Replies to post #1740 on GTC Biotherapeutics (fka GTCB)

[DewDiligence]

>Why if they already have alpha-1-antitrypsin being produced in sufficient quantities, then why would it take several years to even develop a phase I study?<

This is a case where word choice matters: what GTC actually said (on page 4 of the latest 10K) is that AAT is being produced in significant quantities, which is not the same thing as sufficient quantities.

There’s a lot of work that needs to go into preparing for a phase-1 study. Were GTC not busy with ATryn, the AAT program could presumably be readied for phase-1 more quickly, but I see nothing unusual about the guidance that preparatory work in AAT will continue during 2007 and 2008.

To be determined later is whether GTC will pursue AAT independently or as part of the JV with LFB. The negotiations on this will presumably eat up at least a few months and thereby push back the start of phase-1 to some degree.

>Relatively speaking, is albumin at a price level that is somewhat affordable that GTC does not find this as profitable venture to pursue?<

Please see #msg-13849800 for speculation why the albumin program has been canned. Regards, Dew

[biopearl]

I missed the info regarding increasing the herd for the Merrimack program, where was that said? Thank you and best regards, bp Also my last post re Enbrel might be of interst to some...

[DewDiligence]

Dr Cox mentioned the current AAT yield on the Cowen webcast: 20g/l.