Spire - amerikanischer Solarzulieferer - 500 Beiträge pro Seite

[Kostolanys Erbe]

Hallo Leute,

Spire Corporation. The Group`s principal activities are to develop, manufacture and market highly engineered solar electric manufacturing equipment and systems and the provision of biomedical processing services. The Group operates through four segments namely: Solar equipment, Solar systems, Biomedical and Optoelectronics. In biomedical area, the Group provides value-added surface treatments to manufacturers of orthopedic and other medical devices. In the solar equipment area, it develops, custom manufactures and markets specialized equipment for the production of terrestrial photovoltaic modules from solar cells. In the solar systems area, the Group provides custom and BIPV modules, stand alone emergency power backup and electric power grid-connected distributed power generation systems. In the optoelectronics area, the Group provides compound semiconductor foundry and fabrication services on a merchant basis to customers involved in biomedical instruments and defense applications

Market cap: $ 67.95M
Shares out: 6.86M


anbei die letzten news:


Spire Signs Contract for Solar Energy Production Line with Unison, Korea; Spire Will Provide Equipment, Technology and Training for Solar Module Production
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2005 10:48 AM
- BusinessWire


SPIR
9.90 -0.09

BEDFORD, Mass., Sep 21, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Spire Corporation (SPIR) , today announced that it has executed a contract with Unison Co., Ltd. (Unison) of Chonan-City, Korea to provide an advanced photovoltaic (PV) module production line. Spire`s solar module manufacturing line was chosen by Unison after an extensive competitive analysis. Spire has commenced work on the equipment for the line, capable of producing over 15 megawatts per year, with delivery scheduled for early 2006.

Roger Little, CEO and Chairman of Spire Corporation, said, "Spire is pleased to be awarded this contract by Unison, a further confirmation of Spire`s strength in turnkey PV production line capabilities. In addition to the reliability and innovative technology of our equipment, a significant factor in Unison`s decision to work with Spire is our ability to train client personnel in an actual production line that will allow them to quickly begin successful module production. Unison is one of Korea`s largest suppliers of wind systems and Spire`s photovoltaic production line will give them the capability to participate in the growing Korean solar energy market."

About Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation is a diversified technology company serving the solar energy, biomedical, telecommunications and defense industries worldwide with innovative products and services based upon a common technology platform. For more information visit www.spirecorp.com

Certain matters described in this news release may be forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of dependence on market growth, competition and dependence on government agencies and other third parties for funding contract research and services, as well as other factors described in the Company`s Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation
Stephen J. Hogan, GM & Executive VP, Spire Solar
Tel. [phone]


Kosto

[kosto1929]

!

Dieser Beitrag wurde vom System automatisch gesperrt. Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an [e-mail]

[Habgier]

Dritt- bis viertklassiges Papier.

Keine Earnings, fundamental schrottig, chart gefährlich.
Der ganze Sektor ist heiss gelaufen und konsolidiert gerade.
Ich würde ansonsten immer eine BTU vorziehen, outperformer.

HG

[flumi4]

[ustrading]

"Keine Earnings, fundamental schrottig" hast du dafür eine Begründung ? ... also mit 7,6Mio. Cash, keinen Schulden und $0,45/Aktie Gewinn in den ersten 6Monaten im GJ 05 kann ich deine Einschätzung nicht nachvollziehen ... und so übel sieht der Chart auch nicht aus

[Kostolanys Erbe]

hi leute,

#2habgier...da muss ich dir leider widersprechen.
fundamental ist diese aktie aus meiner sicht ein sehr interessanter small-cap.

- keine schulden
- letzte q-zahlen gewinn ausgewiesen
- starker wachstumswert
- noch nicht so bekannt
- amerika wird wohl oder übel irgendwann auf andere
energien setzen müssen, da die ölresourcen knapper werden.

anbei die letzten q-zahlen:

Spire Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2005 Results
MONDAY, AUGUST 15, 2005 4:30 PM
- BusinessWire

BEDFORD, Mass., Aug 15, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Spire Corporation (SPIR)

-- Sales from operations increased 73% year to year.

-- Income from the sale of licenses was $6,320,000.

-- Earnings were $0.69 per basic share.

-- Cash is strong at $7.6 million, with no bank debt. !!!!

Spire Corporation (SPIR) today reported operational revenue of $7,347,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2005, an increase of 73% compared to $4,258,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2004. In addition, the Company recognized $6,320,000 and $3,000,000 of other income in 2005 and 2004, respectively, on the sale of licenses. Net earnings, including the gain on the sale of licenses in both 2005 and 2004, were $4,698,000 or $0.69 per basic share for the three months ended June 30, 2005, compared with net earnings of $1,279,000 or $0.19 per basic share for the three months ended June 30, 2004.

Roger G. Little, Chairman and CEO, said, "Highlights for the quarter included significant increases in our solar equipment and solar systems revenues reflecting the sale of two photovoltaic module assembly lines and the completion of a major solar installation in the Chicago area. Net earnings for 2005 increased $3,419,000 primarily due to the sale of a license relating to our solar technology. Our cash is strong at $7.6 million and we have no bank debt. Our net worth at the close of the quarter was $11,007,000."

"Our continued monitoring of operating costs resulted in only a slight increase in selling, general and administrative expenses in the second quarter of 2005 as compared to 2004 despite the 73% increase in revenues. Increased legal and sales and marketing costs were partially offset by a decrease in insurance costs. We continue to see increased interest throughout our product lines and are focused on converting this interest into revenue gains and improved profitability," concluded Roger Little.

About Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation is a diversified technology company providing innovative solar energy manufacturing equipment, biomedical devices and optoelectronic components, all based upon a common technology platform. For more information, visit www.spirecorp.com.

SUMMARY OF SPIRE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
----------------------- ------------------------
2005 2004 2005 2004
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net sales and
revenues $7,347,000 $4,258,000 $11,527,000 $9,288,000
--------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Gain on sale of
licenses 6,320,000 3,000,000 6,320,000 3,000,000
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Earnings from
operations 4,819,000 1,349,000 3,316,000 41,000
---------------------
Other expense, net (121,000) (70,000) (198,000) (140,000)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Earnings (loss)
before income taxes 4,698,000 1,279,000 3,118,000 (99,000)
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net earnings (loss) $4,698,000 $1,279,000 $ 3,118,000 $ (99,000)
--------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Earnings (loss) per
share of common
stock - basic $ 0.69 $ 0.19 $ 0.45 $ (0.01)
--------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Earnings (loss) per
share of common
stock - diluted $ 0.67 $ 0.18 $ 0.44 $ (0.01)
--------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Weighted average
number of common and
common equivalent
shares outstanding -
basic 6,856,616 6,789,206 6,855,783 6,777,368
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Weighted average
number of common and
common equivalent
shares outstanding -
diluted 7,042,492 7,062,623 7,045,315 6,777,368
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------


SUMMARY OF CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

June 30,
2005
------------
Assets
------
Current assets $15,002,000
Net property and equipment 5,706,000
Other assets 1,973,000
-----------
Total assets $22,681,000
-----------
Liabilities and stockholders` equity
------------------------------------
Current portion of capital lease obligations $ 1,037,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4,355,000
Advances on contracts in progress 2,020,000
-----------
Total current liabilities 7,412,000

Total long-term liabilities 4,262,000
Stockholders` equity 11,007,000
-----------
Total liabilities and stockholders` equity $22,681,000
-----------


Certain matters described in this news release may be forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of dependence on market growth, competition and dependence on government agencies and other third parties for funding contract research and services, as well as other factors described in the Company`s Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation
James F. Parslow, 781-275-6000
Chief Financial Officer



wenn ich mir dazu evergreen solar anschaue, dann muss ich sagen das eslr sehr sehr hoch bewertet ist. da ist schon sehr viel zukunftsmusik im kurs drin.
hier nur ein paar gründe, weshalb ich eslr nicht kaufen würde:

Market cap: $ 487.33M
Shares out: 61.15M

- aktienanzahl hat sich sehr erhöht von 20,8 mio auf 61,0 mio
- machen noch keine gewinne (letzte quartal -4,5 mio)
- umsatzsteigerung von 135% auf 10,7 mio in einem quartal zum vorjahresquartal.....gehen wir mal von einem jahresumsatz von 50 mio aus + ca.150 mio cash durch cashaufbau. 90 mio .am..Sep 02, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Evergreen Solar, Inc. (ESLR) , a manufacturer of solar power products with its proprietary, low-cost String Ribbon(TM) wafer technology, today filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the resale by selling securityholders of its 4.375% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2012 (the "Notes"), and the Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes. The Company will not receive any proceeds from the resale of the Notes or the underlying Common Stock

also umsatz + cash ca. 200 mio im jahr 2005 % 91,5 mio schulden = 108,5 mio und wird mit marketcap 487 mio bewertet !!!! aus meiner sicht zu teuer.

Balance Sheet
Total Cash (mrq): 154.62M
Total Cash Per Share (mrq): 2.529
Total Debt (mrq): 91.50M
Total Debt/Equity (mrq): 0.957
Current Ratio (mrq): 11.968
Book Value Per Share (mrq): 1.566

hier zum nachschauen:
http://finance.yahoo.com/q/ks?s=ESLR


- positiv ist natürlich das sie die string-ribbon technologie als patent haben...

Second-Quarter 2005 Financial Results

For the quarter ended July 2, 2005, product revenues were $10.7 million, up 135 percent when compared with the $4.5 million reported for the second quarter of 2004. For the second quarter of 2005, Evergreen Solar achieved positive product gross margin of 6.2%. This compares with negative 102% for the second quarter of 2004.

Net loss attributable to common stockholders for the second quarter of 2005 was $4.5 million, or $0.07 per share, compared with a net loss of $9.2 million, or $0.44 per share, for the second quarter of 2004. For the second quarter of 2005, weighted average shares outstanding were approximately 61.0 million. Second-quarter 2004 earnings per share figures were based on approximately 20.8 million weighted average shares outstanding.

Kennzahlen von spire:
http://finance.yahoo.com/q/ks?s=SPIR

umsatz evtl dieses jahr ca. 35 mio + bankguthaben 7 mio
= 42 mio ...aktuell marketcap 67 mio

denke, das die story interessant ist und in diesem smallcap
sehr viel potential stecken kann.


kosto

[Habgier]

Warum Kompromisse machen, SPIR macht gerade mal ein Quartal
Gewinn, hat - wenn überhaupt -eine miserable Eigenkapitalrendite und sieht gegen eine BTU einfach alt aus.

Der chart sagt mir nur daß es kein Kaufsignal gibt, es
sei denn es kommt ein neuer Höchstkurs.

Warum sollte ich zweite Wahl nehmen, BTU ist erste Wahl
in dieser Gruppe.

HG

[Habgier]

Ach so, damit ich nicht falsch verstanden werde,

kann gut sein, daß Ihr fette gains mit dem Papier macht
ich finde nur, daß die Ausgangswahrscheinlichkeiten bei
anderen Papieren, i.e. BTU, besser sind.

Es geht mir nur darum, die beste Wahrscheinlichkeit
für meine Positionierung am Markt zu wählen.

Die Instis kaufen solche Papiere wie SPIR nicht, also
wird das Ding - aller Wahrscheinlichkeit nach - in
nächtster Zeit keine großen Kurssteigerungen machen
.. aber wer weiss.

HG

[ustrading]

@Habgier, meinst du mit BDU - Peabody Energy Corp ?

[Habgier]

#8
ja

[ustrading]

hm, also Peabody Energy Corp. ist nun auch nicht gerade ein Schnäppchen, sprich Fundamental günstig. Die Verbindlichkeiten sind mit 1,4Mrd. USD schon heftig, da können auch die 460Mio. USD Cash und die Earnings auf die schnelle nix dran ändern. Zudem bietet der Kohlemarkt bei weiten nicht die Wachstumsperspektiven wie die Photovoltik

Sicher die Instis kaufen SPIR nicht, da von der MK viel zu klein, aber das heißt doch bitte schön nach lange nicht das sie nächtster Zeit keine großen Kurssteigerungen machen werden ... ganz im Gegenteil. Bei solch kleinen Werten wie SPIR sind die Chancen auf +50% und mehr gar nicht mal so schlecht, da brauch bloß eine entsprechende News / Auftrag kommen (siehe die letzten Monate). Ich denke SPIRE ist mit seinen Tochtergesellschaften Spire Solar Systems, Spire Solar Equipment und Spire Biomedical, Inc. sehr gut aufgestellt. Vor allem Spire Solar Chicago könnte bald schon wieder neue Aufträge an Land ziehen, denn auch Amerika setzt zunehmend auf die Solarenergie, nicht zuletzt auch wegen der stark gestiegenen Rohstoffpreise wie Erdöl, Erdgas und auch Kohle.

http://www.eere.energy.gov/solar/

[Kostolanys Erbe]

neue news zu spire:

Spire and Shell Solar Install Photovoltaic System in Centerbrook, Connecticut; System Is One of Connecticut`s Largest Corporate Solar Installations
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2005 8:30 AM
- BusinessWire


BEDFORD, Mass., Sep 28, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Spire Corporation (SPIR) today announced that it has collaborated with Shell Solar Industries to design and install a 16.5-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system, one of the largest corporate PV systems in the State of Connecticut, at the offices of Centerbrook Architects and Planners, LLC in Centerbrook, Connecticut.

The PV system, utilizing Shell Solar Type SQ 165-PC modules, was designed by Spire`s systems group and installed under contract by A.J. Shea Construction of Essex, CT. It is designed to reduce energy costs of the facility, a nineteenth-century factory building, and to demonstrate the feasibility of the technology to Centerbrook`s clients. The system has the capacity to generate 20,600 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per year and, in combination with an existing hydropower system, has the potential to provide over 25 percent of the building`s electricity requirements. Completion of the system is expected by year-end and commissioning is planned for early 2006.

William H. Grover, Partner and founder of Centerbrook Architects said, "Clients always ask us `Will it work?` I prefer to test our ideas here first. Energy efficiency has always been our focus, and we expect the popularity of solar energy to continue to grow." Ted Tolis, Senior Architect for the firm and project manager for the PV system, stated, "PV is part of our industry and we hope our solar energy project will serve as an example to businesses across Connecticut that solar energy is a viable energy source. Spire executed our project on time and within budget. They were a pleasure to work with."

This project was made possible through the support of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF). The CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly to encourage the development and deployment of clean renewable energy. "We expect to see an increasing number of businesses embracing solar energy as they learn about the benefits that solar photovoltaic technology provides," said Charlie Moret, Managing Director, Marketing, CCEF. "The Centerbrook Architects solar energy project is a wonderful example of business leadership in clean energy."

The new solar installation will be featured in the 2005 Green Building Open House on October 1, 2005, which is part of the American Solar Energy Society`s National Solar Tour. This event offers an opportunity for the public and the media to see how clean energy sources can be integrated into building designs.

Roger G. Little, CEO of Spire Corporation, said, "The Centerbrook Architects project is important to demonstrate Spire`s engineering and project management capabilities, as well as the use of PV in a high visibility application where potential customers will see the system in operation. We were pleased to work with Centerbrook Architects, Shell Solar, and the State of Connecticut on the successful implementation of this project."

About Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation is a diversified technology company providing innovative solar energy manufacturing equipment and custom photovoltaic systems. For more information visit www.spirecorp.com.

About Shell Solar

Shell Solar has been active in the solar business for over 30 years and was among the first businesses to contribute to the development of solar technology that is marketed across the world today. To date, Shell Solar has supplied solar cells and modules with a total capacity of more than 450 megawatts worldwide, specializing in applications for individual households as well as large power installations. Over a quarter of a million customers have been served by Shell Solar supplying grid-connected and off-grid solar systems. Shell Solar is active in more than 75 countries with a workforce of 1,300 and is part of Shell Renewables, a core business of Royal Dutch Shell plc. For more information visit www.shell.com/solar.

About Centerbrook Architects and Planners, LLC

Centerbrook Architects is an architecture and planning firm, established in 1975. The firm has a national reputation for design excellence. Centerbrook has practiced innovative sustainable design since the 1970s and uses its office as a laboratory for green architecture. For more information visit www.centerbrook.com.

About the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund

Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is administered and managed by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public state agency. CCEF is promoting the development and commercialization of clean energy technologies and is stimulating markets for electricity from clean renewable sources. CCEF`s funding comes from a surcharge on electric ratepayers` utility bills. CCEF`s main goals are to create a clean energy supply for Connecticut, develop clean energy technologies, and educate residents about clean energy`s importance for the state`s energy future. For more information visit www.ctcleanenergy.com.

Certain matters described in this news release may be forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of dependence on market growth, competition and dependence on government agencies and other third parties for funding contract research and services, as well as other factors described in the Company`s Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation
Stephen J. Hogan, 781-275-6000
GM & Executive VP, Spire Solar


Kosto

[Kostolanys Erbe]

Spire Corporation Appoints Edward Hurley as Solar Equipment Sales Manager; Mr. Hurley to Manage Major Customer Accounts.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2005 8:30 AM
- BusinessWire

SPIR
10.74 +0.62


BEDFORD, Mass., Sep 29, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Spire Corporation (SPIR) announced today that it has expanded its photovoltaic module assembly equipment sales force with the addition of Edward Hurley as Photovoltaic Equipment Sales Manager. Mr. Hurley brings over 20 years of semiconductor capital equipment sales experience at General Scanning, Teradyne and PEI where he was responsible for selling and marketing laser scanning systems and test equipment to the electronics industry.

Roger G. Little, CEO of Spire Corporation, said, "Ed will be instrumental in supporting our key module manufacturing customers in their aggressive growth plans by providing cost effective equipment solutions for their manufacturing needs. Our continuing technical achievements and strong partnership with Japanese equipment builder Nisshinbo Industries allows us to offer the most advanced photovoltaic module manufacturing equipment. We are pleased to welcome Ed to Spire`s solar operations."

About Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation is a diversified technology company providing innovative solar energy manufacturing equipment, biomedical devices and optoelectronic components, all based upon a common technology platform. For more information visit www.spirecorp.com.

Certain matters described in this news release may be forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of dependence on market growth, competition and dependence on government agencies and other third parties for funding contract research and services, as well as other factors described in the Company`s Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation
Stephen J. Hogan, 781-275-6000
Executive VP & GM, Spire Solar

kosto

[Kostolanys Erbe]

Spire Establishes Solar Module Manufacturing in Bedford, Massachusetts; Production Line Will Meet the Need for the Growing BIPV Market.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2005 8:30 AM
- BusinessWire


BEDFORD, Mass., Oct 05, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Spire Corporation (SPIR) announced today that it will establish photovoltaic module manufacturing in Bedford, Massachusetts to meet the growing demand for customized modules for the Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) market. The production line will have an annual capacity of approximately five megawatts or enough to power 3,000 homes per year.

The equipment for this production line comes from Spire`s Chicago operations where it has been used to successfully manufacture standard modules, customized modules and BIPV. Spire reached a purchase agreement with BP Solar that has owned the line. Modules produced by this production line equipment have been installed at Chicago`s Millennium Park, The Field Museum of Natural History, Art Institute of Chicago, DuSable Museum of African American History, and other Chicago landmarks, as well as Denali National Park in Alaska and Kyocera Solar Industries in San Diego. Spire will continue its presence in the Midwest by providing systems engineering, sales and marketing, and customer service from offices in Chicago.

The module manufacturing line will be relocated and upgraded at Spire`s Massachusetts headquarters. "Locating this production line with our solar equipment and solar systems engineering in Bedford will permit its additional use as a demonstration facility for prospective equipment buyers and as a training center for customers, as well as a manufacturing line for BIPV modules. Access to the equipment will also be important for testing product improvements in an operational setting. Having the line here will better serve major module manufacturers, clients, contractors, architects and other renewable energy integrators," explained Roger G. Little, CEO of Spire Corporation.

Mr. Little added, "We have experienced a steadily growing demand for BIPV module manufacturing capacity to meet product requirements. Spire`s custom solar modules are sought after by architects and builders who want to enhance their design aesthetics while also efficiently generating electricity for their buildings. We are now well positioned to serve these customers."

About Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation is a leader in photovoltaic module manufacturing equipment and custom photovoltaic systems. For more information visit www.spirecorp.com.

Certain matters described in this news release may be forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of dependence on market growth, competition and dependence on government agencies and other third parties for funding contract research and services, as well as other factors described in the Company`s Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation
Stephen J. Hogan, Executive VP & GM, Spire Solar
781-275-6000

[Kostolanys Erbe]

hi leute,

heute wurde schön charttechnisch das "gap" geschlossen.




kosto

[genugistgenug]

In den letzten Tagen gehts aber ganz schön runter (wie ich meine mehr als normale Korrektur).
Ich finde aber keine Gründe.
Wer hat Infos?

[Kostolanys Erbe]

hi genugist...!

habe die korrektur bei gap-schliessung als nachkauf genutzt!
ist generell eigentlich immer so (denke zu 99% der fälle), das ein gap geschlossen wird.

die korrektur verlief ja auch nicht bei hohen umsätzen. denke das spire enormes potential hat! ist eben noch als small-cap bei market cap 68 mio dollar noch nicht so bekannt....denke das es sich bald ändern wird...siehe z.b. eslr! bei eslr haben sich jetzt die analysten gemeldet mit kurszielen um die 14-16 dollar !!das wäre fast eine verdoppelung des aktuellen kurses....aus meiner sicht bisschen übertrieben....bin auf die q-zahlen von beiden unternehmen gespannt.

kosto



kosto

[Kostolanys Erbe]

Spire Receives NIH Grant to Develop Nanophase Orthobiologic Coatings for Medical Implants
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2005 8:30 AM
- BusinessWire




BEDFORD, Mass., Oct 26, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Spire Corporation (SPIR) today announced that it has been awarded an SBIR Phase I grant for $156,878 from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health (NIH), to develop nanophase calcium phosphate coatings loaded with bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). The coatings will be used to improve bone integration into dental implants, leading to more rapid and reliable device fixation. The project takes advantage of Spire`s unique nanocrystalline film deposition technology to produce coatings that control the release rate of BMPs. The coatings will maintain critical threshold concentrations of BMPs only at the implant site and provide a scaffold over which bone growth can occur.

Roger Little, Chairman and CEO of Spire, stated, "This grant will permit Spire to develop a new generation of biologically active coatings for dental implants. Calcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite coatings have long been used to improve bony integration into these devices; however, faster, more reliable integration is desired. BMPs are naturally occurring proteins responsible for the regeneration and repair activities in bone. Their incorporation into medical device coatings will provide significantly enhanced integration compared to that which can be achieved using ceramic coatings alone. Spire`s coating technology platform is flexible enough to permit incorporation of BMPs as well as other proteins and biologics. We expect the coatings to have applications in a wide range of orthopedic, dental, and other types of medical implants."

About Spire Corporation

Spire Corporation is a diversified technology company providing innovative solar energy manufacturing equipment, biomedical devices and optoelectronic components, all based upon a common technology platform. For more information visit www.spirecorp.com.

Certain matters described in this news release may be forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk of dependence on market growth, competition and dependence on government agencies and other third parties for funding contract research and services, as well as other factors described in the Company`s Form 10-KSB filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SOURCE: Spire Corporation


kosto