Here’s Who Just Picked Up Sino Agro Food Inc. (OTCMKTS:SIAF) Shares
In a just published Form 13, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Sino Agro Food Inc. (OTCMKTS:SIAF) reported that Forsakringsaktiebolaget Avanza Pension has picked up 2,778,385 of common stock as of 2017-02-06.
The acquisition brings the aggregate amount owned by Forsakringsaktiebolaget Avanza Pension to a total of 2,778,385 representing a 12.95% stake in the company.
For those not familiar with the company, Sino Agro Food, Inc. is an agriculture technology and natural food holding company. The Company acquires and maintains equity stakes in a portfolio of companies to produce, distribute, market and sell protein food, and produce, primarily seafood and cattle. It provides consulting and services to joint venture partners to construct and operate food businesses, producing wholesale fish and cattle. It operates in five segments: Fishery Development Division operated by Capital Award, Inc. and Jiang Men City A Power Fishery Development Co., Limited; HU Plantation Division operated by Jiang Men City Heng Sheng Tai Agriculture Development Co., Limited; Organic Fertilizer and Bread Grass Division operated by Qinghai Sanjiang A Power Agriculture Co., Limited and Qinghai Zhong He Meat Products Co., Limited, among others; Cattle Farm Development Division operated by Jiang Men City Hang Mei Cattle Farm Development Co. Limited and Macau Eiji Company Limited, and Corporate and Others Division.
A glance at Sino Agro Food Inc. (OTCMKTS:SIAF)’s key stats reveals a current market capitalization of 77.24 million based on 21.46 million shares outstanding and a price at last close of $3.60 per share.
Looking at insider activity, there are a few transactions worth noting.
Specifically, on 2016-01-21, Tiusanen picked up 2,500 at a purchase price of $9.14. This brings their total holding to 5,000 as of the date of the filing.
On the sell side, the most recent transaction saw Sandberg unload 10,000 shares at a sale price of $4.85. This brings their total holding to 76,949.
It’s possible to gauge a company’s potential by tracking the activity of its major holders, as well as checking in on insider activity such as those transactions listed above. We’ll be keeping an eye on Sino Agro Food Inc. (OTCMKTS:SIAF) as things move forward to see if its progress aligns with these transactions.
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Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (NASDAQ:PACB) is Attracting Smart Money
In a just published Form 13, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (NASDAQ:PACB) reported that Feinberg Larry N. has picked up 5,516,894 of common stock as of 2017-02-06.
The acquisition brings the aggregate amount owned by Feinberg Larry N. to a total of 5,516,894 representing a 5.95% stake in the company.
For those not familiar with the company, Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc. designs, develops and manufactures sequencing systems to help scientists resolve genetically complex problems. The Company’s Single Molecule, Real-Time (SMRT) technology enables single molecule, real-time detection of biological processes. Based on its SMRT technology, the Company has introduced the PacBio RS II System. It offers The SMRT Cell, Phospholinked nucleotides and The PacBio RS II and Sequel instruments. Based on the Company’s SMRT sequencing technology, its products enable de novo genome assembly to finish genomes in order to identify, annotate and decipher genomic structures; full-length transcript analysis to improve annotations in reference genomes, characterize alternatively spliced isoforms and find genes; targeted sequencing to characterize genetic variations, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) base modification identification to help characterize epigenetic regulation and DNA damage.
A glance at Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (NASDAQ:PACB)’s key stats reveals a current market capitalization of 434.67 million based on 92.60 million shares outstanding and a price at last close of $4.78 per share.
Looking at insider activity, there are a few transactions worth noting.
Specifically, on 2016-09-01, Phillips picked up 3,147 at a purchase price of $4.07. This brings their total holding to 187,710 as of the date of the filing.
On the sell side, the most recent transaction saw Phillips unload 20,000 shares at a sale price of $8.44. This brings their total holding to 181,449.
It’s possible to gauge a company’s potential by tracking the activity of its major holders, as well as checking in on insider activity such as those transactions listed above. We’ll be keeping an eye on Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (NASDAQ:PACB) as things move forward to see if its progress aligns with these transactions.
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Here Are The Next Major Catalysts To Watch From VBI Vaccines, Inc. – Ordinary Shares (NASDAQ:VBIV)
VBI Vaccines, Inc. – Ordinary Shares (NASDAQ:VBIV) has had a strong start to 2017, currently trading for a circa 22% premium on it’s December close price. For this young biotechnology company, however, things are really only just getting started. With a diverse pipeline of development stage assets, and a commercial product poised for expansion in to two of the largest global markets, VBI has a spate of near term catalysts that promise to inject some upside momentum into its market capitalization if they come out as favorable.
In anticipation of these catalysts hitting press, here’s a look at each one individually, and an analysis of why (and to what degree) we expect it to move the company’s share price.
For those new to VBI, let’s kick things off with a quick introduction to the company. We’ve already noted it’s a biotechnology entity, and its primary focus is in developing assets related to the vaccine space. Right now, its lead programs are a hepatitis B vaccine called Sci-B-Vac; a cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine called VBI-1501A; a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) immuno-oncology candidate called VBI-1901; and a vaccine stability platform that promises has the potential to dramatically reduce the cost of vaccine transportation and storage. Secondary programs include vaccines in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Zika, as well as an immuno-oncology asset targeting medulloblastoma.
We are going to go into a number of these assets in a little more detail shortly when we look at the catalysts.
Before doing so, however, a short note on institutional interest.
For a company of its size (a $150 million market capitalization as of end January 2017), VBI has attracted an unusually high caliber of institutional interest and big name backers. Through Opko Health Inc. (NASDAQ:OPK), billionaire biotechnology entrepreneur, and the focus of a feature in January’s print edition of Forbes Magazine, Dr. Philip Frost, owns 25% of the company. Joseph Edelmen, a recent addition to Institutional Investor’s Hedge Fund Rich List having earned $300 million during 2015, through his biotechnology fund Perceptive Advisors, owns 15.8% of VBI.
With that noted, let’s move on to the catalysts.
The first event of note is rooted in the CMV vaccine. VBI kicked off a phase I study investigating safety and efficacy of the vaccine in 128 patients in September 2016. The study spread sites across three locations in Canada, and aimed to determine the immunogenicity of the drug in question, the above mentioned VBI-1501A.
CMV is generally a silent virus, meaning that the majority of those infected don’t display any symptoms. In certain sub-populations of those infected, however, it can be very serious. The virus can cause serious disease in newborns when a mother is infected during pregnancy; what is known as congenital CMV infection. Each year, approximately 5,000 U.S. infants will develop permanent problems due to CMV, some of them severe, including deafness, blindness, and mental retardation. Economic costs associated with the infection total $2 billion annually in the US, and the virus affects more live births than both Down’s Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Right now, there’s no commercially available vaccine, and VBI is working to fill this large unmet need in the US. Interim data from the immunogenicity phase I study that the company initiated in December was initially reported to be scheduled for release during the first half of 2017. However, VBI now expects to report this data during the first quarter of the year. This represents the next catalyst for the company. Data from an animal study demonstrated efficacy of 95% 28 days post-second vaccination (the interim data will also report on post-second vaccination efficacy) so there’s a decent chance this catalyst should come out in favor of the company. If it does, it opens up the potential for a big name partnership on the vaccine.
The second catalyst we’re watching for relates to the hepatitis B vaccine, Sci-B-Vac.
This vaccine is currently available as a next generation hepatitis B vaccine in fifteen countries and currently has 50% market share in Israel, where approximately 500,000 patients have been dosed since the vaccine picked up regulatory approval in the region. It’s a third generation vaccine designed to build on both the safety and the immunogenicity of the currently available assets, and VBI has a strong bank of data that points to an improvement over current standard of care in both instances.
VBI generates revenues from the hepatitis B product right now, but the real potential is rooted in the US and European markets. Driven primarily by increasing immigration from medium and high-prevalence countries, growth in the hepatitis B therapeutics space will center in the US, Canada, the UK, France and Germany over the next half decade. Research puts the annual size of the market at $3.5 billion by 2021.
The company is looking to these regions, and especially the above mentioned US and European markets, to boost its top line going forward, and we should see VBI move a step closer to commercialization in these regions near term. Specifically, the company expects to kick off a phase III in Europe during the second quarter of this year, and this should be sufficient to underpin an application in both the US and Europe. Peak sales forecasts in these two regions come in at $200 million annually, so an approval in one or both will inject a considerable amount of upside momentum into VBI as and when they are announced.
These are just the primary, near term catalysts; those that we see as dictating sentiment (and in turn, valuation) between now and the second half of 2017. As the company’s remaining pipeline matures, we expect secondary catalysts to come in to play, and boost VBI outside of the CMV and hepatitis indications.
Looking finally at financials, VBI reported revenues of $300,000 during the third quarter of 2016 (the latest reported numbers) and just closed on a $23.6 million financing with the above discussed Perceptive Advisors. As such, while the company will likely need to raise cash at some point between now and its pipeline reaching full maturation, we don’t see it as a near term risk.
Easton Pharmaceuticals Inc (OTCMKTS:EAPH) to Acquire iBliss Inc
Easton Pharmaceuticals Inc (OTCMKTS:EAPH) shares were up 19.21% to $0.0391 and flat in after-hours trading. Share prices have been trading in a 52-week range of $0.00 to $0.04. The company has a market cap of $39.61 million at 923.73 million shares outstanding.
Easton Pharmaceuticals Inc is a development-stage company engaged in various pharmaceutical sectors and others industries. It has a transdermal delivery technology called Viorra Delivery Matrix or VDM, which is incorporated in a line of therapeutic over-the-counter products.
Aside from that, the company also owns topically-delivered drugs and therapeutic/cosmetic healthcare products focused on cancer and other health problems geared towards female sexual dysfunction, wound healing, pain, motion sickness and other conditions. These products are in various stages of commercialization, including Nauseasol, which is a motion sickness gel; Skin Renou HA, which is an anti-aging wrinkle cream; Kenestrin Gel, which is a is a pain relief gel; Viorra, which serves as an aid to the relief of female sexual arousal disorder ; XILIVE, which is an early-stage cancer drug, and FSAD drug, which includes a water-based complex polymer matrix.
This week, Easton Pharmaceuticals Inc shared that it has signed a letter of intent to acquire 100% of revenue producing vaporizer manufacturer iBliss Inc of Canada. iBliss is a major vaporizer and e-liquids manufacturer that is enjoying strong international sales projected to conservatively reach and surpass $15,000,000 per year fairly quickly. With these sales, the company is able to make healthy margins in excess of 40%. It has sales in North America and recently adding several international markets in Europe, the Middle East and Russia which has it on track to reach $15,000,000 in sales.
We are very excited to be entering into this Agreement with Easton. With the support of Easton’s management, we will be able to continue our success and rapidly expand our sales internationally and launch our consumer health products through our e-liquids” stated iBliss President, Hung Tran.
Under this acquisition, iBliss will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Easton Pharmaceuticals and will be separate from its other business segments such it’s woman’s diagnostics, treatment and natural health products. After all, Easton Pharmaceuticals has a distribution agreement with multi-national pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter and its Mexican subsidiary company Gedeon Richter Mexico S.A.P.I. de C.V. The companies are still expected to iron out more details of the acquisition in the coming weeks but the letter of intent marks the first step in their partnership.
Shares of Easton Pharmaceuticals have been on a tear since October last year, as volumes and investor interest picked up. This marked a strong upside breakout from the consolidation for the most part of the year before the bullish run ensued. For now, though, price could still make a pullback to the nearby $0.03 mark before heading further north.
DISCLAIMER: There is a substantial risk of loss with any speculative asset, especially small cap stocks. The opinions expressed are those of the author, and do not constitute recommendations to buy or sell a stock. Do your own research before committing capital.
Here’s Who Just Picked Up Vycor Medical Inc. (OTCMKTS:VYCO) Shares
January has been a big month for biotech, with the JP Morgan conference dominating the start of the year. The conference traditionally brings about a host of deals and new buys, and this latest Vycor pick up suggests there’s plenty more to come before the end of the month.
In a just published Form 13, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Vycor Medical Inc. (OTCMKTS:VYCO) reported that Fountainhead Capital Management Ltd. has picked up 9,733,832 of common stock as of 2017-01-20.
The acquisition brings the aggregate amount owned by Fountainhead Capital Management Ltd. to a total of 9,733,832 representing a 55.74% stake in the company.
For those not familiar with the company, Vycor Medical, Inc. provides surgical and therapeutic solutions. The Company operates through two segments: Vycor Medical, which focuses on brain and cervical surgical access systems for sale to hospitals and medical professionals, and NovaVision, which focuses on neuro-stimulation therapies and diagnostic devices for the treatment and screening of vision field loss resulting from neurological damage. The Company designs, develops and markets neurological medical devices and therapies. The Company operates in the United States and Europe. Vycor Medical’s product Vycor Medical’s ViewSite Brain Access System (VBAS) is a next generation retraction and access system. VBAS is a disposable product that can be used with microscopic, endoscopic and neuro-navigation systems.
A glance at Vycor Medical Inc. (OTCMKTS:VYCO)’s key stats reveals a current market capitalization of 2.82 million based on 11.22 million shares outstanding and a price at last close of $0.250 per share.
Looking at insider activity, there are a few transactions worth noting.
Specifically, on 2014-12-31, Fountainhead picked up 8,380 at a purchase price of $1.79. This brings their total holding to 4,366,844 as of the date of the filing.
On the sell side, the most recent transaction saw Bronsther unload 6,241 shares at a sale price of $2.75. This brings their total holding to 18,216.
It’s possible to gauge a company’s potential by tracking the activity of its major holders, as well as checking in on insider activity such as those transactions listed above. We’ll be keeping an eye on Vycor Medical Inc. (OTCMKTS:VYCO) as things move forward to see if its progress aligns with these transactions.
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Biotech Is Hot And Oncomed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:OMED) Is Benefiting
Healthcare is hot right now, and there’s no hotter space from a fund perspective than oncology. Here’s a look at the Vertical Fund’s latest equity acquisition, a position taken in small cap cancer focus biotech, Oncomed.
In a just published Form 13, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Oncomed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:OMED) reported that Vertical Fund I Lp has picked up 1,119,905 of common stock as of 2017-01-13.
The acquisition brings the aggregate amount owned by Vertical Fund I Lp to a total of 1,119,905 representing a 3.0% stake in the company.
For those not familiar with the company, OncoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OncoMed) is a clinical development-stage biopharmaceutical company. The Company focuses on discovering and developing anti-cancer stem cell (CSC) and immuno-oncology therapeutics. The Company’s product candidates and preclinical programs include Demcizumab (Anti-DLL4, OMP-21M18), Tarextumab (Anti-Notch2/3, OMP-59R5), Vantictumab (anti-Fzd7, OMP-18R5), Ipafricept (Fzd8-Fc, OMP-54F28), Brontictuzumab (Anti-Notch1, OMP-52M51), Anti-DLL4/VEGF Bispecific (OMP-305B83), Anti-RSPO3 (OMP-131R10) and GITRL-Fc. The Company’s Demcizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits Delta-like Ligand 4 (DLL4), in the Notch signaling pathway. Tarextumab is an antibody that binds to both the Notch2 and Notch3 receptors. Ipafricept is the Company’s Wnt pathway modulator. GITRL-Fc is a preclinical product candidate targeting glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor related protein.
A glance at Oncomed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:OMED)’s key stats reveals a current market capitalization of 277.08 million based on 37.09 million shares outstanding and a price at last close of $8.02 per share.
Looking at insider activity, there are a few transactions worth noting.
Specifically, on 2015-09-30, Lasersohn picked up 9,120 at a purchase price of $16.26. This brings their total holding to 46,560 as of the date of the filing.
On the sell side, the most recent transaction saw Park unload 21,369 shares at a sale price of $8.52. This brings their total holding to 37,323.
It’s possible to gauge a company’s potential by tracking the activity of its major holders, as well as checking in on insider activity such as those transactions listed above. We’ll be keeping an eye on Oncomed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:OMED) as things move forward to see if its progress aligns with these transactions.
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Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SNSS) Is Attracting Smart Money
Palo Alto has been busy in the healthcare sector over the last couple of days. Here’s a look at the fund’s second healthcare filing of the day, and what it means for the company involved.
In a just published Form 13, filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SNSS) reported that Palo Alto Investors has picked up 1,162,473 of common stock as of 2017-01-13.
The acquisition brings the aggregate amount owned by Palo Alto Investors to a total of 1,162,473 representing a 5.57% stake in the company.
For those not familiar with the company, Sunesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company. The Company focuses on the development and commercialization of its pipeline of oncology therapeutics for the treatment of solid and hematologic cancers. The Company offers QINPREZO (vosaroxin), which is a product candidate for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Vosaroxin is an anticancer quinolone derivative (AQD). The Company’s other kinase inhibitor pipeline include TAK-580, SNS-062 and SNS-229. TAK-580 is an oral, investigative drug selective for pan-Raf kinase inhibition, in patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors. SNS-062 is a non-covalently binding inhibitor of Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK).
A glance at Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SNSS)’s key stats reveals a current market capitalization of 80.60 million based on 20.88 million shares outstanding and a price at last close of $3.88 per share.
Looking at insider activity, there are a few transactions worth noting.
Specifically, on 2016-12-09, Parker picked up 594 at a purchase price of $3.90. This brings their total holding to 14,074 as of the date of the filing.
On the sell side, the most recent transaction saw Misfeldt unload 3,962 shares at a sale price of $3.64. This brings their total holding to 105,134.
It’s possible to gauge a company’s potential by tracking the activity of its major holders, as well as checking in on insider activity such as those transactions listed above. We’ll be keeping an eye on Sunesis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:SNSS) as things move forward to see if its progress aligns with these transactions.
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