Scios: Natrecor-Vermarktung erhöht den Verlust - 500 Beiträge pro Seite

[Nachrichten [wO]]

Das US-Biotech-Unternehmen Scios hat im vierten Quartal 2001 einen deutlich höheren Verlust als im Vorjahresquartal gemacht. Von 12,2 Mio. Dollar oder 32 Cent pro Aktie im letzten Quartal des Jahres 2000 steigt das Minus auf 28,8 Mio. Dollar oder 63 Cent pro Aktie an. Die Analystengemeinde der Wall Street hatte im Vorfeld einen Verlust von 64 Cent pro Aktie prophezeit. Der Quartalsumsatz klettert von 3,5 Mio. Dollar auf 10,5 Mio. Dollar.

Grund für das höhere Minus ist der große Vermarktungsaufwand für das kürzlich zugelassene Herz-Medikament Natrecor. Scios muss den Verkauf dieser Arznei schnell auf Trab bringen, damit der jährliche Umsatz innerhalb von fünf Jahren die erhofften 300 Mio. Dollar erreicht. Bis dahin dauert es allerdings noch etwas: Für 2002 rechnet Scios erstmal mit Natrecor-Verkäufen in Höhe von 60 Mio. Dollar.

Scios gibt 2,2 Prozent auf 20,73 Dollar ab.

[Anzeige]

Mit einer Privaten Krankenversicherung können Sie Monat für Monat bis 400 DM sparen. Wir ermitteln aus über 35 Gesellschaften und über 1000 Tarifkombinatsmöglichkeiten den für Sie günstigsten Versicherer. Fordern Sie jetzt ihren persönlichen Preis- Leistungsvergleich an.

Autor: Peter Grimm (© wallstreet:online AG),19:55 07.02.2002

[Aeppler]

SCIOS STRONG BUY

LEHMAN BROTHERS 16.02.02 (Yahoo finance)

Gruss

@eppler

[Kelbi]

Natrecor On The Road To Becoming A Blockbuster



A blockbuster drug is one that reaches the important benchmark of $1 billion in annual sales. FDA approval is only the beginning in the long process of becoming a blockbuster. The drug must be as effective in the real world as it was in clinical trials. And, just as importantly, it must be cost-effective. In other words, the drug must either decrease other costs associated with an illness or increase a definable and valuable outcome at an acceptable increase in total costs.

Scios`s (NASDAQ: SCIO) Natrecor has all the makings of a blockbuster. After a long series of clinical trials, it was FDA approved last August for the intravenous treatment of patients with acutely decompensated congestive heart failure (CHF) who have shortness of breath (dyspnea) at rest or with minimal activity. Natrecor is a recombinant B-type natriuretic peptide that promotes a uniquely physiologic response to fluid buildup in the lungs and bodies of recipients when, due to various reasons, their failing heart abruptly loses its ability to pump sufficient blood forward (acutely decompensates).

To become a blockbuster, Natrecor must now compete in the real world with standard treatments for CHF, including nitroglycerine and dobutamine. Studies are already demonstrating the advantages of Natrecor over nitroglycerine and, thus far to a lesser extent, dobutamine. This week, a compelling manuscript in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology supports the effectiveness of Natrecor compared to dobutamine (Eli Lilly`s [NYSE: LLY] Dobutrex, generic from Baxter) and also suggests that Natrecor has the ability to lower CHF-related treatment costs.

261 acutely decompensated CHF patients were assessed in an open-label, randomized study with approximately two-thirds receiving Natrecor. Natrecor was administered for a significantly shorter duration, and the total duration of all relevant intravenous therapy was also significantly shorter. Shorter duration of therapy did not translate into a significantly different hospital length of stay (LOS), but re-admission rates during a three-week post-discharge period were reduced by as much as 60% for Natrecor recipients. The data showed a trend (not achieving statistical significance) toward decreased re-admissions. The six-month mortality rate was significantly lower for Natrecor recipients: 18-24% (depending on dose and other factors) versus 31%.

Although this study is certainly promising, it is not the end of the story. Rather, it sets the stage for medium- and long-term survival advantage studies and more sophisticated analyses of cost savings and cost-effectiveness. Though the profile in this investigation failed to demonstrate a statistically significant advantage for Natrecor in terms of cost surrogates (re-admission rates and LOS), both the trend toward decreased re-admission rates and the clear demonstration of effectiveness and clinical benefit are encouraging. When future trials assess costs in parallel with benefit, effectiveness, and utility, Natrecor is likely to demonstrate cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility advantages over multiple standard therapies in a wide variety of circumstances.

In spite of the need for more sophisticated studies, the current work goes a long way to support Natrecor`s path towards being a blockbuster. Also supporting the drug are strong sales: sales of $9.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2001 contributed to unexpectedly high 2001 sales of $14.1 million. This performance prompted Scios to raise its Natrecor sales forecast for 2002 by $5 million to between $55 and $60 million. All indications are good for Natrecor to eventually win its coveted blockbuster status.

[HundVincent]

Netter Bericht, (ich hoffe auch auf die Blockbuster-Qualitäten Natrecors), aber woher stammt er und wie alt ist er ?

Gruß

[Kelbi]

Hab ich von Biospace.com.(E-Mail Verteiler)

Gruß

Kelbi

[southbound]

03/12 16:01 Scios Inc. Reiterated `Buy` at Prudential
Scios Inc. (SCIO US) was reiterated ``buy`` by analyst John S Sonnier at Prudential Securities. The price target is $40. More...

03/12 09:31 Scios Inc. Reiterated `Buy` at Needham & Co.
Scios Inc. (SCIO US) was reiterated ``buy`` by analyst Mark Monane Md at Needham & Co. More

[Kelbi]

Heute schönes plus von 7 % wieder über der 200 und 38 Tage Linie bei leicht überdurchschnittlichen Umsätzen. Glaube aber nicht das das morgen so weitergeht, aber denke 30 USD sind demnächst drin, mal sehen wie die nächsten Zahlen ausfallen..

Gruß

Kelbi

[dosto]

ja,ja, ja die lieben pusher

also mal meine meinung:

1: scios hat für mich ein erstklssiges forscherteam

2: es hat leider noch keine erklasssige verwaltung und sales force und fabrikation.

das letztere bedeutet, daß noch mindestens 1.5-3 milliarden
investiert werden müssen, natürlich muß punkt 2 genauso gut
wie punkt 1 sein, das bedeutet wiederum: hoffentlich ist
der boss (ein forscher) nicht zu sehr gebunden um die verwaltung aufzubauen, die gefahr besteht ja auch, daß diese vielleicht nur zweitklassig ist.

also der weg zu einer erstklassigen bio-tec-bude in allen
belangen ist eine weiter und steiniger weg´, bei 58 $ mille
kapital, ist er auch sehr eng, also es müssen shares ausgegeben werden, oder ein super-investor muß her.

natürlich sind hier an bord ,wie gewöhnlich, einige viel weiter, und machen einfach die quantensprüngchen nicht mit,
sondern sehen nur das ende des weges, ohne an die strapazen
zu denken, das soll ihnen überlassen sein.

das geschäft für und die kosten für scios fängt jetzt erst an, die kosten werden am anfang erheblich größer sein,
wie sich punkt 2 entwickelt ist noch nicht klar.
überzogene kursanzeigen sind zwar erlaubt, klar denkende
investoren sollten aber meine ausführungen im kopf behalten,
zuerst die arbeit, dann das geld.

[puhvogel]

Guter Kommentar dosto!
Ich betrachte die Kennzahlen von Scios/Natrecor als Fallbeispiel ziemlich ausführlich, und finde, dass Scios einen recht aggressive Verkaufspolitik angeht. Nun ist der kardiovaskuläre MArkt eine Domäne der Pharmas,d.h. man man darf nicht nur kleckern. Dennoch muss viel Geld verbrannt werden mit ungewissen Ausgang. Dies müssen allerdings auch die Pharmafirmentun, und verdienen dennoch meist recht gut.
Insofern ist es außerordentlich gut, dass der Markt nicht mehr wie 2000 automatisch die Hälfte des späteren Maximalumsatzes als Gewinn der nächsten Jahre zu antizipiert.
Vielleicht als Anregung für die Longies: Man kann ja die Kennzahlenentwicklung von Natrecor/Scios mit denen von Integrelin/ Cor Therapeutics vergleichen, solange die noch zur Verfügung stehen (die werden bald geschluckt, also sollte man sich beeilen), auch wenn (oder vielleicht gerade deshalb), weil das nicht die Erfolgsstory ist.
Ein steiniger, verwässerter Weg wird das aber bestimmt.
In diesem Stadium der Entwicklung darf man aber nicht nur auf Phantasie spielen.

@dosto: So wie die bei VPHM vorgehen, so machen die den Biotechmarkt kaputt. Inhaltlich hat der Kommentar von Fulcrum viele z.T. grobe Fehler(seit wann ist Schnupfen zB eine chronische Krankheit), allerdings können die einerseits mehr wissen als der normale Fondmanager, und es wäre erreicht, was zu erreichen wäre: Hohes Volumen und ein offizieller Grund zu verkaufen.

[dosto]

puhvogel

zu vphm, habe ich die einschätzung, die schon einmal veröffentlich wurde:
das medikament wurde damals mit über 60$ angegeben,
das soll 2 tage schnupfen ersparen.

ich weiß nicht genau, wie der jetzige stand ist, und enthalte mich des kommentares,
nur sollte sich nix wesentliches verändern (preis)
dann hab ich persönlich lieber 2 tage länger schnupfen,
das klingt jetzt zwar banal, aber ich denke trotzdem,
daß viele kleine leute keine 60$ hinlegen wollen.
man muß allerdings auch sehen, das schnupfen sich eher im nördlichen halbkreis dieser erde ausbreitet, und da sind ja
die gutverdienenden leutchen ansässig.
bin also mal gespannt, wie sich die verkäufe des produkts entwickeln, will aber vorerst keinen schnellschuß wagen.

[dosto]

@dosto: So wie die bei VPHM vorgehen,

ich hab mir mal den bericht bei reuters angesehen.
in dem fall muß ich dir recht geben.
bedenklich stimmt mich die meldung 2 tage vor ende des optionstermines.
der folgende montag hätte auch gerreicht, sowas nennt man
schlechten stil,
leider nicht wegzudenken, bei brokerhäusern genauswenig
wie bei analysten.

[Kelbi]

@Dosto,Puhvogel

Danke, gute Kommentare, fundamental vollkommen richtig und gilt glaube ich für eine ganze Menge Unternehmen der Biotechbranche in ähnlicher Form, siehe z.B. die Chefetage von Supergen.

Wollte mich eigentlich nicht als Pusher betätigen, aber die letzten 2 mal als Scios die 25 geknackt hatte ist die Aktie jedesmal bis knapp an die 30 USD gelaufen und es gibt eigentlich keinen Grund warum sie das diesmal nicht auch tun sollte. Wenns nicht klappt... Cest la vie.

Wenn äußere Gründe dazwischen funken (Bush-Irak, schlechte Branchennews, schlechte/gute News vom Unternehmen selbst)
kann man eh nichts machen, aber das wisst ihr ja selber am besten. Wenn alles so einfach wäre würden alle nur noch mit Aktien handeln und keiner mehr arbeiten;-) Also wenn man sich den Jahreschart von Scios betrachtet sollten die 30 vieleicht drin sein, ohne v.g Störfaktoren natürlich. Betone ausdrücklich das das nur meine Meinung ist.Gebe zu das ich das oben vergessen hatte und gelobe hiermit Besserung.

Würde mich natürlich über eure Meinung zu meiner Meinung freuen.

Um mal noch was anderes dranzuhängen, was haltet ihr von Quest Diagnostics. In Deutschland scheinen sich ja nicht sonderlich viele für diese Aktie zu interessieren, aber ich bin seit ca. 2 Jahren dabei und will mich nicht beschweren, wenn man den Rest so betrachtet.

Gruß

Kelbi

[puhvogel]

@Keilbi: Gratulation zu Quest!
Ich muss gestehen, dass ich mit Diagnostikfirmen so meine Schwierigkeiten habe. Ich schaue mir immer die armen Käufer von Trinity an, die ein echtes Wachstumsunternehmen mit ständiger Gewinnexpansion mit einem KGV von 9 gekauft hatten, der Kurs fiel trotzdem um ein Viertel. Später kamm dan tatsächlich der Gewinneinbruch, so dass der Kursverlauf gerechtfertigt wurde. Fazit Diagnostikhersteler sind leider nicht so ertragsstabiel wie Biotechfiremn, die einmal ein Produkt auf den Markt gebracht haben.
Umgekehrt sehe ich hier ein KGV (ttm) von 40, aber das wird sicher durch zukünftige Verkaufsaussichten gerechtfertigt sein, denn Diagnostik ungleich Biotech und damit ungleich Hype. Ich würde mangels besserer Einsicht den Wert laufen lassen mit einem Stop-Loss, vielleicht mit einem, der sich in der Vergangenheit so einigermassen bewährt hat, wie Unterschreiten vomn gewissen Tageslinien :


@dosto: Das Geschäft ist die eine Frage, obwohl ich mir sehr gut vorstellen kann, damit eine "Sommer/Herbstgrippe" abzuwenden. Die Rhinoviren sind die aggressivsten der Erkältungsviren, die anderen haben erst bei geschwächtem Immunsystem, vorwiegend im tiefen Winter/Frühlinsganfang , Platz zum Expandieren. Das Problem sind auch die Antibiotika, die normalerweise Erkältungspatienten verschrieben werden, aber kein Stück bei Vireninfektionen helfen. Das ist Plazebo, und das kostet den Kassen auch Geld. Irgendetwas möchte der erkältete Patient beim Arzt in die Hand gedrückt bekommen, und Picovir tötet tatsächlich die Viren ab und man steckt daher auch niemanden anderes an. Der körpereigenen Entzündungsprozess, einmal angeworfen, läuft dann aber auch ohne Viren ab. Es gibt dann aber auch keine Eigenansteckung (Erkältung die 2-3 Wochen andauert), daher auch die starken Schwankung in dem Zahlenmaterial.
Das eigentlich brutale an diesem Downgrade ist, dass er 4 Tage vor der Veröffentlichung des FDA-Gutachtens gemacht wurde. Wäre die Empfehlung einen Monat früher gewesen (alle die "Fakten" des Analysten sind schon seit einem halben Jahr bekannt), dann gibt es keinen Anlass, um Insider zu vermuten, dann wär er mir persönlich völlig egal gewesen. Ich war ja nicht mal investiert.
So trifft er äußerst nervöse Anleger und entfaltet eine maximale Wirkung, was die Sell-Empfehlung, mit welchen Motiven auch immer , wohl auch machen sollte. Dabei erzählt er auch viel sachlich Falsches, der gestrige street.com Artikel ist, speziell für deren sonstiges Niveau, deutlich besser. Ich wünsch dem Darren nicht viel Gutes.

[dosto]

kelbi

claro, rein technisch sind die 30 natürlich drin,
ich meinte jetzt die superpusher, die astronomie studiert
haben oder werden, die welche mit lichtjahren rechnen.

puhvogel

meine alte nase hat scheinbar recht gehabt, die bashten zum
verfallstermin, irgendwie leuchtete da das lämpchen im hinterkopf, das system ist mir aber bekannt,
das wird ein problem des biotechsektors werden,
die branche hat keine radikalen gewinnzuwächse und die biotech-fonds sind groß, als kann das geld nur durch vermehrten aktiven handel vermehrt werden.
eine amgen (jetzt versuchen sie durch immunex davonzukommen)
hatte halt nur noch ein single digit wachstum, und damit kann
dann natürlich keine wundersame geldvermehrung über den aktienkurs stattfinden, und das macht sorgen für die
fundbetreiber. nun müssen sie arbeiten sprich: kaufen,verkaufen,kaufen use und sofort.
also ich rechne weiter mit hoher vola, allerdings viel,viel
öfters und kürzer mit gewinnmitnahmen der profs.

[Kelbi]

@Puhvogel

vielen Dank für die Blumen (Quest), aber der Mensch muß auch mal ein bischen Glück haben;-).

@Dosto

Also sollten wir noch bis knapp an die 30 laufen verkauf ich dann erstmal, außerdem bin ich mal gespannt wie es nach dem 31.03 weitergeht.(Fonds)


Ansonsten ist Scios heute ja ausgesprochen gut gelaufen, mehr als 6 % im plus und das an so einem eigentlich schlechten Börsentag, besonders für die Bios(PDLI/VPHM),
Umsätze auch ordentlich, ungefähr doppelt soviel wie im Durchschnitt, neue Meldungen gabs aber doch eigentlich keine,oder?

Naja mal sehen wie es morgen weitergeht.

Gruß

Kelbi

[Kelbi]

Schönes Geschenk am Freitagabend:

Scios schließt auf neuem Allzeithoch von 31,36 USD bei hohen Umsätzen. Hätte nicht gedacht das die 30 so schnell erreicht oder gar überschritten werden. Werde Montag die Hälfte von meinem Bestand verkaufen und mit dem Rest mal sehen wie weit es noch geht.

Wünsche allseits schönes Wochenende.

Kelbi

[puhvogel]

Ja, Scios zeigt in letzter Zeit außergewöhnliche Stärke. Es könnte sein, dass hier eine Kapitalerhöhung vorbereitet wird oder dass die Natrecor-Rezepte mit dem stark vergrössertem Werbeaufwand signifikant steigen.
Irgendwoher kann man sich diese Rezeptdaten besorgen. Das wird aber vermutlich solchen Kunden vorbehalten sein, die 2000 $ pro Monat an einen Infodienstleister bezahlen.
Wir werden es dann bei den nächsten Quartalszahlen wissen.
@dosto: Bei VPHM bin ich über die einstimmige Ablehnung ernsthaft überrascht, die Fachliteratur wär längst nicht so kritisch. Mal sehen, was die mit den Wandelanleihen machen werden, deren Eigner ja bei einem Kurs von 80$ eingestiegen sind.
Schönes WE noch!

[dosto]

kelbi

ich bin zwar kein treiber,

aber ne regel heißt, laufen lassen.

ich kenne deine stückzahl nicht, aber nimm mal nen bleistift
und fang zu rechnen an.
vielleicht ein bißchen weniger als die hälfte verkaufen,
aber halt nun andauernd beobachten,
ja-schwierig, in aussicht steht auch ein kleiner rücksetzer,
um dann wieder mit schwung nach oben zu gehen.
das ist ne nervensache.
aber momentum ist momentum und wenn das bollinger-band nach oben durchdreht, kann dir fürs erste auch kohle durch den ofen gehen.
im moment ist es nicht die frage ob überwertet oder nicht,
sondern es sieht eher so aus, als ob nun das spiel des spieles wegen gespielt wird.

tja-ne gewissensfrage,
wobei ich persönlich glaube es geht noch ein bißchen weiter nach oben, aufgrund der derzeit guten ausgangposition,
die sich meines erachtens am montag nicht wesentlich verschlechtern wird.

also das ist kein fundamental bullisher kommentar, hier spiel ich mal rein die technik und meinen bauch.

[Kelbi]

Danke Dosto.

Hab aber trotzdem heute früh die Hälfte verkauft, so übermäßig viel wars auch nicht was ich hier drin hatte/habe.

War heute ein allgemein schlechter Biotag, aber SCIO hat sich über(noch) 30 USD gehalten, Umsätze wieder sehr hoch.

Beobachte natürlich jetzt ständig. Bin zwar kein Technikguru(arbeite dran*g*), aber ein bischen Technik und ein bischen aus dem Bauch heraus, damit bin ich bisher ganz gut gefahren, aber nur wenn ich auch konsequent damit war, haupsächlich beim verkaufen, denke Du weist was ich meine.

Freut mich das selbst Du manchmal auch aus dem Bauch heraus zu handeln scheinst:-)) Nach meiner Erfahrung ist ein guter Instinkt manchmal auch was wert...

Schöne Woche

Kelbi

[Kelbi]

Naja, aus Scios bin ich seit gestern raus, mal sehen...

Dafür schließt Quest Diagnostics heute auf neuem All Time High von 83,55 USD.

Gruß

Kelbi

[puhvogel]

@Kelbi: Erfahrungsgemäss kommt das bei den Investoren selten gut an.
07:23 ET Unilab agrees to be acquired by Quest Diagnostics (ULAB) 25.00: Provider of diagnostic testing services enters agreement to be acquired by Quest Diagnostics (DGX 82.79) for approx. $1.1 bln. Unilab holders may elect to receive $26.50 in cash, 0.3256 shares of Quest Diagnostics common stock or a combination of cash and stock. Based on Quest`s closing price, the all-stock option values at ULAB at $26.956 per share.

[Kelbi]

@puhvogel

Stimmt, Quest auch heute im Minus, aber geht im Moment noch.Umsätze natürlich sehr hoch, mal sehen, die nächsten Tage werden wir sehen wie die Investoren endgültig reagieren....

Habe hier noch was von Scios aus dem Yahoo Board.Jetzt bin ich echt mal auf den 18.04. gespannt....


Scios Announces Strong First Quarter 2002 Sales and Favorable Medicare Reimbursement Code for Natrecor
SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO - news) announced today that net sales for its flagship product Natrecor® (nesiritide) were $15.4 million in the first quarter of 2002, a 60 percent increase over the prior quarter ended December 31, 2001. The Company will discuss full first quarter financial results on its regular conference call scheduled for Thursday, April 18.

The Company also announced Natrecor has received an Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) pass-through code under the Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The pass-through payment code for Natrecor allows Medicare reimbursement for acutely decompensated heart failure patients with dyspnea (shortness of breath) at rest or with minimal activity treated with Natrecor in an outpatient setting. The reimbursement code became effective April 1, 2002.

``We achieved better than expected sales due to greater than expected physician prescribing of Natrecor for their patients suffering from acute heart failure,`` said Richard B. Brewer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Scios. ``Physicians are having success treating their patients with Natrecor, which is very gratifying. In addition, the issuance of an APC code is further indication of the growing therapeutic importance of Natrecor and will help increase use of it in outpatient settings. We believe this is a significant step toward making Natrecor more widely available to the physicians and patients who need it, and creates a bigger market for the product.``

``Our market research shows physicians are increasingly interested in using Natrecor in a variety of clinical settings,`` said Thomas L. Feldman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Scios. ``The APC code makes the economics of prescribing the product more attractive for physicians interested in using it for their patients in the outpatient setting, an area in which Natrecor is particularly well-suited because it is easy to use, has a good safety profile and makes patients feel better.``

Gruß

Kelbi

[Kelbi]

So hier noch ein interressanter Artikel zu Quest:

BusinessWeek Online

Positive Results for Quest Diagnostics

The BW50: THE BIOTECH BEAT

By David Shook

Even without much recent growth, Quest Diagnostics (NYSEGX-news), the largest medical lab-testing company in the U.S., has enjoyed a huge run-up in its stock price and came in at No. 4 on the BusinessWeek list of the top companies in the S&P MidCap 400 index. Teterboro [N.J.]-based Quest saw testing volume increase less than 1% in 2001, yet the stock`s value has soared about 500% over the past two years, to its recent $78 a share from $15 in April, 2000.
ADVERTISEMENT



What gives? It seems Quest`s growth potential doesn`t lie in basic lab-testing services -- the more than 4,000 molecular screenings that determine anything from drug abuse by a job applicant to a person`s white blood-cell count. Instead, it`s placing greater emphasis on the more lucrative areas of specialized lab procedures that are an increasingly important part of health care.

Such sophisticated, or ``esoteric,`` testing, as it`s known in the industry, mainly involves diagnostics that hospitals don`t have the resources to handle themselves or can`t do on a large enough scale. These tests determine, for example, how well a cocktail of antiretroviral AIDS drugs is working on a patient. Or they can involve screening for certain forms of cancer or a rare genetic mutation that can influence the risk a child may have of developing a certain disease.

``DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL.`` This emphasis should translate into strong gains for Quest in 2002, which helps explain the huge upside potential priced into the stock, say Credit Suisse First Boston analyst Robert Willoughby and other analysts. Salomon Smith Barney predicts that Quest will have average annual earnings growth of 25% for five years. That`s far higher than what`s expected for the rest of the health-care industry, save for a few biotech drug companies.

``Quest has become a distribution channel for all these new technologies coming onto the market,`` says Willoughby. As biotechnology and medicine becomes more targeted and predictive, ``I think you`ll see this company continue to embrace and benefit from all these new specialized forms of diagnostics,`` he says.

In 2002, analysts expect Quest`s earnings per share to $2.87, a 50% jump from the $1.92 of a year ago. While sales are seen increasing only 8% to 10% this year, analysts expect the huge profit gains to result from Quest`s focus on higher-margin clinical tests, an improving economy, and cost savings reaped from the company`s $500 million merger this year with American Medical Laboratories.

GETTING SPECIFIC. Also helping are the ongoing profit gains from Quest`s $1.3 billion deal in 1999 for SmithKline Beecham Clinical Labs, which created the largest company in the lab-testing industry. ``Quest has really grown through acquisitions, and the company has leverage with the big managed-care organizations, which pay for an increasing number of these sophisticated tests,`` says Theresa Womble, analyst at Morgan Keegan & Co.

The growth in specialized testing is part of the natural evolution of drug development toward targeting more specific subsets of patients. Around the world, the AIDS virus is mutating in ways that makes it increasingly resistant to many of the best drug cocktails on the market, which for the past 10 years have helped HIV patients live healthy lives.

So doctors are testing patients for resistant strains of the AIDS virus -- and also measuring the level of the virus in patients using standard therapies, to make sure the virus isn`t gaining in its ability to resist current treatments. These are two of the types of HIV tests Quest now provides for immunologists.

PREDICTIVE GENETICS. Quest also is expected to play an increasingly important role in oncology. Genentech`s breast cancer drug Herceptin is genetically targeted toward a subset of breast cancer victims with a specific mutated gene. Quest offers a test to determine whether a woman with breast cancer has the specific mutation, revealing whether she`ll be suitable for the drug.

And Quest may benefit from the burgeoning field of predictive genetics. The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists now recommends that couples planning to have a baby have their DNA screened for a mutation that can lead to cystic fibrosis in the child -- a test Quest offers.

``These kinds of tests require more skilled personnel and expensive technology that many hospitals simply can`t afford. That`s why this is a fast-growing area for the lab-testing industry,`` says Theresa Womble of Morgan Keegan.

EYE ON THE ECONOMY. Quest didn`t experience much growth in total test volume in 2001, but that`s partially due to the recession. With fewer companies hiring and screening for substance abuse, many of the more basic, employment-related tests saw drops in volume, says William Bonello, analyst for U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffray. Quest executives were unavailable to comment for this story.

According to Washington G-2 Reports, a trade news service, the entire U.S. clinical lab-testing industry grew by only 5.5% in 2001. This year, Quest could see its test volume increase at a substantially higher rate -- perhaps 10% or more, as the economy improves and insurance companies begin to place more emphasis on early detection and prevention of disease through sophisticated lab testing.

Even though Quest is the industry giant, it does have competition. LabCorp (NYSE:LH-news) in Burlington, N.C., is No. 2 and appears to be growing faster than Quest. In the fourth quarter, LabCorp`s total test volumes grew 12% and total revenues 16%, while Quest in same period saw test volumes increase only 3.5% and sales 9%.

BIG BETS. Moreover, smaller players such as DIANON Systems (NasdaqNMIAN-news) are pecking at Quest`s esoteric clinical-testing market. The Stratford [Conn.]-based company provides cancer and genomics diagnostics. In the fourth quarter, it had revenues of $41.2 million, a 61% increase over the year earlier. And while DIANON is a much smaller company, its stock has nonetheless soared in the last year to $60 a share from $25, suggesting that investors see tremendous potential in companies establishing themselves in specialized lab testing.

With investors having already made big bets on Quest and its rivals, ``there`s a valuation concern for these companies,`` says Womble. Quest is trading at 28 times 2002 earnings estimates and 23 times 2003 projections. Even given its competition, though, analysts say they believe Quest can deliver on the explosive earnings growth expected over the next five years.

If they`re right, the stock may have less downside risk than it appears. Quest is poised to be the behind-the-scenes beneficiary of the advancements being made in predictive medicine and targeted drug development. As more of these treatments and diagnostics hit the market, Quest will be in the background -- cashing in.

Gruß

Kelbi

PS: Puhvogel könntest Du vieleicht mal die Charts von Dianon und Lab. Corp. reinstellen.Mal was anderes als diese ewigen Abwärtstrends. Beide wohl aber "nur" für 20-30 % pro Jahr gut....:-)))

[puhvogel]

Reality check update:
Quartalsumsatz Natrecor in Millionen Dollar
Verwaltung und Verkaufsaufwendungen in Millionen Dollar
Forschungsausgaben in Millionen Dollar

3. Quartal 2001:...4,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 18,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 12,1

4. Quartal 2001:...9,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 27,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 13,4

1. Quartal 2001:...15,4
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : ??
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : ??

Prognosen: Februar 2002: Im Jahr 2002 einen Umsatz von 55-60 Millionen $
. . . . . . . . . . .
Soweit sieht das eigentlich gar nicht so schlecht aus. Bin gegenüber dem letzten Quartalsbericht positiv überrascht! Die da im Vorfeld gekauft hatten, wussten das aber sicher schon vorher von professionellen Dienstleistern. Hoffe aber nur, dass sich die Vertriebsausgaben sich nicht noch weiter signifikant gesteigert haben.

[dosto]

also
ca 60 millionen verlust sind wohl einzurechnen.

sg-a expense werden wohl die 120 mille erreichen?

[Kelbi]

Hm, wieder mal hat Quest auf neuem ATH geschlossen 85,91 USD.Langsam wirds unheimlich:-))Umsätze steigen mit dem Kurs an und scheinbar wurde die Übernahme von Unilabs doch eher positiv aufgenommen.

Puhvogel was meinst Du?

Gruß

Kelbi

[Kelbi]

Quest 87,47 USD neues ATH +1,87 % zu gestern
Scios 31,02 USD, ATH liegt bei 32,24 l Veränderung zu gestern +6,07 % Umsätze bei beiden wieder sehr hoch.

[puhvogel]

@Kelbi: Gratulation nochmal
Der Kursverlauf von Quest ist sehr ungewöhnlich. In der Regel werden heutzutage Firmen nach Übernahmen, zumal solch grossen, kurzfristig verkauft: AMGN MEDI MLNM HP
Vor zwei Jahren war das noch anders, aber nun hat man (wieder) festgestellt , dass strategische Visionen zum einen recht teuer und nicht notwendigerweise aufgehen müssen.(Daimler )

Mittlerweile entfernt sich der Kurs auch recht weit vom gleitenden Durchschnitt (s. Chart unten), womit die Gefahr einer scharfen Gegenreaktion wächst. Solche Situationen hatte Quest schon einige mal.
Ich könnte mir gut vorstellen, das hier einige auf den richtigen Ausstieg warten. Aber: The trend is your friend.

[puhvogel]

Scios Announces First Quarter Results and Increases 2002 Natrecor Sales Forecast

Richard B. Brewer Resumes Day-to-Day Management of Company
SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO) announced today its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002.
Scios previously reported that net sales for its lead product Natrecor(R) (nesiritide) for the first quarter of 2002 were $15.4 million, a 60 percent increase over the prior quarter. Based on this outstanding sales performance, Scios announced that it is raising its full year 2002 net sales forecast for Natrecor from $55 to $60 million to $75 to $80 million.
The Company also announced that President and Chief Executive Officer, Richard B. Brewer, has resumed day-to-day management of operations after successfully completing treatment for multiple myeloma.
"I am delighted to be back as our team continues to meet and exceed the performance milestones we have laid out to increase value for our shareholders," said Mr. Brewer. "We look forward to expanding U.S. sales for Natrecor as the medical community continues its adoption of the drug based on its many benefits in a variety of clinical settings. SCIO-469, our oral p38 kinase inhibitor, continues moving ahead in Phase II clinical trials. We believe a safe, effective p38 kinase inhibitor represents a multi-billion dollar product opportunity and we are one of the leaders in this area of development. In addition, our research organization has identified a new product candidate from our TGF-beta program that further builds our growing pipeline behind Natrecor."

Additional First Quarter Achievements:

-- Lead article on pivotal VMAC study and editorial were published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) supporting first-line use of Natrecor for acute heart failure;
-- First annual meeting of ADHERE registry, which has enrolled almost 6,000 patients at nearly 100 medical centers to date, was held to review national data results and discuss current heart failure treatment and registry goals;
-- Natrecor received pass-through payment code from Medicare, allowing reimbursement in outpatient setting;
-- Enrollment began in Phase IIa clinical trial evaluating safety and tolerability of escalating doses of SCIO-469 for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis;
-- New drug candidate was advanced from research to preclinical development that could become the first inhibitor of transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta.

First Quarter Financial Results
First quarter 2002 net revenues were $16.4 million compared to $11.9 million in the first quarter of 2001. This increase was primarily due to Natrecor product revenue. In the prior year the Company had $1.5 million in product sales related to the psychiatric sales and marketing division, which ceased operations in the first quarter of 2001, and a gain on the sale of marketing rights to these products of $9.4 million.
Total costs and expenses for the first quarter of 2002 were $40.6 million compared to $16.0 million in the first quarter of 2001. The increase in costs and expenses was largely attributable to building a marketing and sales infrastructure for Natrecor, clinical development of the p38 kinase inhibitor program and preclinical development of the TGF-beta program.
Net loss for the quarter was $25.2 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $4.2 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the same period last year. Per share amounts were based on 46.1 million weighted average diluted shares in the first quarter of 2002, compared to 39.3 million weighted average diluted shares in the same quarter last year.
Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (both current and non-current) balances at March 31, 2002 were $111.0 million.

[puhvogel]

Reality check update:
Quartalsumsatz Natrecor in Millionen Dollar
Verwaltung und Verkaufsaufwendungen in Millionen Dollar
Forschungsausgaben in Millionen Dollar

3. Quartal 2001:...4,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 18,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 12,1

4. Quartal 2001:...9,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 27,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 13,4

1. Quartal 2001:.15,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 24,7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 14,9

Prognosen: Februar 2002: Im Jahr 2002 einen Umsatz von 55-60 Millionen $
. . . . . . . . . . . .April 2002: Im Jahr 2002 einen Umsatz von 75-80 Millionen $
. . . . . . . . . . .

Kommentar: Gefällt mir so weit. Der Umsatz ist etwas kleiner als letztes mal angegeben, oder ich habe mich damals verguckt. Immerhin sind die Umsätze nun größer als die Forschungsaufwendungen, die gottseidank nicht proportional mitwachsen. Der Werbeaufwand konnte sogar offenbar etwas reduziert werden. Die gehen Richtung Profitabilität.

[Kelbi]

Stimmt, danke Puhvogel, scheint ganz gut auszusehen bei Scios.
Nun die Zahlen von Quest:


Quest Diagnostics Announces Increased Earnings for First Quarter 2002
TETERBORO, N.J., April 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NYSE: DGX - news), the nation`s leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, announced that for the first quarter ended March 31, 2002, net income increased to $66.7 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, from $35.7 million, or $0.37 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2001. Earnings per diluted share increased 46% compared to the 2001 level, adjusted for the required change in goodwill accounting.

``We continue to drive improvement in our financial results through top-line growth and increased efficiency, which translates into substantial increases in earnings per share and improved EBITDA margins,`` said Kenneth W. Freeman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. ``We are realizing benefits from standardizing our operations and expanding our Six Sigma quality efforts. Looking ahead, our growth initiatives, centered on Six Sigma, genomics and customer connectivity, coupled with the recent acquisition of American Medical Laboratories and our agreement to purchase Unilab, are building on a strong foundation to deliver sustainable outstanding returns for our shareholders.``

First quarter revenues of $947 million grew 7.3% over the prior-year level. Revenue per requisition during the first quarter improved 4.1% compared to the prior year. Clinical testing volume, measured by the number of requisitions, increased 2.5% and reflects the impact of continued softness in the drugs-of-abuse testing business, which reduced total company volume by 1.4% during the quarter.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), were $156 million, or 16.4% of revenues, compared to $122 million, or 13.9% of revenues, for the prior year period. Bad debt expense improved to 5.8% from 6.3% a year ago. Days sales outstanding improved to 52 days from 54 days at the end of 2001. Capital expenditures were $41 million.

The company ended the quarter with $149 million in cash and no borrowings outstanding under its available credit facilities. On April 1, the company completed the acquisition of American Medical Laboratories (AML), which it financed with approximately $25 million in cash and $475 million in borrowings under existing credit facilities.

Including the results of AML for nine months, revenues for full year 2002 are expected to grow between 13% and 15%. Earnings per share are expected to increase to between $3.03 and $3.08, before charges associated with the acquisition, an increase of more than 30% above the 2001 level, adjusted for the required change in goodwill accounting. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to exceed 17% of revenues. Net interest expense and amortization expense are expected to total approximately $60 million and $10 million, respectively, and capital spending is projected at $160 million to $170 million. Assuming that AML had been part of Quest Diagnostics since January 1, 2001, revenues for full year 2002 are expected to increase approximately 8% on a pro forma basis, with volume growing 4% to 5% and revenue per requisition increasing 2% to 3%. The estimates for both actual and pro forma results exclude the impact of the planned acquisition of Unilab, which the company expects to complete late in the second quarter.

Quest Diagnostics will hold its first quarter conference call on April 19 at 8:00 A.M. Eastern Time. To hear a simulcast of the call over the Internet or a replay, registered analysts may access StreetEvents at: www.streetevents.com, and all others may access the Quest Diagnostics website at: www.questdiagnostics.com. In addition, a replay of the call will be available from 10 A.M. on April 19 through 5 P.M. on June 1 to investors in the U.S. by dialing 800-839-1335. Investors outside the U.S. may dial 402-280-1668. No password is required for either number.

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated is the nation`s leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, providing insights that enable physicians, hospitals, managed care organizations and other healthcare professionals to make decisions to improve health. The company offers patients and physicians the broadest access to diagnostic laboratory services through its national network of laboratories and patient service centers. Quest Diagnostics is the leading provider of esoteric testing, including gene-based medical testing, and empowers healthcare organizations and clinicians with state-of-the-art connectivity solutions that improve practice management. Additional company information can be found on the Internet at: www.questdiagnostics.com.

The statements in this press release which are not historical facts or information may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the outcome to be materially different. Certain of these risks and uncertainties are described in the Quest Diagnostics Incorporated 2001 Form 10-K and subsequent filings.


Quest Diagnostics Incorporated and Subsidiaries

[Kelbi]

Moody`s raises Quest Diagnostics ratings




Approximately $1.75 Billion of Debt Instruments Affected
(Press release provided by Moody`s Investors Service)
NEW YORK, May 29 - Moody`s Investors Service today took the
following actions on the ratings of Quest Diagnostics, Inc.
("Quest").
New Rating Assignment:
$275 Million Senior Unsecured Term Loan, due 2007, rated Baa3
Ratings Upgraded:
$325 million Revolving Credit Facility, due 2006, to Baa3 from
Ba1
$275 million 6.75% Senior Notes, due 2006, to Baa3 from Ba1
$275 million 7.50% Senior Notes, due 2011, to Baa3 from Ba1
$250 million Contingent Convertible Debentures, due 2021, to
Baa3 from Ba1
Senior Unsecured Shelf rating, to (P)Baa3 from (P)Ba1
Subordinate Shelf rating, to (P)Ba1 from (P)Ba2
Preferred Shelf rating, to (P)Ba2 from (P)Ba3
Senior Implied Rating, Withdrawn
Senior Unsecured Issuer Rating, Withdrawn
The outlook for the ratings is stable.
This completes Moody`s review of Quest, which was initiated
on April 2, 2002. Moody`s also placed the ratings for Unilab
under review on April 2, 2002. The Unilab ratings will remain
under review until Quest`s pending acquisition of Unilab is
finalized and the status of the Unilab debt is determined. The
ratings upgrade reflects the company`s ability to sustain its
positive operating trends, including sound cash flow
generation.
With the acquisition of American Medical Laboratories, Inc.
("AML") and the pending acquisition of Unilab Corporation
("Unilab"), the company has further solidified its leading
market position. The ratings further reflect the results of a
proven and disciplined management team and the expectation that
acquisition activity over the near to intermediate term will
not include anything of significant magnitude. Impacting the
ratings, Moody`s notes that the company will now face issues
relating to integrating two companies simultaneously. In
addition, Moody`s believes that the company may need to rely on
product mix shift and volume increases to support positive
operating trends since cost trends will likely outpace price
increases.
Moody`s also notes that Medicare and Medicaid pricing has
been flat while managed care pricing will continue to be
subject to constraints especially as managed care companies
themselves grapple with rising cost trends and a potentially
less favorable premium environment. Finally, Moody`s notes that
there are some very preliminary proposals in Congress to make
changes to Medicare that contemplate some type of competitive
bidding procedures for labs. It is still too early to determine
the probability that this may occur, in what form and what the
impact could be on the industry, as well as the company. Our
stable outlook anticipates that the company`s favorable
operating trends, including cash flow generation, will
continue.
Our outlook further anticipates that the company will
reduce leverage quickly, even with total debt increasing
significantly after both acquisitions (up to approximately $1.7
billion from $820 million). We do not envision significant
acquisition activity in the near to intermediate term as the
company integrates AML and Unilab. This means that the company
should continue to use its cash flow, in part, to reduce debt
during 2002 and beyond. As such, we expect continued
improvement to the company`s credit profile. Furthermore, while
CFO/Total Debt will decline in 2002 to the mid-20% range from
the mid-40% range for FYE 2001, we expect that the company`s
focus on debt reduction and its improved operating trends will
drive CFO/Total Debt levels back to the 30% to 40% range
(mid-20% range on an adjusted debt basis) toward the end of
2003 and beyond. A portion of our review focused on the
company`s capital structure and the degree of on-going reliance
on short-term debt.
Moody`s notes that the company`s actions in terms of the
partial refinancing of its 364-day bridge facility have
demonstrated the company`s focus on reducing its reliance on
short term financing instruments. Moody`s expects that the
integration of both the AML and the Unilab acquisitions will
proceed smoothly. Quest has indicated that it will retain key
management at both companies. Furthermore, the company has
already demonstrated its ability to manage through a sizeable
acquisition with the successful integration of the SBCL
acquisition. The addition of AML and Unilab to the Quest
network will further strengthen Quest`s coverage and
penetration nationally. We anticipate that going forward, Quest
may seek smaller to medium-sized acquisitions to further
enhance its positions in diagnostic testing and in the higher
margin esoteric space.
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, headquartered in Teterboro,
NJ, is the largest clinical laboratory testing business in the
United States, providing a broad range of routine and esoteric
services to the medical profession.

[Kelbi]

Scios 26,59 USD 20 % unter ATH
Quest Diag. 91,39 USD 5 % unter ATH

kann ich mit leben:-)Wenn es so bleibt;-)

[Kelbi]

Reuters Company News
Quest Diagnostics quarterly profit, revenues rise

(adds details, quote, share price)

TETERBORO, N.J., July 22 (Reuters) - Quest Diagnostics Inc.(NYSEGX - News), the largest U.S. diagnostic testing firm, on Monday posted sharply higher quarterly earnings, spurred by higher revenue and increased efficiencies.


For the full year, the Teterboro, New Jersey-based company said it expects revenue to rise between 13 percent and 14 percent.

Quest Diagnostics said second-quarter income rose to $87.2 million, or 87 cents per diluted share, from $50.7 million, or 52 cents per share, a year earlier. Analysts polled by Thomson Financial First Call on average expected the company to earn 83 cents a share.

Revenue rose 15 percent to $1.1 billion, which reflects the acquisition of American Medical Laboratories, the company said. During the quarter, the company said it repaid $175 million of the $475 million it borrowed in conjunction with the acquisition of AML, which was completed on April 1.

The company`s bad debt expense for the quarter decreased to 5.2 percent, compared to 6 percent a year earlier.

Quest said it sees third-quarter earnings before a special charges in a range of $3.07 to $3.12 per share.

The charge, expected in the third quarter, is associated with the integration of American Medical Laboratories.

"The fundamentals of our business remain sound and our growth initiatives are generating results," said Quest Diagnostics Chairman and Chief Executive Kenneth Freeman, citing revenue growth, efficiency gains and increased cash generation.

Quest, which in April agreed to buy rival Unilab for $900 million, delayed the projected completion of the deal until the third quarter because of requests for information from federal antitrust authorities.

Prior to announcing its second-quarter earnings, Quest Diagnostics shares fell $3.58 -- more than 5 percent -- to close at $59.41 in trade on the New York Stock Exchange

[Kelbi]

Sieht auch gut aus:

Scios Announces Second Quarter Financial Results and Increases 2002 and Peak Sales Forecasts for Natrecor
PROACTION Pilot Study Supports the Use of Natrecor in the Emergency Department
SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO - News) announced today its financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2002.

Scios reported that net sales for its lead product Natrecor® (nesiritide) for the second quarter and first six months of 2002 were $22.5 million and $37.9 million, respectively. The company also announced that it is raising its full-year 2002 net sales forecast for Natrecor from $75 to $80 million to $90 to $95 million and expects net sales in the third quarter of 2002 to be $23 to $25 million. Peak U.S. sales for the drug are expected to be in the range of $500 to $600 million versus previous estimates of $200 to $300 million.

The ADHERE Registry has enrolled over 12,000 heart failure patients to date, continuing to exceed the company`s original goal of enrolling 10,000 patients by the end of this year.

"Natrecor may rank as one of the most successful intravenous cardiovascular products launched in the U.S. in terms of first-year sales," said Richard B. Brewer, Scios` president and chief executive officer. "We have increased our sales forecast since Natrecor is being used not only for patients with a primary diagnosis of acute heart failure, but also in patients who are treated for acute heart failure as a secondary diagnosis. In addition, because of its favorable safety profile, ease of use and high rates of physician satisfaction, Natrecor is being used by a wide range of physicians to treat acute heart failure in patients with a variety of underlying conditions."

Results of PROACTION Pilot Study

Scios announced results of the PROACTION (Prospective Randomized Outcomes Study of Acutely Decompensated Congestive Heart Failure Treated Initially in Outpatients with Natrecor) trial. As a pilot study, two hundred and thirty seven patients were enrolled and treated in the ED/Observation Unit (ED/OU) at 38 U.S. hospitals. The study was designed to compare the clinical effects, safety profile and economic impact of Natrecor plus standard therapy to placebo plus standard therapy, when administered in the ED/OU. Outcomes were assessed over thirty days.

The study confirmed that Natrecor could be used safely in the ED/OU. Results suggest that early use of Natrecor in the ED/OU may decrease the rate of initial hospital admissions and re-admissions following initial hospital discharge, versus standard care. These improved clinical outcomes may lead to cost reductions that neutralize the cost of Natrecor when compared to standard care alone.

"The PROACTION trial shows that Natrecor is safe and effective in the hands of emergency medicine physicians as well as physicians in the observation unit," said Charles L. Emerman, M.D., Chairman, Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

"These results suggest that Natrecor can improve early treatment of acute heart failure in the emergency department at no additional cost. Because hospitals typically lose money on Medicare patients who are hospitalized for heart failure, use of Natrecor in the emergency department has the potential to improve hospital financial performance," said J. Sanford Schwartz, M.D., Professor of Medicine, Health Management and Economics, School of Medicine and the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania.

Pipeline Update

In addition to increasing sales of Natrecor in the acute heart failure market, Scios is evaluating additional opportunities for the product. Scios continues to enroll patients in a pilot study called FUSION (Follow Up Serial Infusions Of Natrecor), which is designed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of Natrecor when administered in an outpatient setting to patients with chronic congestive heart failure who are at high risk for hospitalization. As of July 23, 2002, 135 of the targeted 210 patients have been enrolled in the study.

Scios also provided an update on enrollment in its Phase IIa clinical trial evaluating SCIO-469, its novel oral p38 kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As of July 23, 2002, this multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study has enrolled 42 out of 120 patients who have active RA and are receiving methotrexate. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of six escalating doses of SCIO-469 in RA patients. The company expects to announce results from this study in the first quarter of 2003. The company also announced the identification of SCIO-323, a more potent second-generation p38 kinase inhibitor that is advancing through preclinical development.

Scios is also pursuing development of oral inhibitors of TGF-beta for a broad range of clinical indications, and announced today that its lead indication for these compounds will be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

TGF-beta is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates cell proliferation and differentiation in a variety of diseases. Research indicates that an excess of TGF-beta is implicated in inflammation and scar tissue formation in both the cardiovascular system and a variety of conditions including COPD, congestive heart failure (CHF), liver cirrhosis, and diabetic nephropathy.

"TGF-beta is implicated in a wide range of chronic and acute diseases, and our lead compounds have shown efficacy in several preclinical disease models," commented George Schreiner, M.D., Ph.D. and Chief Scientific Officer of Scios. "The initial success of our drug development program targeting this important pathway validates the effective platform technology created by Scios that focuses on kinases as therapeutic targets."

Second Quarter and First Six Months 2002 Financial Results and Full-year 2002 Outlook

Second quarter 2002 net revenues were $23.0 million compared to $5.2 million in the second quarter of 2001. This increase was primarily due to Natrecor sales.

Total costs and expenses for the second quarter of 2002 were $44.3 million compared to $23.4 million in the second quarter of 2001. The increase in costs and expenses was largely attributable to building a marketing and sales infrastructure for Natrecor, clinical development of the p38 kinase inhibitor program and preclinical development of the TGF-beta program. Selling, general and administrative expenses are expected to be $105 to $110 million for the full-year 2002. Research and development expenses are expected to be $75 to $80 million for the full-year 2002.

Net loss for the quarter was $22.5 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $18.3 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, for the same period last year. Per share amounts were based on 46.5 million weighted average diluted shares in the second quarter of 2002, compared to 40.1 million weighted average diluted shares in the same quarter last year. Due to expected increases in total costs and expenses related to increases in research and development and selling, general and administrative expenses, net loss is expected to be $70 to $75 million. The company expects to be profitable in 2004.

Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (both current and non-current) balances at June 30, 2002 were $101.3 million.

Net revenues for the first six months of 2002 were $39.5 million compared to $17.2 million in the same period last year. The increase was primarily due to Natrecor sales of $37.9 million. Total costs and expenses in the six-month period were $84.8 million, compared to $39.3 million for the year-ago period. The six months period ended June 30, 2001 included $12.5 million of revenues, inclusive of a $9.4 million gain on the sale of marketing rights from the Psychiatric Sales and Marketing Division that was discontinued in March 2001. The company reported a net loss of $47.7 million in the first six months of 2002, or $1.03 per diluted share, compared to a $22.5 million net loss, or $0.57 per diluted share, in the same period last year.

[Kelbi]

@Puhvogel

Hi, mich würde mal deine Meinung zu den neusten Scios Meldungen interessieren. Zumal ja wohl die Kosten der neuen Therapie mit Natrecor unter denen der herkömmlichen liegen sollen, wenn ich das richtig verstanden habe. Insofern sollte Scios seine Pipeline vieleicht sogar ohne Kapitalerhöhung etc. finanzieren können, wenn die Natrecor Sales so kommen wie seit heute prognostiziert. Immerhin wurden die maximal möglichen Erlöse verdoppelt.Desweiteren tät mich mal interessieren ob damit nur die erzielbaren Erlöse in den USA oder weltweit gemeint waren, dazu hab ich noch nichts gefunden. Ansonsten bleibt zu bemerken, das die relative Stärke von Scios für mich bisher mehr als beeindruckend ist. Aber ausser uns scheint sich ja keiner dafür zu begeistern....

Gruß Kelbi

[Kelbi]

Sorry, hab es doch glatt überlesen es waren "nur" die in den USA erzielbaren Erlöse gemeint, womit sich die Frage stellt wie hoch das Natrecor Potential weltweit wäre.....
Spannende Sach das:-)

Gute Nacht Kelbi

[Kelbi]

Scios Announces Pricing of $150 Million Convertible Subordinated Notes
SUNNYVALE, Calif., July 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO - News) today announced that it has agreed to sell $150 million in aggregate principle amount of 5.50% convertible subordinated notes due August 15, 2009 through a private placement to qualified institutional buyers. The company also granted the initial purchasers a 30-day option to acquire up to an additional $25 million in principal amount to cover over-allotments. The notes will be convertible at the option of the holders into shares of Scios Inc. common stock initially at a conversion price of $39.30, representing a conversion premium of 23% over today`s closing price.

The company intends to use a portion of the net proceeds to repay outstanding indebtedness and the remaining amount for general corporate purposes.

The notes and the common stock issuable upon conversion have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or applicable state securities laws, and have been privately offered only to qualified institutional buyers in reliance on Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Unless so registered, the notes and common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes may not be offered or sold in the United States except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

Ich hätte halt nichts sagen sollen:-)

Mal sehen was passiert, kursmäßig.....

[Kelbi]

Needham upgrades to STRONG BUY from Buy, saying valuation should increase if the following events occur over the next 12-18 months: continued sales ramp-up for Natrecor, results of Phase 2 trials for SCIO-469 in rheumatoid arthritis and a possible partnering deal, and advancement of TGF-B and other pipeline drugs; raises price target range to $45-$47 from $35-$37.

[js200]

SCIO - Scios Inc. (NASDAQ NM : SCIO)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WR Hambrecht + Co Initiates Coverage of Scios (SCIO) with a Buy Rating And $32 Target



THURSDAY , SEPTEMBER 05, 2002 09:02 AM

SAN FRANCISCO, Sep 5, 2002 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- WR Hambrecht + Co today initiated research coverage of Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO) with a Buy rating and a $32 price target.

"Scios is one of the few mid-cap biotechnology companies with a marketed proprietary drug, a strong product pipeline, and a business model that could generate profits starting in 2004," said Jason Kantor, WR Hambrecht + Co`s Biotechnology analyst.

"We believe the Biotechnology sector is over sold and expect P/E expansions across the entire sector over the next 12 months even though the current market environment carries increased risk," said Kantor. "We highlight Scios as a likely outperformer in the near-term because of the ongoing successful marketing launch of its lead product, Natrecor, for treating acute heart failure and its reduced clinical and regulatory risk."

WR Hambrecht + Co expects Scios to report revenues of $103.5 million and $183.6 million and earnings per share of ($1.80) and ($0.51) for 2002 and 2003, respectively.

Scios Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for cardiovascular and inflammatory diseases.

For important disclosures, visit http://www.wrhambrecht.com/ind/research/disclosures.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">http://www.wrhambrecht.com/ind/research/disclosures.html . To read the full report, including a discussion on valuation metrics, visit http://www.wrhambrecht.com/ind/research/biotech/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">http://www.wrhambrecht.com/ind/research/biotech/ . To read the Industry Update, Biotechnology-Back to Basics: Focus on Sales and Earnings, visit http://www.wrhambrecht.com/ind/research/biotech/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">http://www.wrhambrecht.com/ind/research/biotech/ir/index.html .

About WR Hambrecht + Co

WR Hambrecht + Co (www.wrhambrecht.com) is a financial services firm committed to using the Internet and auction process to level the playing field for investors and issuers. The firm`s impartial Internet-based auctions, which allow the market to determine pricing and allocation, are dramatically changing the financial services landscape. WR Hambrecht + Co provides underwriting and advisory services for technology and emerging growth companies, as well as equity research, sales and trading, full-service and online brokerage and private equity offerings for institutions and individuals. WR Hambrecht + Co has offices in San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia and is backed by industry leaders including: American Century, American Express, Crimson Ventures, epartners, Fidelity Ventures, Instinet Corporation, Novell, Park Avenue Equity Partners, LP, Scudder Technology Fund, Kemper Technology Fund and Texas Pacific Group. WR Hambrecht + Co offers all its research reports free and real time at www.wrhambrecht.com.

WR Hambrecht + Co. is a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, CRD number 45040.



MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here
http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X32458589


SOURCE WR Hambrecht + Co


CONTACT: Sharon Smith of WR Hambrecht + Co, [phone], or
[e-mail]

URL: http://www.wrhambrecht.com
http://www.prnewswire.com



Copyright (C) 2002 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.


-0-


KEYWORD: California
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FIN
HEA
BIO
SUBJECT CODE: INO


STOCK SYMBOLS: [(scio)]

JS200

[puhvogel]

Reality check update:
Quartalsumsatz Natrecor in Millionen Dollar
Verwaltung und Verkaufsaufwendungen in Millionen Dollar
Forschungsausgaben in Millionen Dollar

3. Quartal 2001:...4,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 18,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 12,1

4. Quartal 2001:...9,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 27,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 13,4

1. Quartal 2001:.15,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 24,7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 14,9

2. Quartal 2001:.22,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 26,1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 16,8

Prognosen: Februar 2002: Im Jahr 2002 einen Umsatz von 55-60 Millionen $
. . . . . . . . . . . April 2002: Im Jahr 2002 einen Umsatz von 75-80 Millionen $
. . . . . . . . . . . Juli. 2002: Im Jahr 2002 einen Umsatz von 90-95 Millionen $; Ziel 500-600 Millionen $/a

Kommentar: Es wäre schön, wenn sie ihre laufenden Verwaltungskosten drücken könnten. Ansonsten ist kein Ende des Wachstums in Sicht, die Ziele erscheinen plausibel, eher unterschätzend.

[Kelbi]

Hier die neusten Zahlen von Quest, wenn auch etwas verspätet...Resultat war übrigens ein Downgrade von UBS von Buy auf Hold, KGV von 17 ist auch wahnsinnig viel...Yahoo hat eins von ungefähr 60 2003 e auch wenn ich hier mal Äpfel mit Birnen vergleiche, aber soviel zum Thema Analyst:-)

Dow Jones Business News
Quest`s 3rd-Quarter Profit Soars 73% Amid 17% Increase in Revenue
Thursday October 17, 5:48 pm ET


TETERBORO, N.J. -- Quest Diagnostics Inc.`s third-quarter net income surged 73% amid a 17% increase in revenue, in line with expectations the company released earlier this month.
The medical-testing company late Thursday reported net income of $86.6 million, or 87 cents a share, compared with net income of $50.1 million, or 51 cents a share, a year earlier.

ADVERTISEMENT


The latest results included a pretax gain of $3.8 million on an investment and a pretax charge of $1.5 million for the integration of American Medical Laboratories, or AML, which together contributed one cent a share to earnings.

The mean estimate of analysts surveyed by Thomson First Call was for earnings of 82 cents a share.

Revenue rose to $1.06 billion from $903.2 million a year earlier.

Earlier this month, Quest said it expected third-quarter earnings of 85 cents to 87 cents a share on revenue growth of about 17%.

Clinical testing volume, measured by the number of requisitions, increased 14% , or 5% on a pro forma basis, assuming that AML had been part of Quest Diagnostics since Jan. 1, 2001, the company said. Revenue per requisition increased 2.9%.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or Ebitda, rose 36% to $192.4 million.

"Strong performance was driven by our continued focus on generating profitable top-line growth and the benefits of our Six Sigma quality and standardization initiatives," Kenneth W. Freeman, chairman and chief executive, said in a prepared statement. "We continue to focus on effective execution, and the fundamentals of our business remain sound."

For the fourth quarter, Quest said it is "comfortable" with analysts` projections for earnings of 78 cents a share, according to First Call. The company also expects a 14% increase in revenue. In the year-earlier quarter, Quest earned 52 cents a share on revenue of $910.4 million.

In addition, the company expects full-year earnings, excluding items, to increase by 40%. Analysts are looking for earnings of $3.14 a share, according to First Call. The company posted earnings of $1.92 a share, excluding items, in 2001.

The company released its results at the close of trading. At 4 p.m. EDT on the New York Stock Exchange, shares of Quest Diagnostics were up $1.22, or 1.9%, to $64.87.

-Mike Lucas; Dow Jones Newswires; 609-520-5829

[puhvogel]

Reality check update:
Quartalsumsatz Natrecor in Millionen Dollar
Verwaltung und Verkaufsaufwendungen in Millionen Dollar
Forschungsausgaben in Millionen Dollar

3. Quartal 2001:...4,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 18,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 12,1

4. Quartal 2001:...9,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 27,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 13,4

1. Quartal 2001:.15,3
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 24,7
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 14,9

2. Quartal 2001:.22,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 26,1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 16,8

3. Quartal 2001:.26,1
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 24,5
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 19,3

Prognosen: Februar 2002: Im Jahr 2002 einen Umsatz von 55-60 Millionen $
. . . . . . . . . . . April 2002: Im Jahr 2002 einen Umsatz von 75-80 Millionen $
. . . . . . . . . . . Juli. 2002: Im Jahr 2002 einen Umsatz von 90-95 Millionen $; Ziel 500-600 Millionen $/a
. . . . . . . . . . . Oktober 2002: Bestätigung von 90-95 Millionen $ Natrecor-Umsatz für 2002

Fazit: Wachstum wird linear, die meisten Hospitale sind erreicht, deshalb deutliche Verringerung der Werbekosten. Die Jahresprognose wird wohl nicht mehr deutlich übertroffen!

[puhvogel]

Noch vergessen:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : Der Natrecor-Umsatz wird für das Geschäftsjahr 2003 wird auf 160-170 Millionen Dollar prognostiziert
Sollte das stimmen, so sollte Scios etwa im 1. Quartal 2004 dann den Break-even erreichen, wenn sie ihre Forschungausgaben nicht weiter in die Höhe treiben.

[Kelbi]

Rating-Update: Die Analysten von SG Cowen stufen die Aktie von Quest Diagnostics von "strong buy" auf "marketperform" zurück. (WKN 904533)


Von strong buy auf marketperform, ganz schön heftig....
gibts dafür Gründe, habe nichts gefunden ihr vieleicht?

[puhvogel]

Immer zunächst bei Yahoo-> INPLAY schauen!

08:18 ET SG Cowen downgrades Quest Diagnostics, Lab Corp :

SG Cowen downgrades DGX to Mkt Perform from Strong Buy and LH to Mkt Perform from Outperform, saying the results of their Acute Care Survey indicate increasing competition from hospital-based labs; cuts DGX`s 2003 est to $4.02 from $4.13 2004 to $4.61 from $4.73, and cuts LH`s 2003 est to $2.13 from $2.19 and 2004 to $2.56 from $2.62.

[puhvogel]

Too-Wary Analysts Punish Quest Diagnostics
Tuesday November 19, 4:59 pm ET

By James J. Cramer,

Buried within the downgrade Quest Diagnostics received from SG Cowen today is precisely what drew me to Quest to begin with: This is not an expensive stock.

Given that Cowen now has taken the stock from strong buy to neutral -- no stopping at buy -- you can believe that the newly reduced numbers for 2003 probably are pretty well scrubbed. When you go from being extremely positive to neutral, you want to be certain to have a stiff number cut associated with the story.

Der Rest der Story ist kostenpflichtig..

[Kelbi]

@puhvogel

Danke, letzteren Artikel hab ich auch schon gelesen.

Was hältst Du persönlich davon? Ich finds ein bischen übertrieben, zumal wenn man sich das KGV auf aktuellem Niveau anschaut. Ausgehend davon kann man Quest wohl kaum als teuer bezechnen, es sei denn es kommt noch ein dickes Ende hinterher(Gewinnwarnung?) von dem wir "dummen" Privatanleger wiedermal noch nichts wissen.....

[puhvogel]

Ich gebe dir Recht. Was man sich als fundamental anlegender Investor aber verinnerlichen sollte ist wöchentlich nachzufragen, warum seine Aktie immer noch ein Story wäre.

Teuer ist sie wirklich nicht, aber es sieht so aus, als wäre das eine Ex-Wachstumsstory, und wie volatil, geradezu beliebig, deren Bewertungen sein können, das kann man bei Nokia sehen.
Kennst du eine Story?
Bei Scios ist die noch in Ordnung, aber wehe nicht mehr!

PS: Ich hatte mit dem Posting 28 und speziell 13 leider doch recht. Manchmal ist simple Charttechnik doch eine ganz gute Entscheidungshilfe, und du hättest die für 82 $ verkaufen können. Ich kenn aber das Problem, wenn man an seinen Aktien klebt.

[Kelbi]

Hihi, hatte Glück, bin noch rechtzeitig raus und bei 57 mit einer Miniposition wieder rein. Wobei ich von der Exwachstumstorie noch nicht 100 % überzeugt bin. Stopp liegt bei den Jahrestiefs bei 49. Mal sehen was die nächste Zeit so bringt....aber um mal auf Wachstumsstorie zurückzukommen...schau Dir mal CGPI an:

a) wegen der Fundamentals, z.B. letztes Quartal erstmals in der Firmengeschichte Breakeven.

b) aus medikamententechnischen Gründen, da Du Dich ja damit ganz gut auszukennen scheinst...

Gruß

Kelbi

[Kelbi]

Study Shows Sub-Antimicrobial Dose Doxycycline Lowers C-Reactive Protein in Patients Suffering from Acute Coronary Syndromes
Monday November 18, 3:30 pm ET


CHICAGO, Nov. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- A drug commonly prescribed for the treatment of gum disease has been found to lower C-reactive protein (CRP) levels by nearly 50 percent in a pilot study of patients recently hospitalized for acute coronary syndromes (ACS), according to new data presented today at the American Heart Association`s Scientific Sessions 2002. CRP has been identified as a key marker of inflammation and is increasingly acknowledged as a sensitive indicator of future coronary events, such as heart attacks and sudden death.
ADVERTISEMENT


Marketed under the brand name Periostat® (doxycycline hyclate) by CollaGenex Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: CGPI - News), the 20 mg tablet, which is taken twice daily, provides a sub-antimicrobial dose of a commonly used antibiotic. In the MIDAS (Metalloproteinase Inhibition with Low-Dose Doxycycline to Prevent Acute Coronary Syndromes) pilot trial, Periostat not only lowered levels of CRP, but also reduced levels of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-6, which is implicated in CRP production and the occurrence of acute coronary events.

"In this small study, sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline produced striking reductions in CRP that mandate a larger study to further explore its utility in modulating inflammation in ACS," said David L. Brown, MD, Director of Interventional Cardiology and Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories of Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, and MIDAS lead investigator. "This is a compelling finding, as we are learning that CRP is not only a key indicator of inflammation leading to acute cardiac events, but that it may itself play an important, pathological role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Finding potent methods for inhibiting its effects could have important implications for ACS patients."

MIDAS was a prospective, randomized pilot study of 50 patients with recent acute coronary syndromes who were randomized into two groups and administered placebo or sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (Periostat). Blood samples were taken at study entry and after six months of therapy and then analyzed, using state-of-the-art techniques, for CRP, IL-6 and two matrix metalloproteinases, MMP-2 and MMP-9, enzymes associated with atherosclerotic plaque rupture. While the small study was of insufficient length to assess a significant difference in its primary objective, a reduction in coronary events at six months, Brown and colleagues found that not only did sub-antimicrobial dose doxycline lower CRP by a statistically significant 46 percent compared to baseline levels, it also reduced IL-6 and MMP-9 activity by 34 percent and 50 percent, respectively (p less than or equal to .05). A 38 percent reduction in MMP-2 activity among treated patients did not reach statistical significance.

In the blood sample analyses performed by Lorne M. Golub, DMD, MSC, honorary MD, professor in Oral Biology and Pathology, State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook, and colleagues, researchers found that not only did Periostat lower levels of MMP-9 protein, but it also inhibited its activity. "This is an important finding as it facilitates our understanding of Periostat`s mechanism of action in reducing the activity of MMPs, which are associated with the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaque," said Dr. Golub. "While we have long known Periostat`s local effects on the periodontium in gum disease, the MIDAS study demonstrates a similar effect on the vasculature, which may have implications for other systemic diseases as well." Dr. Golub and his team were the first to discover that tetracyclines, such as doxycycline, could inhibit MMPs, that their mechanism of action was unrelated to their antibiotic activity, and that this previously unrecognized property of these drugs had therapeutic potential for a variety of diseases.

The Role of C-Reactive Protein

CRP is an acute-phase inflammatory protein that is produced as part of the body`s response to infection and injury. It has been shown to be a sensitive indicator of these acute pathological events, because blood levels of CRP temporarily soar as the immune system jumps into action. One of the triggers of this overproduction of CRP is inflammation caused by heart disease, specifically acute cardiac events such as unstable angina and myocardial infarction. New research is showing that CRP may be more than just a marker for cardiovascular events; it may trigger the cascade of events leading to the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis.

In patients with stable premature coronary artery disease, CRP levels in the presently accepted upper normal range or higher are accompanied by an increased long-term risk for development of cardiovascular events, such as cardiac death, AMI or the need for revascularization. Studies have found that those with high levels of CRP have twice the risk of an acute event compared with people who have only elevated cholesterol.

The Role of Periostat®

Periostat is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing to promote the attachment of gums to teeth and reduce the depth of the pocket that forms between teeth and gums in patients with adult periodontitis (AP), or advanced gum disease. Research has shown that the drug works in gum tissue by suppressing the pathologically elevated levels of inflammatory cytokine activity and tissue-destroying enzymes, which ultimately cause the clinical signs and symptoms of the periodontitis. Periostat is the only treatment for AP specifically designed to suppress tissue-destroying enzymes and prevent tooth loss by restoring the balance of enzymes, cytokines and their natural inhibitors in favor of the preservation of connective tissue. It is these same cytokines and enzymes that are believed to contribute to increased risk of heart disease.

Independent research has shown that patients suffering from periodontitis also may be at an increased risk of developing heart disease. One explanation for this link is that the inflammatory response characteristic of periodontal disease, which is marked by high levels of inflammatory mediators, intensifies the process of developing atherosclerosis. Therefore, it is plausible that a drug such as Periostat, which is designed to reduce these mediators in periodontitis, may also help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

While the active ingredient in Periostat is doxycycline, the dose administered (20 mg twice a day) has been demonstrated through exhaustive clinical studies not to cause any detrimental effect on the normal and pathological microflora of the human body. Specifically, in clinical studies, administration of Periostat for periods of up to 18 months has demonstrated no antibacterial effect in the microflora of the oral cavity, the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract, nor the skin. Furthermore, the side effects typically associated with the long-term administration of higher doses of tetracycline antibiotics have not been seen with Periostat. Side effects with Periostat are reported to be comparable in nature and incidence to those of placebo.

Periostat is also being tested in new drug application (NDA)-focused clinical trials for the treatment of acne and rosacea, two dermatological conditions that are also associated with a local inflammatory response and elevated levels of cytokines and tissue-destroying enzymes. Early stage clinical research is also underway studying the impact of Periostat in patients with meibomianitis (cause of dry eye), diabetes and post-menopausal osteoporosis

[js200]

11/29/2002 (12:21 ET) 52W HIGH: New 52-Wk High for SCIO @ $32.990 up1.85% - Knobias
11/15/2002 (09:14 ET) New S-3/A just released for SCIO - Edgar
11/14/2002 (17:02 ET) Scios Announces Senior Management Promotions and Changes - PR Newswire
11/14/2002 (17:00 ET) Scios Announces Senior Management Promotions and Changes - PR Newswire
11/14/2002 (14:19 ET) Scios Announces Four Abstracts Presented at American Heart Association`s 75th Scientific Sessions - PR Newswire


JS200

[js200]

Scios Study Published in American Heart Journal Shows Clinical Advantage Of Natrecor for Acute Heart Failure
via COMTEX

December 19, 2002

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec 19, 2002 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ --

Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO) today announced that an article published in the most recent issue of the American Heart Journal reports results of a study demonstrating that Natrecor(R) (nesiritide) is a safe and effective short-term treatment for patients with acutely decompensated congestive heart failure, particularly in patients with pre-existing arrhythmias.

The PRECEDENT (Prospective Randomized Evaluation of Cardiac Ectopy with Dobutamine or Natrecor Therapy) study was designed to compare the safety and clinical effectiveness of Natrecor and dobutamine in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure. Specifically, the study focused on prospectively determining the differential effects of Natrecor and dobutamine on heart rate and the genesis or aggravation of ventricular arrhythmias.

`The results demonstrate a clinical advantage for Natrecor in reducing the occurrence of arrhythmias and tachycardia,`said Andrew J. Burger, M.D., FACC of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School and lead investigator of the trial. `This study also further demonstrates the ability of Natrecor to safely and rapidly relieve symptoms of acute heart failure without significant complications or adverse effects, and provides additional evidence to support its use as a first-line therapy for these patients.`

In the multi-center, open-label, active-control trial, 255 patients were randomized to one of two doses of intravenous nesiritide (0.015 or 0.03 mcg/kg/min) or dobutamine (5 mcg/kg/min) and were stratified by means of an earlier history of ventricular tachycardia. Patients were also assessed with 24-hour Holter monitor recordings immediately before and during study drug therapy and by means of signs and symptoms of heart failure.

The results demonstrated that dobutamine exhibited substantial proarrhythmic and chronotropic effects in patients with no existing arrhythmia and with pre-existing arrhythmia, whereas nesiritide actually either reduced these effects or had a neutral effect. The results demonstrated that dobutamine significantly increased the mean number of ventricular tachycardia events per 24 hours by 8 +/- 205 (p = 0.001); repetitive ventricular beats per hour by 15 +/- 53 (p = 0.001); premature ventricular beats per hour by 69 +/- 214 (p = 0.006), and heart rate by 5.1 +/- 7.7 beats per minute (P < 0.001). The most common cardiovascular adverse event associated with nesiritide was dose-related hypotension (i.e., reduction of blood pressure), which occurred more frequently in the nesiritide-treated group than in the dobutamine-treated group (p < 0.001).

About Natrecor

Natrecor is indicated for the treatment of acutely decompensated heart failure in patients with dyspnea (shortness of breath) at rest or with minimal activity. Administered intravenously, Natrecor is a recombinant form of B-type natriuretic peptide (hBNP), a naturally occurring hormone in the body that promotes healthy functioning of the heart. Natrecor has novel properties that cause arteries and veins to dilate, alleviating symptoms in patients with acute heart failure by improving blood movement around the heart, yet without increasing heart rate or interfering with heartbeat regularity.

About Scios

Scios is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for cardiovascular and inflammatory disease. The Company`s disease-based technology platform integrates expertise in protein biology with computational and medicinal chemistry to identify novel targets and rationally design small molecule compounds for large markets with unmet medical needs.

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We generally identify such forward-looking statements using words like `believe,``intend,``expect,``may,``should,``plan,` `project,``contemplate,``anticipate`or similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties may include the sales penetration and success of Natrecor, the success of clinical trials of Natrecor and our pipeline products, including SCIO-469, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in the reports filed by Scios with the SEC, including the Company`s quarterly reports and annual report on Form 10-K. Actual results, performance or achievements of Scios may differ significantly from those described in these forward-looking statements. Scios disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any financial projections or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here http://tbutton.prnewswire.com/prn/11690X53545381

SOURCE Scios Inc.

Media and Investors, Suzanne Beveridge of Scios Inc.,[phone]; or Media, Jim Weiss of WeissCom Partners, Inc.,[phone], or Investors, or Fern Lazar or Sara Moorin, both of LazarPartners Ltd., [phone], all for Scios Inc.
http://www.sciosinc.com

Copyright (C) 2002 PR Newswire. All rights reserved.

JS200

[JS222]

Von Gestern

SCIO
SCIOS INC
33.770
+0.310 +0.93%


Daily Commentary
BUY

Our system recommends BUY as of today. Previous SELL recommendation was made on 12/9/2002 (14) days ago, when the stock price was 33.310. Since then the stock gained 1.38% .

Today the stock closed higher, close to its high (sign of strength) with a higher high and a higher low. The volume is low. The security price is trending up.


The correction is over and the stock is starting a new rally. It is again time for bulls. You may make hefty profits if you buy this stock now and hold it until the next sell signal. Long-term trend is also bullish.

Candlestick Analysis

Today’s Candlestick Patterns:
White Candlestick

Today a White Candlestick formed. Buyers were in control but the buying pressure was not very strong.

Stock Quote
Last 33.770
Previous Close 33.460
Change +0.310
% Change +0.93%
Volume 491,917
Stock Activity
Open 33.300
Day`s High 33.800
Day`s Low 33.150
52 Week High 33.770
52 Week Low 19.950

Stock Price History
3 Month % Change 46.44
6 Month % Change 11.23
12 Month % Change 34.11
Stock Statistics
50 Day Close MA 30.651
200 Day Close MA 28.616
65 Day Volume MA 954,890

JS200

[JS222]

12/20/2002 (09:12 ET) RATING(new): JP Morgan Starts Covergage for SCIO & PHSY - Knobias
12/19/2002 (11:00 ET) Scios Study Published in American Heart Journal Shows Clinical Advantage Of Natrecor for Acute Heart Failure - PR Newswire
12/06/2002 (11:38 ET) BLOX: 10,000 Share Trade @ $33.98 for SCIO - Knobias
12/06/2002 (07:00 ET) CLOSER(+): Upward Close IGEN, BCGI, CHRW, CWST, SCIO - Knobias


JS200

[JS222]

Scios Announces Webcast of Presentation at JP Morgan H&Q 21st Annual Healthcare Conference
via COMTEX

January 2, 2003

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan 2, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ --

Scios Inc. (Nasdaq: SCIO) today announced that Richard B. Brewer, president and chief executive officer, will present at the JP Morgan H&Q 21st Annual Healthcare Conference on Monday, January 6th, 2003, at 8:00 a.m. PST at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.

Mr. Brewer`s presentation will be simultaneously broadcast over the Internet and will be available to members of the news media, investors and the general public. The presentation is expected to last approximately 30 minutes. Viewers are encouraged to visit the website at least fifteen minutes prior to the beginning of the scheduled presentation to register, download and install all necessary audio software.

This event can be accessed at the Scios website, www.sciosinc.com, and will be archived for replay for 7 days after the conference. Scios Inc.

Scios is a biopharmaceutical company developing novel treatments for cardiovascular and inflammatory disease. The Company`s disease-based technology platform integrates expertise in protein biology with computational and medicinal chemistry to identify novel targets and rationally design small molecule compounds for large markets with unmet medical needs.

To request copies of press releases or other company reports, those interested can call the Company`s investor relations information line at 877-8IR-SCIOS (7246) or send an e-mail to [e-mail].

Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. We generally identify such forward-looking statements using words like `estimate,``believe,``intend,``expect,``may,``should,` `plan,``project,``contemplate,``anticipate`or similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements based on current assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties may include the sales penetration and success of Natrecor, the success of clinical trials of Natrecor and our pipeline products, including SCIO-469 and inhibitors to TGF-beta, our ability to partner the development and commercialization of our pipeline products and Natrecor (outside the U.S. and Europe) with third parties on favorable terms, or at all, as well as other risks detailed from time to time in the reports filed by Scios with the SEC, including the Company`s quarterly reports and annual report on Form 10-K. Actual results, performance or achievements of Scios may differ significantly from those described in these forward-looking statements. Scios disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any financial projections or forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

SOURCE Scios Inc.

media and investors, Suzanne Beveridge of Scios Inc.,[phone]; or media, Jim Weiss of WeissCom Partners, Inc.,[phone], for Scios Inc.; or investors, Fern Lazar or Sara Moorin, bothof Lazar Partners Ltd., [phone], for Scios Inc.
http://www.sciosinc.com


JS200