Biotech Business Daily (AMLN, CERS, LLY, DNA, GTOP, IMCL)

Amylin Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: AMLN) reported first quarter losses of $68.8 million, or $0.51 EPS, wider than the $49.4 million in the first quarter of 2007. Losses are credited to a drop in sales in diabetes treatment, Byetta, a drug they co-market with Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY), and increased expenses. Analysts estimated losses of $0.47 EPS. Shares are down over 8% to $28.83 on a 52-week range of $23.75 to $53.25.

Cerus Corporation (NASDAQ: CERS) up on news that the company can expand label claims on platelets and plasma treated with the INTERCEPT Blood System. The System prevents transfusion-associated disease, TA-GVHD. The label expansion allows use of the System over gamma irradiation in European blood banks for TA-GVHD prevention, decreasing costs to blood banks and increasing safety. Shares of Cerus are up almost 5% to $6.75. The 52-week range is $4.18 to $10.29.

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) doubled profits, tagging a first quarter profit of $1.1 billion on a 14% sales increase. However, although doubling, they failed to meet Street estimates. Sales of depression drug Cymbalta rose 37% while sales of Zyprexa were flat and Byetta rose less than expected. The company raised its full-year guidance. Shares are down $2.26 to $49.81 on a 52-week range of $46.60 to $61.00.

Genentech (NYSE: DNA) released updated data on Avastin for the treatment of lung cancer. Results showed increased progression-free survival but not overall lung cancer survival rates. The already approved treatment in conjunction with chemotherapy is fighting for market share in the highly competitive market for this treatment. Shares are down $0.72 to $72 on a 52-week range of $65.35 to $82.90.

Genitope Corp (NASDAQ: GTOP) plummeting as GE Capital Corp. demanded payment on $3.8 million in loans last Friday. The company’s list of troubles is endless—failing Phase III testing, laying off 165 of 200 employees, salary cuts…and the latest failure to repay debts. Shares are down 16% today to $0.15, a new low. The 52-week range is $0.16 to $4.93.

ImClone (NASDAQ: IMCL) up on news that lung cancer competitor Genentech released disappointing late stage data on Avastin. ImClone’s similar drug, Erbitux, is currently in clinical trials. Shares are up $1.68 to $47.83, near 52 week highs. The 52-week range is $30.34 to $47.94.

Rachel Lopez
April 21, 2008