mexico/InDRE4487/2009). All the animals immunized with the SynCon H1N1 vaccine developed HI titers exceeding the 1:40 level commonly associated with protective immunity. In a second study, the investigators immunized mice with the NP and m2E components of the vaccine and challenged these animals with a second related strain also isolated from the current circulating influenza A/H1N1 (A/Canada/AB/RV1532/2009). While all mice showed effects of virus challenge as judged by significant weight loss, the vaccinated mice recovered from virus infection-induced morbidity significantly faster compared to the non-immunized control animals.

ELRN Explodes on Insulin Pump

Israeli company Elron (ELRN) is up 60% just after the opening after gaining 30% yesterday on news that their insulin pump gained approval. The stock has jumped from the 3.50 level to over 7 today.

Disclosure: I was in this at 6.20 pre-market, then sold at 7.80 during the trading session.. the day's high was 8.43, close around 6.70, but they "painted the tape" about .15 at the close, it was really closer to 6.60. Still, up over 40% for the day, not too shabby, as it was up 30% yesterday.

Mkt and Stem Cells Flat Tuesday 7.28

Tuesday 7.28.09: Dow -12(.13%)@9,097..NAS +7.5(.4%)@1,975.5..SP -2.56(.26%)@979.62

Stocks started out down today, Dow off triple digits, then came back all afternoon to end slightly down. Stem cell stocks pulled back a little also. AGEN popped 27%. Submicro caps ICAD soared 59%, XOMA 23%. CERS pulled back 23% after running up yesterday.

Stem Cell Stocks (18 up, 10 down, 4 n/c)
Big Winners: ARIA +14.3%, ATHX +11.1%, AVII +17.6%, OPXA +8.7%
Losers: ASTM -4.8%, GERN -4.4%, SQNM -4.1%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +17.6%, BCRX -1.6%, DVAX -3.7%, GILD +1.6%, INHX -2.9%, NVAX +.7%, SIGA -5.2%, SVA +6.1%

Other Biotech
Big Winners: AGEN +27.2%, ARIA +14.3%, IMMU +13.9%, ICAD +59%, JAZZ +4.4%, MAXY +6.8%, MNOV +10.1%, PURE +10.75%, SGMO +6.6%, VICL +6%, XOMA +24%
Losers: BDSI -4.4%, CERS -22.8%, DCTH -4.9%, GNBT -5.9%, QGLY -7.6%, SIGA -5.2%

Disclosure: long QID (2x short Nasdaq), long GERN, ONXX, SQNM.

GERN Cancer Treatment

Perhaps all this is adding to Geron's rise to a new 52-week high today, without any data yet from their paralysis study this summer. They have several potential blockbusters at work.

NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE validates Geron's claim to a cancer cure below.
Drug Dictionary...

Geron's telomerase inhibitor GRN163L
A synthetic lipid-conjugated, 13-mer oligonucleotide N3' P5'-thio-phosphoramidate with potential antineoplastic activity. Complementary to the template region of telomerase RNA (hTR), telomerase inhibitor GRN163L as a competitive enzyme inhibitor that binds and blocks the active site of the enzyme (a "telomerase template antagonist"), a mechanism of action which differs from that for the antisense oligonucleotide-mediated inhibition of telomerase activity through telomerase mRNA binding. Inhibition of telomerase activity in tumor cells by telomerase inhibitor GRN163L results in telomere shortening, which leads to cell cycle arrest or apoptosis. Check for active clinical trials or closed clinical trials using this agent. (NCI Thesaurus)"


Apoptosis means cancer cells die. See the web definition.

Manmade compound GRN163L inhibits growth of cancer

Geron first learned how to keep cells from aging, when they learned how to rejuvenate telomerase. Then they assumed they could do the opposite to cancer, make it age rapidly and die quickly, leaving the untreated healthy cells alone. This is the approach they've been taking for a decade now, regarding cancer treatment.

The first technology that GERN released to researchers led to the cloning of Dolly the sheep, the first animal clone. Many huge research departments such as Duke University, U. Wisconsin Madison, and Johns Hopkins have worked on research using Geron's patented technology; they own over 300 patents currently.

Mkt Flat but Stem Cells Explode Up Monday 7.27

Monday 7.27.09: Dow +15(.17%)@9,108..NAS +1.93@1,968..SP -2.9(.3%)@982

The market was slightly down most of the day then eked out a small gain at the close. Stem cells, however, exploded - our group portfolio at Updown (Stem Cell Stock) was up 12.4%. Many hit new 52-wk highs today, I'll include those below; 25 were up and only 7 were down. Some swine flu stocks also exploded, NVAX up 21%, BCRX up 15%, each to new 52-wk highs. Three that we follow were up more than 40%: CERS (45%), ARIA (42%), JAZZ (44%).


Stem Cell Stocks (25 up, 7)
Big Winners: ASTM +8.3%, ARIA +41.6%, ATHX +11.2%, AVII +9.95%, GERN +14.8%, SQNM +13.8% (still in rally mode!), STEM +7.2%
Losers: NUVA -2.3% (the rest were below 1%)

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +9.95%, BCRX +15.4%, DVAX +4.4%, GILD +1.1%, INHX +4.8%, NVAX +20.8%, SIGA -.5%, SVA +4.9%

Other Biotech
Big Winners: ACAD +29%, CERS +45.3%, CRIS +6.9%, DYAX +5.4%, GNBT -9%, GTXI +9.2%, IMMU +15%, JAZZ +43.8%, MAXY +5.4%, NVGN +15.3%, ONCY +14.1%, SCLN +10.3%, SGMO +5.5%, VICL +14.1%
Losers: CYPB -4.2%, DSCO -8.3%, INSM -7.5%, KVA -3.9%, MNOV -6.1%, NKTR -5.4%, RPRX -9.8%, SUPG -8.1%

NEW 52-Week Highs (just among those we watch here, about 100 total)
AVII, AVN, BCRX, CRXL, GERN, IMMU, NGSX, NVAX, OGXI, SCLN, SNTS

Disclosure: long QID (2x short Nasdaq), long GERN, ONXX, SQNM (added today). I actually averaged UP on GERN today. Never average down, by the way, but average up to snowball your gains in real dollars.

Stem Cell Stocks Breaking Out Monday 7.27

Stem Cell and some biotech stocks are breaking out today. Some of the movers: , CERS +30%, GERN +12%, ARIA +40%, SQNM +14% (takeover rumors lately, after its crash from 15 to 4).

Among swine flu stocks (all up), AVII +10%, BCRX +14%, NVAX +20%.

It looks like some are now breaking past resistance, like GERN. In 1999, when high tech crashed, biotech took off, some of the stocks went up 2000% within a year - GERN went from 12-14 to 76, still it's all-time high.

Stay tuned!

Mkt Mixed, Stem Cells Up Friday 7.24

Friday 7.24.09: Dow +24(.26%)@9,093..NAS -7.6(.4%)@1,966..SP +3(.3%)@979

The market was mixed today, Dow and SP slightly up, NAS slightly down on MSFT and AMZN earnings disappointments, mostly on the revenue side. Still the market shrugged that off and managed to come back from the opening drop caused by that news and for the headlines at least, turned positive just before the close. 22 stem cell stocks were us, only 10 down.

BCRX added 10.6% more to its previous gains, now up 1000% off its low of .85 to a 52-wk closing high of 9.49, on 3x volume. ACAD jumped 31% to 3.41 on anticipation of good Ph3 results for a drug to treat Parkinson's related psychosis. [Just checked and it added another 24% after hours, now at 4.22]

Stem Cell Stocks (7 up, 23 down, 2 n/c)
Big Winners: ALXN +5.4%, AVII +9.1%, OPXA +7.1%(.03), OSIR +3.2%, SQNM +9%, continuing its rally.
Losers: CELG -2.4%, NUVA -4.6%, PSTI -2.7%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +9.1%, BCRX +10.6%, DVAX +2.3%, GILD +.2%, INHX +2.4%, NVAX +8.4%, SIVA +2.7%, SVA +1.4%

Other Biotech
Big Winners: ACAD +31.2%, ALXN +5.4%, ANDS +7%, BMRN +4%, CGEN +8.9%, CTIC +4.3%, DSCO +23.2%, DYAX +5.1%, ELN +4.1%, EXEL +13.9%, GNBT +3.8%, GTXI +3.8%, HEB +4%, IMMU +3.9%, MAXY +3.7%, NGSX +9.4%, NVGN +11.1%, OXGI +7.1%, QDEL +3.4%, SCLN +5.3%, SGEN +13.7%, SNTS +4.5%, VICL +11.2%
Losers (not many): AGEN -3%, QGLY -3%, RPRX -14.7%, SOMX -15.6% (was up 90% yesterday)

SubMicro: ASB +10.8%, CERS +13.9%, NTII +8.7%, RGN +6.8%, THLD +18.7%, TISA +7.5%

Disclosure: long QID (2x short Nasdaq), long GERN, ONXX. [Nice timing on the NVAX sale yesterday; it was up 8% today, 12% at one point! patience, patience..]

Mkt and Stem Cells Soar on Thursday 7.23

Thursday 7.23.09: Dow +188(2.1%)@9,069..NAS +47(2.45%)@1,974..SP +22(2.3%)@976

The market broke through resistance and moved up 2% today, giving the NAS its 12th up day in a row, best since 1992. However, after hours, Microsoft and Amazon are off 7% each, sending INTC and CSCO down 2% and the Q's off 1-2% as well, so it looks like the rally will take a breather tomorrow. There's always some excuse ready-made for the next reversal, isn't there? Some biotech still exploded today, as SOMX rose 94%, and MEDX was up 89% on a solid takeover offer from Bristol Myers Squibb. AFFX rose 32% on an earnings beat, but most came from a debt buyback: Story here..

Note: one poster at Yahoo was short MEDX, thought his 9.00 stop buy order (the reverse of a stop loss on the downside) protected him there, but the stock opened at 15.83 and never went lower so his order was executed near the opening at a price that far above his stop buy. NEVER short biotech stocks, only buy puts, then your possible loss is limited (which isn't even with limit orders to buy it back). In fact, shorting any stocks is dangerous (especially if you don't know the risk), but there are much better sectors to short outright if you feel like you have to, such as restaurants, airlines, retail, and previously anyway, financial and banking stocks; and of course, any companies with 'accounting irregularities'. You will never see an industry like biotech with the potential for overnight gains of 200-1000% as a drug discovery or approval is made, or even just rumored, and the stock is heavily shorted.

Stem Cell Stocks (7 up, 23 down, 2 n/c)
Big Winners: AFFX +32.6%, ALXN +7.3%, ARIA +8.9%, CELG +18.6%, DNDN +6.2%, MEDX +89.2%, SQNM +9.9%
All Losers: ABT -.9%, CRA -24.7%, GHDX -.6% (the only losers today)

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +1.2%, BCRX +8.75%, DVAX -.6%, GILD +1%, INHX +7.9%, NVAX -.9%, SIGA .4%, SVA n/c

Other Biotech
Winners: AGEN +10.4%, ALNY +12.7%, APT +5.9%, ARIA +8.9%, ARQL +6.2%, CLDX +6.6%, CRIS +5%, GTXI +5.7%, IMMU +9.7%, IRIS +5%, MEDX +89.2% (takeover at 16), NKTR +8.25%, PURE +11.3%, SCLN +6.3%, SGEN +6.9%, SGMO +7.8%, SOMX +94.4%
Losers: CTIC -13.5%, ELN -2.9%, ENZN -1.7%, HEB -5.4%, KNDL -2.3%, KVA -3.1%, MNOV -10.7%, NVGN -5.75%, QGLY -2.1%, RPRX -39.2%, TRIB -6.5%

SubMicro: CERS +48.8%, KOOL +17.2%, NEXM +11.2%, YMI +13.7%

Disclosure: long QID (2x short Nasdaq), long GERN, ONXX. Took profit in BGU, sold NVAX when it failed to participate in today's rally (for .05 less than paid, almost breakeven). Added ONXX long for the 3rd time in three years, as it keeps getting approval for more types of cancer treatment for the same drug.

Mkt and Stem Cells Down Wednesday 7.22

Wednesday 7.22.09: Dow -35(.4%)@8,881..NAS +10(.5%)@1,926..SP -.5@954.07

The market was slightly down today, ending a string of 9 up days in the Dow; the Dow and SP were slightly down, NAS up half a percent however. Stem cell stocks reversed today, with 7 up, 23 down, 2 n/c. ONXX rose 21% with positive P2 results for a breast cancer drug, with partner Bayer. After hours, MEDX was up 90% on a takeover offer at $16 per shr cash from Bristol Myers Squibb, who has the 2.1b cash offered. AFFX was up 20% a.h. on new news; same with PDLI.

Stem Cell Stocks (7 up, 23 down, 2 n/c)
Big Winners: ASTM +3.1%, ATHX +8.9%, AVII +3%
Big Losers: AFFX -2.7% (but up 20% after hrs), OPXA -6.8%, OSTE -2.1%, SQNM -2.7%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +3%, BCRX +4.1%, DVAX +24.3%, GILD -1.4%, INHX nc, NVAX +2.2%, SIGA -.6%, SVA +3.4%

Other Biotech
Winners: ADLR +6.7%, AGEN +16.5%, CTIC +8%, ILMN +7.4%, IMMU +7%, INSM +9.1%, ONXX +21%, SUPG +8%, VICL +6%, VPHM +6.1%
Losers: CRL -5.5%, GENZ -8.4%, GNBT -6.8%, HEB -27.5%, QGLY -6.7%

SubMicro: ASB -10.9%, CEGE +13%, FMTI -11.1%, IG -20%, TISA +23.7%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX.

Mkt and Stem Cells Continue Rally Tuesday 7.21

Tuesday 7.21.09: Dow +68(.8%)@8,916.. NAS +6.9(.36%)@1,916.. SP +3.45(.36%)@954.58

The market was up all day but not even a percent. Stem cells cooled a bit, with 19 up, 11 down and 2 n/c. Swine flu stock BCRX was up 22%; other flu stock HEB was up 33%. MNOV was up 28% on positive P2 results for an asthma drug, a new yearly high. HGSI added another 10% to yesterday's gains of 277%.

Stem Cells rode the market wave with 25 up, 7 down, exactly the reverse of Friday.

Stem Cell Stocks (25 up, 7 down)
Big Winners: OPXA +2.3%, OSTE +3.9%, PSTI +7.4%, SQNM +8.7%
Big Losers: ASTM -2.1%, CRA -3.1%, CYTX -3.3%, STEM -2.4%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII n/c, BCRX +22%, DVAX -2.8%, GILD +1.2%, INHX -5%, NVAX +5.6%, SIGA +1.5%, SVA +2%

Other Biotech
Winners:
AGEN +10.3%, ANDS +4.9%, CGEN +8.1%, GNBT +15.4%, HEB +33%, ISTA +6.2%, JAZZ +11.9%, MNOV +28%, NVGN +10%, OGXI +10%, SCLN +5.6%, SPPI +12.3%
Losers: BDSI -6%, IRIS -5.8%, PURE -8.3%, QGLY -12.7%

SubMicroASB +12.2%, CBTE +9.7%, CEGE -6%, CLSN +12%, NTII -8%, PRAN +7.3%, TGEN -13%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX.

EPIX is shutting down

Epix Pharma is quietly shutting down. The stock of the OB shares are down 90% today, from .11 to .01.. The story is here

HGSI is up 10% more after a brief selloff at the opening. HEB and BCRX are both up strong as well today (Tuesday 7.21) in a flat market.

Mkt, Stem Cells Rally, HGSI Explodes Monday 7.20

Monday 7.20.09: Dow +104(1.2%)@8,848..NAS +22.7(1.2%)@1,909..SP500 +11(1.2%)@951

The market was buoyed by the deal by private capital to provide financial backing for CIT, who loans to a lot of small businesses nationwide. There were 1% gains in the indices, but the big winner was Human Genome Sciences (HGSI), up 280% on positive test results for a drug for lupus, first treatment in 50 years. Click here for the story.

Stem Cells rode the market wave with 25 up, 7 down, exactly the reverse of Friday.

Stem Cell Stocks (25 up, 7 down)
Big Winners: AFFX +17.3%, CRA +3.8%, OPXA +4.9%, SQNM +4.9%, STEM +5%
Big Losers: AVII -1.8%, CYTX -1.5%, GHDX -3.3%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII -1.8%, BCRX +4.4%, DVAX +9%, GILD +.3%, INHX +9.6%, NVAX n/c, SIGA +.5%, SVA +3.1%

Other Biotech
Winners:
HGSI +277%, from 3.32 Friday close to 12.51 today's close.
ANIK +4.4%, CBI +5.2%, CRME +7.2%, CTIC +5.8%, DYAX +4.5%, ELN +7.2%, GNBT +5.2%, GTXI +6.5%, HEB +18%, IMMU +10.5%, MED +6.3%, NKTR +6%, POZN +4.5%, SCLN +4.1%, SPPI +5.8%
Losers: ALTH -5.2%, ANDX -6.4%, ARQL -4.6%, ENZN -3.3%, QDEL -3.6%, QGLY -4.6%

SubMicroBPUR +11.8%, CERS +9.7%, FMTI +20%, OSCI +32.5%, TGEN +19.6%, TISA -13.2%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX.

Mkt Flat, Stem Cells Down on Friday 7.17

Friday 7.17.09: Dow +32(.4%)@8744, NAS +1.6(.1%)@1887, SP -.4@940

The market was mostly flat today, and apparently Roubini did not turn bearish, that was another market rumor floated, the ROD (Rumor of the Day). Stem cells sold off however, as 7 were up and 25 down.

Stem Cell Stocks (7 up, 25 down)
Big Winners: AVII +7.6%, CYTX +4%, PSTI +5.5%, SQNM +6.6%
Big Losers: CUR -3.7%, OPXA -6.8%, OSTE -3.4%, STEM -3.1%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII -7.6%, BCRX +41%, DVAX -2.2%, GILD +2.1%, INHX -4.5%, NVAX +4.1%, SIGA +8.1%, SVA -1.3%

Other Biotech
Winners: APT +3.8%, DSCO +13.2%, ENZN +3.3%, MED +4.5%, NVAX +4.1%, SIGA +8.2%, SPPI +6.1%
Losers: BDSI -5%, CLDX -3.6%, POZN -4.5%, QGLY -6.3%, SNTS -4.3%

SubMicro BPUR -52%, CBTE -7.1%, CERS +9.4%, FMTI -14.3%, OSCI -21%, PCYC +4.5%, PPHM +7.6%, TGEN -5.7%, VSCI -8.1%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX.

Mkt Rally Continues Thursday 7.16, Stem Cells Mixed

Thursday 7.16.09: Dow +96(1.1%)@8712, NAS +22(1.2%)@1885, SP500 +8(.9%)@941

The market continued its remarkable rebound, and there were rumors that bear Roubini came out of hibernation and changed sides. The market was up 1%, stem cells were almost evenly mixed, 18 up and 14 down.

Stem Cell Stocks (18up, 14 down)
Big Winners: AVII +3.3%, IART +4%
Big Losers: ARIA -2.4%, ATHX -2.5%, MEDX -6.8%, OPXA -2.2%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +3.3%, BCRX +4.5%, DVAX +5.3%, GILD +2.3%, INHX -2%, NVAX +6.2%, SIGA -1.7%, SVA +5%

Other Biotech
Winners: ANDS +6.3%, APT +7.2%, CPD +4.9%, ELN +8.5%, EXAS +4.7%, HGSI +22%, INSM +4.2%, NKTR +4.4%, ONCY +4.1%, SNTS +5.6%, SUPG +10.7%, TRIB +5.2%
Losers: AGEN -8.1%, ARQL -6.8%, DSCO -7.3%, MEDX -6.7%

SubMicro: CBTE +16.7%, ENMD +13.5%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX.

Mkt and Stem Cells Rally Again Wed 7.15

Wednesday 7.15.09: Dow +257(3.1%)@8616, NAS +63(3.5%)@1863, SP +27(3%)@933

The market had Intel's earnings beat help carry the rally over from yesterday, as the indices rose another 3%, while stem cells also kept going, with 23 up again, only 7 down.

Stem Cell Stocks (23 up, 7 down, 2 n/c)
Big Winners: AFFX +4.6%, ARIA +5.1%, CRA +4.1%, IART +3.3%, NUVA +3.1%, OSIR +5.5%, OSTE +9.5%, SQNM +4.2%, STEM +3.1%
Big Losers: ASTM -3.6%, ABT -2.6%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII -.7%, BCRX +.8%, DVAX n/c, GILD +2%, INHX +8%, NVAX +.7%, SIGA +.7%, SVA 3%

Other Biotech
Winners: ANDS +6%, ARIA +5.1%, BDSI +7.1%, CBI +11%, CGEN +5.1%, DCTH +7.1%, HEB +4.5%, HGSI +10%, IMMU +5%, INSM +5.6%, KNDL +6.9%, KVA +6.5%, MED +7%, NKTR +6.9%, POZN +6.1%, QGLY +6.3%, SGMO +8%, SPPI +5.9%, SUPG +5.2%, SVNT +6.4%
Losers: ADLR -4.9%, AGEN -6.8%, APT -4.3%, NVGN -6.8%, OXGN -21%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX. We sold SIRI and XOMA at the close due to the rally.

Mkt and Stem Cells Up Slightly on Tuesday 7.14

Tuesday 7.14.09: Dow +28(.3%)@8359, NAS +6.5(.4%)@1800, SP +5(.5%)@906

The market managed to hold the gains from yesterday, as some companies are reporting better than expected earnings, such as Intel and Goldman Sachs, but the rally didn't follow-through and continue either, so those who say "we're trading range bound" are likely the most accurate, especially since the market spends 90% of its time that way. One interesting statistic: even in bull markets over 60% of all stocks still go down, so "throwing a dart" at stocks is a losing venture, worse odds than any 50/50 bet in Vegas! Craps, pass or don't pass, is a 49/51 proposition, the best bet there - it's actually fractionally closer, the casino has a 1.2% advantage, that's all - hence you won't see craps tables in all casinos! But you will always see card dealers, what does that tell you? I lived in Vegas, dealers I knew said "avoid all card games, even poker" With craps, the gambler holds the device that controls the outcome himself, the dice. So if the market becomes too difficult, try craps! I won about 75% of the time, quit when I got ahead enough to buy dinner. You play a lot if you can, try to win a little, then leave when you get ahead.. Play the trend, if dice are cold, play the Don't Pass line; dice heat up, play the Pass Line - and always play Pass when you shoot yourself, you don't want to bet against yourself. Maybe the market is more like this, favoring the short-term traders..

Stem Cell Stocks (23 up, 9 down)
Big Winners: AVII +14.8%, CUR +6.6%, OPXA +6%, SQNM +2.7%
Big Losers: CELG -2.4%, OSTE -8.5%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +14.8%, BCRX +1.5%, DVAX +5.6%, GILD -.8%, INHX -2.4%, NVAX n/c, SIGA +.3%, SVA -.8%

Other Biotech
Winners: AGEN +8.6%, ALNY +2.8%, ANIK +5.4%, APT +9.6%, CBI +3.7%, CYPB +2.4%, IMMU +13.5%, INSM +5.9%, CLSN -11.2%, MED +2.6%, RPRX +4.1%, SUPG +2.4%, VPHM +3.5%
Losers: DYAX -4%, HEB -5.2%, NVGN -4.1%, QGLY -5.6%, SGMO -2.5%

Sub-Micro Cap
Up Large: DSCO +20%(@.42), DVAX +5.6%(@1.32), FMTI +15.6%(@.37), HSKA +11.7%(@.38), TGEN +5.8%(@.275), XOMA +7.5%(@.865)
Down Big: OSCI -70%(@.055), PRAN -10.7%(@1.25), VSCI -6.6%(@.85)

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX, SIRI, XOMA

Mkt and Stem Cells Rally Monday 7.13

Monday 7.13.09: Dow +185(2.3%) @8332, NAS +37(2.1%)@1793, SP +22(2.5%)@901

Apparently an analyst that everyone pays attention to, maybe financial analyst Meredith Whitney, "likes stocks" now.. or at least she helped prop up the market by saying so, and it jumped back over 2% after the recent reversal. At any rate, stem cell stocks didn't really join in big numbers, but 22 were up, vs. only 8 down, two unchanged; but there weren't really that many big movers. After the last, well 30 years, it's hard for me to put much stock in analysts - for every 50 that are positive, there will always be 50 that are negative, 50 that are neutral. When some bigger names talk, the market responds for about 3 hours, then the daytraders at places like Goldman Sachs take control again and do what their positions dictate; that's been my experience with them over 30 yrs anyway, maybe "this time its different" (gee- I never heard that before, "it happens to all markets")

Stem Cell Stocks (22 up, 8 down, 2 n/c)
Big Winners: OPXA +5%, OSIP +8.4%, OSTE +10.6%
Big Losers: CUR -7%, OSIR -3%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +2.3%, BCRX +3.1%, DVAX +2.5%, GILD +1.9%, INHX -5.1%, NVAX +5%, SIGA +.3%, SVA -1.9%

Other Biotech
Winners: AGEN +11%, CBI +6.8%, DYAX +5.2%, GTXI +5.4%, MED +6.5%, NVAX +5%, OSIP +8.4%, OXGN +13.4%
Losers: CGEN -6.9%, DSCO -7.9%, NBAX -5.8%, PRAN -17.7% (after Friday's surge of 52%)

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX, SIRI, XOMA

Mkt and Stem Cells Down Slightly Friday 7.10

Friday 7.10.09: Dow -37(.5%) @8147, NAS +3.5(.2%) @1756, SP500 -3.5(.4%) @879

The market opened down and played with coming back flat all day, ended down a half percent; the Nasdaq eked out a small gain. Dollar stock PRAN was up 52% to 1.70 based on positive Phase II results for an Alzheimer's drug, which showed cognitive improvement in 41% of test subjects, vs 4% on placebos.

Stem Cell Stocks (12 up, 19 down, 1 n/c)
Big Winners: AVII +5.6%, CRA +3.6%, SQNM +5.7%
Big Losers: ASTM -3.9%, OPXA -3.6%, OSTE -5.1%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +5.6%, BCRX +4.6%, DVAX -1.5%, GILD -.6%, INHX n/c, NVAX -1.2%, SIGA -.5%, SVA -.8%

Other Biotech
Winners: CPD +7.4%, NBIX +10.5%, VICL +4%, PRAN +52%
Losers: ANDS -5%, DSCO -5.1%, HEB -8.4%, QGLY -4.2%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX, SIRI, XOMA

Mkt Flat, Stem Cells Mixed Thursday 7.09

Thursday 7.09.09: Dow +5@8183, NAS +5@1753, SP +3@883

The market was basically flat today, up slightly, with stem cells mostly up mixed. GERN and DNDN reversed back up today.

Stem Cell Stocks (16 up, 14 down, 2 n/c)
Big Winners: ASTM +5%, CRIS +5.3%, DNDN +3.8%, MEDX +5%, CUR +6.5%, OPXA +12.1%, OSTE +16%
Big Losers: AMGN -2.3%, AVII -2.3%, PSTI -7.8%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII -2.3%, BCRX -2.1%, DVAX +2.4%, GILD -.5%, INHX n/c, NVAX -4%, SIGA +.3%, SVA -.3%

Other Biotech
Winners: ANDS +10.3%, CBI +8.4%, CRME +4.3%, EXAS +5.6%, HEB +12.5%, HGSI +6.3%, JAZZ +6.1%, MEDX +5%, RPRX +4.5%, TRIB +4.5%
Losers: ADLR -5%, AGEN -3.7%, CLDX -4.6%, DSCO -9.1%, NVGN -18.1%, OXGN -6%, QGLY -4.9%, SGMO -4.5%

Among penny biotechs: ASB -19%, BPUR +45%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX, SIRI, XOMA

Mkt Flat, Stem Cells Down on Wednesday 7.08

Wednesday 7.08.09: Dow +15(.2%) @8178, NAS +1@1747, SP500 -1.5@880

The market was flat today, stem cells mostly down. NVGN surged another 31% on top of yesterday leap of 37%.

Stem Cell Stocks (8 up, 24 down)
Big Winners: ABT +2.1%, AFFX +2.8%, AMGN +14%
Big Losers: AVII -17%, DNDN -5.4%, OPXA -7.5%, OSIR -8.9%, OSTE -8.9%, SQNM -5.4%, STEM -4.3%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII -17%, BCRX -4.8%, DVAX -2.4%, GILD -.6%, INHX -4.2%, NVAX -4.6%, SIGA -5.1%, SVA -5%

Other Biotech
Winners: NVGN +31%, ADLR +4.7%
Losers: ANDS -12.7%, CBI -9.3%, CTIC -9.6%, DSCO -6.4%, HEB -10.3%, HGSI -7.4%, JAZZ -10.2%, MED -8%, OXGN -10.7%, RPRX -7%, SGMO -6.5%, SPPI -7.1%, TRIB -8.6%, VICL -9%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX, SIRI, XOMA

Mkt Reverses, Down Big Tuesday 7.07, also Biotech

Tuesday 7.07.09: Dow -161(-1.9%) @8164, NAS -41(-2.3%) @1746, SP500 -18(-2%) @881

The market started out down and the selling increased toward the close. The falling price of oil is now getting blamed, along with weak forecasts of any type of economic recovery. Stem cell stocks followed, with only 8 up, 24 down. GERN broke its winning streak, falling 3%.

Stem Cell Stocks (8 up, 24 down)
Big Winners: SQNM +10.1%, PSTI +9.4%
Big Losers: ASTM -6.1%, AFFX -3.8%, ALXN -3.7%, CRA -3.9%, CRIS -5.5%, CYTX -7.4%, CUR -7.9%, GERN -3.5%, NUVA -3%, STEM -3%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII -3.1%, BCRX -6.4%, DVAX +.8%, GILD -1.2%, INHX +4.4%, NVAX -5.7%, SIGA +3%, SVA +1.5%

Other Biotech
Winners: DYAX +7.5%, JAZZ +16%, NVGN +37%, RPRX +7.6%, SPPI +4.3%, TRIB +4.5%, VICL +7.2%
Losers: AGEN -5.6%, ALNY -4.6%, ANDS -4%, CBI -4.7%, CRIS -5.5%, CTIC -5.2%, HEB -5.1%, HGSI -4.4%, INSM -5.1%, QGLY -4.3%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX, SIRI, XOMA

Mkt Rebounds, Stem Cells Mixed on Monday 7.06

Monday 7.06.09: Dow +44(.5%) @8325, NAS -9(.5%) @1787, SP500 +2.3(.26%) @879

A drop of around $4 overnight in oil had the market open down around 75 pts or 1%, but the market reversed from the morning drop to 8205 and ratcheted up all day to close up a half percent, but the tech-heavy Nasdaq remained negative. Stem cell stocks were mostly down, but again on low volume. GERN continued up, adding another 3.4% on 2x volume. DNDN had its price target raised to $50 by an analyst, sending it up 4.3% during the day, another 2.5% after hours (last time we checked) after Jon Najarian on Fast Money said he liked it here as a takeover candidate.

Stem Cell Stocks (13 up, 18 down, 1 n/c)
Big Winners: BEC +2%, DNDN +4.3%, GERN +3.4%
Big Losers: ASTM -3.3%, AFFX -4%, ATHX -9%, CYTX -4.1%, SQNM -5.9%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +1.9%, BCRX +2.4%, DVAX -5.4%, GILD -.3%, INHX n/c, NVAX -3.1%, SIGA -.5%, SVA -.25%

Other Biotech (again more big losers overall)
Winners: ANIK +4%, DVA +4.8%, DYAX +14.5%, KVA +4.4%, MED +5.7%

Losers: AGEN -6.7%, CBI -10.3%, CLDX -4.7%, DCTH -4.3%, DSCO -9.4%, EXAX -4.9%, HEB -7.5%, HGSI -6.3%, JAXX -5%, SPPI -16.9%, TGX -10.9%

Heavy Volume: DSCO, DVA, ELN, GERN, ILMN, INSM, PDLI, RGEN, SPPI (5x)

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX, SIRI, XOMA

Study Sees Link with Cancer and Stem Cells

Research on telomerase at Stanford, something which Geron has been involved with since its inception (late 80's), since telomerase is instrumental in cellular aging and this was Geron's first research.

Link between cancer and stem cells

Mkt and Stem Cells Down Big Thursday 7.02

Thursday 7.02.09: Dow -213(-2.5%) @8291, NAS -49(-2.7%) @1797, SP500 -26(-2.8%) @897

A worse than expected jobs report sent the market reeling all day in a holiday shortened week. Stem cells had their worst day since we've been tracking: 2 up, GERN was one, with 30 down. GERN pulled back yesterday after a 15% pop on Wednesday, so it bucked the market one more time, rising 3%. ELN was up 8.6%, as Pete Najarian on Fast Money sees lots of call option activity there and think's "where there's smoke, there's fire."

Stem Cell Stocks (2 up, 30 down)
Big Winners: GERN +3%, PSTI +.8% (only .01)
Big Losers: AFFX -9.2%, CRA -4.3%, DNDN -4.3%, GHDX -4.6%, CUR -5.1%, OPXA -11%, OSTE -9.7%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII -2.5%, BCRX +1.7%, DVAX -2.3%, GILD -1.6%, INHX -2.5%, NVAX -.3%, SIGA -3.9%, SVA -.5%

Other Biotech
Winners: DYAX +6.7%, ELN +8.6%, QGLY +6.7% (what winners?)

Losers:ALKS -5.3%, ALNY -5.2%, ANDS +6.5%, DCTH -7.4%, DSCO -52% (on 10x Vol), GTXI -5.6%, ILMN -12.3%, IRIS -5.8%, ISTA -5.9%, KNDL -5.2%, MED -7.6%, NBIX -6.3%, ONCY -5.5%, RPRX -12.7%, VPHM -4.95%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX, SIRI, XOMA

Mkt Up, Stem Cells Flat on Wednesday 7.01

Wednesday 7.01.09: Dow +57(.7%) @8504, NAS +10.7(.6%) @1846, SP500 +4(.44%) @923

The market gave back triple-digit gains but still finished up around a half percent. Stem cells were mixed; GERN and NVAX gave back some of yesterday's big gains.

Stem Cell Stocks (14 up, 18 down)
Big Winners: CYTX +3.6%, CUR +13.5%, OSTE +7.7%
Big Losers: ALXN -3.8%, CRIS -3.1%, GERN -3.1%, OPXA -6%, PSTI -5.1%, SQNM -5.1%

Swine Flu Stocks
AVII +1.3%, BCRX +.3%, DVAX +2.3%, GILD -.02%, INHX +2.6%, NVAX -11.3%, SIGA +.5%, SVA +.8%

Other Biotech
Winners: BIIB +3.6%, CLSN +3.9%, CPD +7.2%, CRME +4.6%, DCTH +5.9%, ELN +9.9%, HEB +3.2%, HSKA +5.4%, IG +7%, ISTA +5.2%, JAZZ +7.3%, KVA +3.7%, MAXY +6.7%, MEDX +4.2%, NBIX +3.1%, NEOG +3.5%, NTII +3.7%, ONSM +3%, PARD +11.6%, PGNX +3.5%, SCLN +8.6%, SNY +2.9%

Losers: AGEN -5.7%, ALXN -3.8%, ANX -3.5%, BPAX -5%, CEGE -4.1%, CERS -7.8%, ENMD -4.1%, FMTI -11.1%, GTCB -5.3%, GTXI -3.9%, NEXM -19.2%, RPRX -31% (20x vol), SPPI -13.9%, SQNM -5%, VICL -7.8%, VRTX -3.9%

Disclosure: long BGU (3x long R1000), long GERN, NVAX, SIRI, XOMA