Catalyst Watch – Vol. 2, Edition 20 (6/20/14)

Below are current tactical and strategic thoughts on approaching FDA and clinical trial catalysts for select names. Estimates, values and views are as of the date published (or are noted), are subject to potential future, pre-catalyst revision and are not intended as investment recommendations. Please read our Disclaimer: (1) Catalyst Watch List: Updates No updates […]

Catalyst Watch – Vol. 2, Edition 10 (4/4/14)

Below are current tactical and strategic thoughts on approaching FDA and clinical trial catalysts for select names. Estimates, values and views are as of the date published (or are noted), are subject to potential future, pre-catalyst revision and are not intended as investment recommendations. Please read our Disclaimer: (1) Catalyst Watch List – Update: CYTK: […]

Quick Take on GERN Clinical Hold

Geron announced this morning the FDA had placed a clinical hold on its lead drug Imetelstat. While the agency cited only trials in ET, PV, and MM, the company also expects a delay in its key Phase II MF study- originally set to begin mid-year. Shares plunged from $4.40 to as low as $1.39, but […]

GERN- A Speculative Trade

To be clear, I’m not a big fan of Geron. However, upcoming events provide an interesting, although somewhat risky trading opportunity. The telomerase inhibitor imetelstat has demonstrated activity in the myeloproliferative disorders essential thrombosis and myelofibrosis. Geron is now planning a company sponsored P2 in MF set to begin around June; data may become available […]

Week’s Option Activity (12/27 ~ 1/9)

The following stocks had notable activity in their options during the past week(s): $GERN (12/27): 663 JUN 5.0 strike Calls (stock at $5.10) were purchased for 1.40 or total cost of $92,820. Buyer makes money if stock trades above $6.40 by June expiration. $CHTP (12/31): 5,500 JAN 4.0 strike Puts (stock at $4.40) were purchased […]

Week’s Option Activity (12/2~12/9)

The following stocks had notable activity in their options during the past week: $XOMA (12/2): 2,000 MAR 5.0 Strike Calls (stock at $4.78) were purchased for 1.30 or $260,000 total cost. Buyer makes money if stock trades above $6.30 by March expiration. $ETRM (12/5): 1,500 JAN 2.50 Strike Calls (stock at $1.94) were sold for […]

December 2 Biotech Update- Getting Ready for ASH

Last week ended well for biotechs and today was a little more of the same with perhaps some consolidation. News has been relatively limited as most traders/investors/general biotech followers are gearing up for ASH. I will be heading down on Friday and staying through Tuesday, which means there will not be any updates this Friday, […]

Quick take on Geron’s Imetelstat abstract

Today we finally got a glimpse at the ongoing investigator sponsored study of Geron (GERN) imetelstat in myelofibrosis. We have previously discussed this program here. The abstract can be found here. An oral presentation is scheduled for Monday, December 9th at 4:45 PM. The study was carried out by Dr. Tefferi at the Mayo Clinic. […]

ASH 2013 Preview on Myelofibrosis

This year’s annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH13) is highly anticipated for a number of reasons. With the general market for the healthcare/biotech sector at all-time highs on the backs of Pharmacyclic’s Ibrutinib (stock is up 1000% since ASH11), Celgene’s Revlimid (~67% of their $6.3B 2013 revenue) and Amgen’s $10.6B deal for […]

Week’s Option Activity (9/16~9/20)

The following stocks had notable activity in their options during the past week: $GERN (9/17): 5,000 OCT 2.00 strike Puts (stock at $2.26) were purchased for 0.14 or $70,000. This appears to be an opening trade where the buyer makes money if the shares trade below $1.86 by expiration. This could also be a long […]

GERN – Quick Take on Geron

Geron shares have run up substantially in recent days on speculation of positive results for its telomerase inhibitor imetelstat in an investigator sponsored study for the treatment of myelofibrosis. During the August 8th Q2 conference call, management noted the second 11 patient cohort had completed enrollment and met the pre-specified criteria of at least 2 […]

Week’s Option Activity (7/23~7/27)

The following stocks had notable activity in their options during the past week: $XOMA (7/23): 2,000 SEP/OCT 5.0 strike Call Time spreads (stock at $5.08) were bought for 0.35 or $70,000 net debit. The SEP 5.0 strike Calls were sold for 0.60 ($120,000 proceeds) and the SEP 5.0 strike Calls were bought for 0.95 ($190,000 […]

Week’s Option Activity (6/3~6/7)

The following stocks had notable activity in their options during the past week: $AFFY (6/3): 3,000 JAN14 2.0 strike Calls were purchased (stock at $2.08) for a debit of 0.45 or $135,000. Buyer makes money if stock is greater than $2.45 by expiration. Stock was subsequently de-listed from the NASDAQ on June 6. Oops. $CHTP […]