FDA Approves Avanir and Forest Labs Treatments for PBA and Bacterial Infections

FDA Ends October With Drug Approvals

BOSTON (TheStreet) -- U.S. regulators ended October with two drug approvals, clearing an antibiotic from Forest Labs(FRX_) and a first-time treatment for a neurological disorder developed by Avanir Pharmaceuticals(AVNR).

Investors are still waiting on the fate of Biodel's (BIOD) fast-acting insulin Linjeta. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration was expected to issue an approval decision Friday, but the news could come Monday.

October was a busy but tough month for new drug approvals at the FDA. Regulators rejected seven new drugs, including a diabetes drug from Amylin Pharmaceuticals (AMLN) and weight-loss drugs from Arena Pharmaceuticals (ARNA) and Vivus (VVUS), respectively.

The FDA approved four drugs: the two mentioned above plus drugs from Questcor Pharmaceuticals(QCOR) and Alkermes (ALKS).

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The Forest Labs (FRX) injectable antibiotic Teflaro approved Friday will be used to treat patients with pneumonia and bacterial skin infections, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureu, or MRSA.

Avanir and Exact Sciences Crash in Afterhours Trading

Exact Sciences (EXAS)  has crashed steadily since yesterday's close of 8.57.  It has slumped to the 6.90 range after yesterday announcing Positive Study News.  Unfortunately, this is just a study which will lead into a lengthy clinical trial that will cost money.  I think investors have been misled by this news and now they don't know what to do and are panicking.  Hey Stop Panicking.

Exact's stock is rated a buy and will soon return to the 9-10 range in a few months and could skyrocket to 13 with Positive Clinical Trial News.  There really is no quick buck when it comes to stock investing.  It happens, and it can happen, but more times than not, these things take time. 

On other news Avanir's Stock (AVNR) has declined sharply in afterhours saying they have not heard from the FDA and is anticipating news concerning their approval for psuedobulbar affect.  I am expecting a CRL from the FDA and no approval and this would be devastating to Avanir Shareholders.  But it could get approved.  It does have a fighting chance. 

In other news Vivus receives a CRL for Qnexa and the share price has gone up.  That one I really don't get but investors sometimes don't know what they are getting themselves into.  Sure if approved it would be monumental, but I don't see that happening anytime soon.  Vivus' shares are up 26.43% at 7.75.  Today it gained 1.62 points.  I don't see this ride ending well for investors but what do I know.  I am baffled at the stock market right now.

Wikinvest--Exact Sciences (EXAS)
Wikinvest--Avanir (AVNR)
Wikinvest--Vivus (VVUS)

Avanir’s STAR trial gives clarity to the FDA for Oct 30th Decision.

Repost of Seeking Alpha Article on AVNR. Avanir has an upcoming FDA recommendation decision date on Oct. 30. We will see if they stick with that actual date for a Spooky Halloween Trade.

By: Sheff Station

Avanir’s STAR trial gives clarity to the FDA for Oct 30th Decision.

Jul 30, 2010 2:14 AM | about stocks: AVNR, ALXA, ARNA

In early 2006 AVNR filed a drug application for Zenvia. They had filed a submission for Zenvia with the 30/30 dose combination. Two Phase III studies demonstrated safety & efficacy of Zenvia in PBA as well as 10 clinical trials. Priority review was received from the FDA as they acknowledged it’s a disorder with a high unmet medical need. In late 2006 AVNR received an approvable letter from the FDA.

Market Thoughts for Wednesday August 11th

The market took a hammering today but some stocks actually performed or are now great buys. The DOW Industrial average DIJA is closing sharply lower today at 10379. That's a 265 drop from yesterdays close of 10644 and a 2.49% decline as Global Fear strikes domestic and foreign markets.

Today's top performers in BioPharma for August 11th.

Biotech

BioPharma List for Wednesday August 11th

Stocks that I will be following for the near future. Yesterday's market was down heavy due to the FED's recommendation but we will see how the market recovers Wednesday. The FED acknowledged the economy needs help and was cashing in mortgage securities into long-term treasury notes.

Here are stocks I am currently following for Wednesday and interested by near future events.

1. BSD Medical BSDM

Three Extreme FDA Medical Device / Diagnostic Trades
by: Mike Havrilla June 03, 2010