Replies to post #168568 on Biotech Values

[ghmm]

Protalix / Oral Delivery of Enzymes:

I've become reinterested in the company and am considering another closer look. I saw their PR about the Oral Gaucher drug I would be cautious at this stage especially on saying if its applicable on a broad scale perhaps its because I was burned :-) (by Altus which I thought had a potentially technology to do similar). They do have a cheap production system which (now that they have an approval) is quite interesting in and of itself. I have to take a closer look at their capital structure/financial I recall not finding them particularly attractive and they've diluted even more since.

[biotech jim]

The oral delivery of proteins data by Protalix looks reasonable to me.

I have not followed Protalix, but I did look at the slides, from 49 and beyond showing the relevant data. The data set is substantial and significant for the initial proof of concept. I will look into this further, but to me some initial questions would be:

1. What is the amount of cellular plant material given to result in efficacious ERT enxyme levels in blood.

2. What is the toxicology path as directed by the FDA for this type of oral material?

3. In primates, has any sensitization seen to date for the ingested materials upon multiple repeat dosings over a substantial time period?


I do know Roche has some different technology ongoing to address the oral delivery problem also.

[jq1234]

PLX's PRX112: I thought it was underappreciated. From press release:

Presence of an enzyme was detected in patients' blood circulation and the enzyme demonstrated biological activity. In addition, some of the patients who suffered from thrombocytopenia and had low platelet counts demonstrated a meaningful improvement in platelet count. Accordingly, the trial has been extended to enroll and evaluate additional Gaucher patients with low platelet counts. The amended study is expected to conclude during the fourth quarter of 2013. Additional data from the phase I study will be presented at the 10th Annual WORLD Symposium, February 10-13, 2014 in San Diego, CA.

It showed the oral delivery has activity after 4 doses (1 single dose plus 3 consecutive daily dose). I am looking forward to the data presentation in Feb.