Top Drug Studies Left in 2012 for Investors to Watch

Decisions on drug approvals can be big news for a company, but it’s the investors who get in beforehand who really make out great. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on clinical trial results if you’re looking to gamble on a company.

TheStreet.com’s Adam Feuerstein has reviewed 21 drugs and a diagnostic test currently in Phase II and Phase III trials. All of them expect to have results by the end of 2012.

“Only in biotech can a single event like the announcement of new clinical data lead to such incredible and immediate profits for investors,” Feuerstein wrote.

Here are five companies that will have trial results by the end of the year.

Arqule (ARQL)

Tivantinib is in a Phase III trial for non-small cell lung cancer with results expected in the second half of 2012. The trial compares overall survival rates of the drug combined with Takeda’s Tarceva compared to just Tarceva.

Biogen Idec (BIIB)

Although the company is pretty dominant in multiple sclerosis, Biogen is looking to diversify into hemophilia and ALS programs. Right now it has Phase III trials for long-lasting rFactor VIII for hemophilia A; long-lasting rFactor IX for hemophilia B; and dexpramipexole for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease. Results are expected in the second half of 2012.

Celsion (CLSN)

Liver cancer drug Thermodox is in a Phase III comparing the drug plus radiofrequency thermal ablation (RFA) versus RFA alone. The primary goal is to improve progression-free survival and results are expected in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Eli Lilly (LLY)

Solanezumab for Alzheimer’s disease is in two large Phase III clinical trial programs; however, Lilly isn’t the only company racing full speed ahead for an Alzheimer’s drug. Solanezumab is designed to break up amyloid beta clumps in the brain. The primary endpoint is to change or improve memory and activities of daily living.

In 2010 Lilly’s semegacestat failed horribly in a Phase III study. So far results from a Phase II study of Solanezumab showed no benefit for patients.

Geron (GERN)

Imetelstat is being used in a Phase II trial in non-small cell lung cancer with results expected in the fourth quarter of 2012. The company could really use some good news off of the drug since it had to give up on its embryonic stem cell therapy last year, which caused the stock to drop sharply. The trial’s goal is to improve progression-free survival.

Take a look at the full list.

The information contained in this article should not be construed as investment advice or as a solicitation to buy or sell any stock.

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