Replies to post #86073 on Biotech Values

[nuere]

XOMA
There are several "anti IL-1 beta" molecules out there and one, IL-1RA (Anakinra) is a true antagonist, i.e. it competes with IL-1 beta at the type I IL-1 receptor. Novartis recently got their anti IL-1 beta mAb, Ilaris (canakinumab), approved for a very small indication, Cryopyrin Associated Periodic Syndromes (CAPS).
Regeneron and Amgen are also in the game with IL-1 TRAP and AMG 108, respectively.
IL-1 beta has been shown to be a very interesting target in diabetes and cardiovascular disease and side effects of blocking IL-1 beta signalling should be relatively mild. Possibly you will be more prone to infections. Anakinra has been used in RA for some time and there are no sign of a "Tysabri risk"..
Xoma 052 appears to be a very good anti IL-1 beta mAb and XOMA is at least as far as Novartis in the diabetes indication and they recently announced they are pursuing "cardio" as well.
I'm heavily invested in XOMA.