Replies to post #2687 on Biotech Values

[rstor1]

+++I wonder why Merck would choose to enter the race so late in this way, given the problems associated with monthly intravitreal injections.+++

This is a low-risk partnership for them. 20 mil is not a lot of money for them (and the full amount is not even guaranteed.) Their real expenditures will come if they choose to develop it, and they will only go with it if it looks to be successful. I'm sure that part of that decision will be an assessment of the competitive landscape at that time. Small downside, potential for good upside.

Besides, who knows if they are not thinking of them as a potential acquisition down the road, and this deal just brings them closer.

Bob

[DewDiligence]

>> I wonder if pharma is skeptical about Squalamine's MOA, and long term effects. <<

It doesn’t help that two of the other AMD candidates which are attempting (or have attempted) systemic delivery, OXGN’s CA4P and REGN’s VEGF-Trap, have fared poorly. Perhaps there is some guilt by association in play here.

[drbio45]

I wonder if pharma is skeptical about Squalamine's MOA, and long term effects. One could postulate pharma is waiting on more conclusive Phase II results. Pharma could be in 'convince me' mode and maybe GENR management doesn't want to deal yet, and feel they can negotiate a more lucrative deal with interim Phase II results

Frankly as I think bob said it is a low risk partnership for merck being only 20 million

I believe if genr shows the same kind of numbers in their small phase 2 that they showed in Mexico merck will be back in the game. they just entered this partnership if they lose squalamine.

roy is probably waiting for this confirmation trial to be done so he can get more money and make believers out of everyone.

If REGn could get 150 million so can genr. But it will take a few months