CorMedix Notified of NYSE MKT Listing Deficiency [View article]
Interesting speculation here. New management team is trying to finally garner the CE Mark for its catheter locking drug. Cash is thin but market cap reflects risk. Management continues to guide toward CE mark this quarter.
After that who knows. Large NOL makes this a tempting target for the right partner IF,IF,IF CE mark is awarded.
Ziopharm Offers High Risk, High Return [View article]
Sad. Now we wait for the restructuring. IL-12 data in May should give us a hint as to whether Intrexon is onto something. ZIOP likely gos down to 20 employees or so.
AP Pharma And Ziopharm: The Differences Between Bad News [View article]
For me it boils down to making the rounds with a few folks who have deeper pockets and are better connected than myself. IL-12 is very hard to understand from the outside. Intrexon's patent portfolio and filings have grown quickly over the last two years.
In a perfect would Dr. Broder would tell us why the heck he is there!
AP Pharma And Ziopharm: The Differences Between Bad News [View article]
Sir,
I am not a pumper and I am not a minion of RobCos. I have talked with him and he is a decent man who did his homework on Pali and was wrong(AS WAS I).
My simple point is that it is very hard to gauge the next 2 months(forget the next 2 years) until we have clarity re: the following:
1) How small does ZIOP become--25 employees? , 20?, 15?
2) Do they maintain NYV lease of roll operations in Intrexon?
3) What is the relationship betwen RJ Kirk and Dr. Jon Lewis? Which of the two opted to roll the dice and go into data without securing eith a fundinging tranche or partner in 2012?
4) How much has Intrexon spend on cancer indications over the last 2 years while ZIOPHARM was busy with Pali
5) Does the SCLC program have any value or will it be scrapped altogether? This answer is key to determining if we likely see near-term dilution.
6) WHEN THE HECK ARE WE GOING TO SEE SOME DETAIL RE: SYNTHETICS??? I was looking thru the ZIOP presentations and it appears we will see early data from Melanoma and breast trials within months. If that enough to reignite any interest here? We'll see.
7)
I think when the majority of these questions are answered we will know if Ziopharm is just another smallish oncology company that missed on their big trial or if there is more to this story.
I continue to ask what the heck is Sam Broder doing with Intrexon. The man ran the NCI. I suspect he saw something compelling or why bother?
Either way, standing pat for now. Great trade on your part. Congrats.
AP Pharma And Ziopharm: The Differences Between Bad News [View article]
Sorry: I forgot 1.
(#6) Another interesting hint is the presence of Dr. Samuel Broder. He is chairman of Intrexon’s Therapeutic Opportunities Committee. Oh ... he used to be the director of the NCI (National Cancer Institute). Very interesting that he would choose to link up with intrexon. Hopefully, that is a good sign for their cancer effort (and by extension ZIOP's).
AP Pharma And Ziopharm: The Differences Between Bad News [View article]
SOP-
Hi. Very tough week for the ZIOP longs(myself included). If you are unaware, I wrote numerous articles on ZIOP over the last 5 years and was likely one of the most fervent bulls out there. I know Rob Cos and can tell you he is not a hack. Both Rob and myself spent hundreds of hours doing DD on ZIOP. I think we were both assuming trail extension and initiation of SCLC trial bode well for chance in STS. BTW, Rob has done some very compelling work over the years on several stocks including Celgene. He has a very good track record in a very tough space(biotech).
I am holding. Here is why:
1) Bears say dilution is right around the corner. Maybe not. I think the cash burn rate will decrease significantly over the next year. I have been trying to crunch the numbers and think ZIOP likely ends up with 20 or fewer employees(from their current 85 or so). CFO and CLO are Kirk appointees. They will stay. I would guess everything else(including NYC HQ) might be in flux(for my part I hope Dr. Lewis stays). This lengthened runway means we likely get an early peek @ both Melanoma and breast data in IL-12 programs. IF, IF, IF the data is strong in either/both, fortunes could turn quickly here.
2) SCLC trial has been slowed to conserve cash. I believe ZIOP may try to partner this program to raise funds. That would help. SCLC is a very large indication so there could be interest out there.
Here is the issue: does Pali's failure in STS doom the drug accross the board? I asked an oncologist if Pali's failure in STS means the drug will likely fail in SCLC---In a nutshell he told me that cancers are different and react to agents in a dissimilar fashion. The interesting part is that SCLC was an open-label trial run by Dr. Einhorn. His (HOG) team just launched an investigator-sponsored testicular/ovarian trial with Pali.Again, does that mean he was seeing activity in SCLC?? At this point I guess we have to wait to find out.
3) Synthetics interest me. For over a year I have been pleading with management to lift the curtain a bit. (My rant was that Intrexon is private but ZIOP is public---disclosure obligations are VASTLY different)sIt has been very hard trying to get firm information on what Intrexon is doing.
Anecdotally, I had spoken to one investor who participated in the PP and BEFORE PALI's FAILURE he told me that 90% of ZIOP's value is in the synthetics. In his opinion, the market doesn't understand that.
4) The doomsayers/naysayers say Kirk will dilute this into oblivion. I ask, what is the point? He (both corporately and individually) already owns a huge chunk of equity and FIDO(longtime ally) is with him as well. I would not be surprised if ZIOP is the indirect beneficiary of Intrexon's possible IPO. As the author has mentioned, disclosure may shed some light on what Intrexon has been doing on the cancer side while ZIOP was focused on Pali. Again, ZIOP owns the rights to the entire human oncology space. It is in Kirk's best interest to showcase the technology and get ZIOP back on its feet prior to trying to IPO his Intrexon crown jewel.
5) Finally, here is some anecdotal evidence that may provide insight into Kirk's character. Prior to the last public l raise, the stock traded up for several sessions then was priced. FIDO/KIRK took down the bulk of the deal. I think that means we may have a very fair partner who is interested in the long term prospects of success.
Much hinges on RJ Kirk's ultimate plans. His Intrexon company(private) will likely IPO @ some point. Perhaps their will be a Halo effect since ZIOP owns oncology rights regarding Intrexon synthetic biology platform.
I am hopeful that they become more transparant re: platform. Lots of patents filed but very difficult to piece together a picture of what they might have.
I think Ziopharm shrinks dramatically and SCLC trial is slowed to conserve cash. Cash burn should taper off. This is now officially a 100% RJ Kirk company. If the synthetics do show promise in May there is still hope for an eventual recovery.
I am assigning a 0% probability to ZIOP completing SCLC trial on their own. Maybe they sell off asset (if there is enough data accrued to date) but I really don't believe RJ Kirk will have any interest in spending the time and/or resources to expand same.
I was very wrong here re: STS. I read the tea leaves incorrectly and figured new testicular trial was a sign the Einhorn was seeing activity with Pali in open-label SCLC trial.
I guess we will see in May if there is any merit to the Intrerxon technology.
Ziopharm's Palifosfamide Fails Its Soft Tissue Cancer Indication, NSCLC Next? [View article]
You are likely correct. I am operating under the assumption that Pali SCLC trial likely is slowed down dramatically to conserve case and in the end could be scrubbed altogether.
This is solely a bet on RJ Kirk at thios moment. He holds all of the cards.
Ziopharm's Palifosfamide Fails Its Soft Tissue Cancer Indication, NSCLC Next? [View article]
Brian-
Second trial is in SCLC , not NSCLC. I believe the market has factored in Pali as DOA. Any traction in the second program would be an upside surprise.
Ziopharm is now left with a very young synthetic pipeline. RJ Kirk determines the fate of public holders from this point onward. For 2 years the synthetic side of the business has been a black box. Early data on first synthetic program due out in May.
The tipper will be to see if Kirk or other significant holders execute any open market buys.
Ziopharm Oncology May Win The Battle But Will They Win The War? [View article]
Sad day for both longs and cancer patients as well. Next move is Kirk's. Does he buy out the IL-12 rights on the cheap or lend a helping hand? Time will tell.
CorMedix Notified of NYSE MKT Listing Deficiency [View article]
After that who knows. Large NOL makes this a tempting target for the right partner IF,IF,IF CE mark is awarded.
Long ZIOP, CRMD
Ziopharm: What Now? [View article]
I think the cutting likely gets their runway into early 2014. Early synthetic data due in May. Hopefully it is compelling.
Ziopharm Offers High Risk, High Return [View article]
AP Pharma And Ziopharm: The Differences Between Bad News [View article]
In a perfect would Dr. Broder would tell us why the heck he is there!
Good luck to you.
AP Pharma And Ziopharm: The Differences Between Bad News [View article]
I am not a pumper and I am not a minion of RobCos. I have talked with him and he is a decent man who did his homework on Pali and was wrong(AS WAS I).
My simple point is that it is very hard to gauge the next 2 months(forget the next 2 years) until we have clarity re: the following:
1) How small does ZIOP become--25 employees? , 20?, 15?
2) Do they maintain NYV lease of roll operations in Intrexon?
3) What is the relationship betwen RJ Kirk and Dr. Jon Lewis? Which of the two opted to roll the dice and go into data without securing eith a fundinging tranche or partner in 2012?
4) How much has Intrexon spend on cancer indications over the last 2 years while ZIOPHARM was busy with Pali
5) Does the SCLC program have any value or will it be scrapped altogether? This answer is key to determining if we likely see near-term dilution.
6) WHEN THE HECK ARE WE GOING TO SEE SOME DETAIL RE: SYNTHETICS??? I was looking thru the ZIOP presentations and it appears we will see early data from Melanoma and breast trials within months. If that enough to reignite any interest here? We'll see.
7)
I think when the majority of these questions are answered we will know if Ziopharm is just another smallish oncology company that missed on their big trial or if there is more to this story.
I continue to ask what the heck is Sam Broder doing with Intrexon. The man ran the NCI. I suspect he saw something compelling or why bother?
Either way, standing pat for now. Great trade on your part. Congrats.
AP Pharma And Ziopharm: The Differences Between Bad News [View article]
(#6) Another interesting hint is the presence of Dr. Samuel Broder. He is chairman of Intrexon’s Therapeutic Opportunities Committee. Oh ... he used to be the director of the NCI (National Cancer Institute). Very interesting that he would choose to link up with intrexon. Hopefully, that is a good sign for their cancer effort (and by extension ZIOP's).
AP Pharma And Ziopharm: The Differences Between Bad News [View article]
Hi. Very tough week for the ZIOP longs(myself included). If you are unaware, I wrote numerous articles on ZIOP over the last 5 years and was likely one of the most fervent bulls out there. I know Rob Cos and can tell you he is not a hack. Both Rob and myself spent hundreds of hours doing DD on ZIOP. I think we were both assuming trail extension and initiation of SCLC trial bode well for chance in STS. BTW, Rob has done some very compelling work over the years on several stocks including Celgene. He has a very good track record in a very tough space(biotech).
I am holding. Here is why:
1) Bears say dilution is right around the corner. Maybe not. I think the cash burn rate will decrease significantly over the next year. I have been trying to crunch the numbers and think ZIOP likely ends up with 20 or fewer employees(from their current 85 or so). CFO and CLO are Kirk appointees. They will stay. I would guess everything else(including NYC HQ) might be in flux(for my part I hope Dr. Lewis stays). This lengthened runway means we likely get an early peek @ both Melanoma and breast data in IL-12 programs. IF, IF, IF the data is strong in either/both, fortunes could turn quickly here.
2) SCLC trial has been slowed to conserve cash. I believe ZIOP may try to partner this program to raise funds. That would help. SCLC is a very large indication so there could be interest out there.
Here is the issue: does Pali's failure in STS doom the drug accross the board? I asked an oncologist if Pali's failure in STS means the drug will likely fail in SCLC---In a nutshell he told me that cancers are different and react to agents in a dissimilar fashion. The interesting part is that SCLC was an open-label trial run by Dr. Einhorn. His (HOG) team just launched an investigator-sponsored testicular/ovarian trial with Pali.Again, does that mean he was seeing activity in SCLC?? At this point I guess we have to wait to find out.
3) Synthetics interest me. For over a year I have been pleading with management to lift the curtain a bit. (My rant was that Intrexon is private but ZIOP is public---disclosure obligations are VASTLY different)sIt has been very hard trying to get firm information on what Intrexon is doing.
Anecdotally, I had spoken to one investor who participated in the PP and BEFORE PALI's FAILURE he told me that 90% of ZIOP's value is in the synthetics. In his opinion, the market doesn't understand that.
4) The doomsayers/naysayers say Kirk will dilute this into oblivion. I ask, what is the point? He (both corporately and individually) already owns a huge chunk of equity and FIDO(longtime ally) is with him as well. I would not be surprised if ZIOP is the indirect beneficiary of Intrexon's possible IPO. As the author has mentioned, disclosure may shed some light on what Intrexon has been doing on the cancer side while ZIOP was focused on Pali. Again, ZIOP owns the rights to the entire human oncology space. It is in Kirk's best interest to showcase the technology and get ZIOP back on its feet prior to trying to IPO his Intrexon crown jewel.
5) Finally, here is some anecdotal evidence that may provide insight into Kirk's character. Prior to the last public l raise, the stock traded up for several sessions then was priced. FIDO/KIRK took down the bulk of the deal. I think that means we may have a very fair partner who is interested in the long term prospects of success.
Hanging tough.
Ziopharm: What Now? [View article]
Ziopharm: What Now? [View article]
I am hopeful that they become more transparant re: platform. Lots of patents filed but very difficult to piece together a picture of what they might have.
Ziopharm: What Now? [View article]
I am assigning a 0% probability to ZIOP completing SCLC trial on their own. Maybe they sell off asset (if there is enough data accrued to date) but I really don't believe RJ Kirk will have any interest in spending the time and/or resources to expand same.
I was very wrong here re: STS. I read the tea leaves incorrectly and figured new testicular trial was a sign the Einhorn was seeing activity with Pali in open-label SCLC trial.
I guess we will see in May if there is any merit to the Intrerxon technology.
Still Long (and wrong) for the time being.
Ziopharm's Palifosfamide Fails Its Soft Tissue Cancer Indication, NSCLC Next? [View article]
This is solely a bet on RJ Kirk at thios moment. He holds all of the cards.
Ziopharm's Palifosfamide Fails Its Soft Tissue Cancer Indication, NSCLC Next? [View article]
Second trial is in SCLC , not NSCLC. I believe the market has factored in Pali as DOA. Any traction in the second program would be an upside surprise.
Ziopharm is now left with a very young synthetic pipeline. RJ Kirk determines the fate of public holders from this point onward. For 2 years the synthetic side of the business has been a black box. Early data on first synthetic program due out in May.
The tipper will be to see if Kirk or other significant holders execute any open market buys.
Ziopharm Oncology May Win The Battle But Will They Win The War? [View article]
Ziopharm Oncology May Win The Battle But Will They Win The War? [View article]
ZIOPHARM Oncology's CEO Hosts PICASSO 3 Trial Results Conference (Transcript) [View article]