Biotech Business Daily (CHTP, CRXL, LLY, IOMI, MEDX, TRCA)

Chelsea Therapeutics International, Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHTP) falling today after first quarter earnings showed wider losses than first quarter 2007. Net loss was $8.7 million compared to a loss of $3.8 million in 2007. The wider loss was driven primarily through increased research and development expenses. Shares are down $0.44, or 8%, at $4.69. The 52-week range is $4.45 to $8.41.

Crucell NV (NASDAQ: CRXL) up today after cutting its net loss in half, posting $13.2 million in losses. The company has $120 million in new contracts for pediatric vaccine Quinvaxem to look forward to in the next two years. Revenues are on track to meet guidance. Also, the company announced this morning that Phase II testing of rabies monoclonal antibody combination product will begin in the Philipines. The product has already commenced testing in the U.S. Shares are up over 8% at $19.43 in mid-day trading. The 52-week range is $12.76 to $24.81.

Eli Lilly & Co. (NYSE: LLY) announced a partnership with TopCoder today, allowing Eli Lilly to outsource complex drug discovery through complex technology processes to the software developer. Shares are down less than 1% at $47.82. The 52-week range is $46.60 to $60.00.

Iomai Corporation (NASDAQ: IOMI) is soaring to new highs today after receiving a $189 million offer yesterday from vaccine maker Intercell AG which trades on the Vienna exchange. The offer of $6.60 per share is a 126% premium to the closing share price Monday of $2.92. As a result of the acquisition, Intercell will have full rights to Iomai’s diarrhea vaccine set to enter Phase III trials in early 2009. Shares are up a whopping 116% at $6.33 in mid-day trading on extremely high relative trading volume. The 52-week range for the biotech company is $0.70 to $4.70.

Medarex Inc. (NASDAQ: MEDX) received a boost after the company was upgraded by Needham & Co. to "Buy" from "Hold." Shares are up $0.56, or almost 8%, at $7.59. The 52-week range is $6.88 to $ 18.23.

Tercica Inc. (NASDAQ: TRCA) dropping over 15% today after posting wider net losses yesterday. The endocrine health biotech company generated a net loss of $17.5 million for the quarter, compared to a net loss of $12.4 million in the first quarter of 2007. Shares down $0.77 at $4.22 in early morning trading. The 52-week range is $4.27 to $8.11.

Rachel Lopez
May 12, 2008