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Medgenic's New Chairman Bullish on Platform Technology, Medical Economics, and Expanded Applications
In a rare investor interview , Dr. Sol Barer, newly-named chairman of Medgenics, Inc. (AMEX:MDGN), made clear his intention of nurturing the company's strong position in protein therapy by utilizing its platform technology, internally placed 'biopumps' that target multiple therapeutic indications. Barer transformed Celgene (NASDAQ:CELG) into one of the first biotech success stories using a platform technology - the chemical remake of thalidomide into blockbuster Revlimid - that propelled the stock's market capitalization to multi-billion dollar levels.
Initial targets for Medgenic's EPODURE, INFRADURE AND HEMODURE are for anemia, hepatitis and hemophilia, respectively, and have combined markets of roughly $100 billion. Medgenic's model for protein therapy may, however, have potential to transcend these three and fulfill Dr. Barer's belief in the technology's far range of applications. INFRADURE' initial indication, accorded Orphan Drug status for hepatitis D, is expected to have uses in the entire $20 billion hepatitis virus market. Further, there has been research in the past linking protein therapy to conditions such as peripheral neuropathy (numbness) in diabetics, and multiple sclerosis.
Because Medgenic's technology delivers continuous protein therapy, financial aspects would be highly beneficial to strained healthcare economies throughout the world. For example, erythropoietin injections for anemia must now be given up to three times per week versus a one-time injection with EPODURE. In his interview, Dr. Barer also recognized favorable pharmacoeconomics and improved patient well-being as two more of Medgenics' big attractions.
One of the biggest assets that Dr. Barer brings to the emerging firm is his Rolodex. According to industry observers, since joining the firm, Barer has been busy introducing the company to potential partners and other industry contacts. Investors should be aware that developments on this front can not only add credibility to the technology, but also quickly ramp revenue opportunities up for the company.
In the near term, a pending clinical development catalyst in the hepatitis C space also makes the firm worth watching.
About The Analyst: Sharon di Stefano
Sharon di Stefano has spent 20 years as a healthcare analyst, beginning her career at Smith Barney, Harris Upham & Co. specializing in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare information technology, and biopharmacology. Ms. di Stefano had also served as Senior Venture Officer for the Edison Innovation Fund, implemented through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority that provided funding for early-stage life sciences companies.
Ms. di Stefano received a Masters of Science degree, in Business, from Johns Hopkins University in 1986, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware in 1984 with a minor in biology.
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