NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 03/07/13 -- A sharp increase in drug approvals and mergers and acquisitions combined to create a bull market for the Biotechnology Industry in 2012. The iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (IBB), the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and the First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index ETF (FBT) have all gained over 20 percent in the past year, outperforming the broader markets by a good margin. Research Driven Investing examines investing opportunities in the Biotech Industry and provides equity research on Astex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTX) and Osiris Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSIR).
Access to the full company reports can be found at:
www.RDInvesting.com/ASTX
www.RDInvesting.com/OSIR
Bloomberg recently reported drug approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reached a 15 year high in 2012. The FDA approved a total of 39 novel medicines last year, an increase of 30 percent when compared to a year ago. Oncology drugs lead the way with 11 new drugs approved last year. Over the last ten years the number of FDA approvals had averaged roughly 23 a year. The passage of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) played a major role in the sharp increase in approvals.
The PDUFA "has provided critical resources for improving the quality and timeliness of premarket review of drugs," said FDA spokeswoman, Sandy Walsh. "These accomplishments could not have been achieved without the innovations of the biopharmaceutical industry and the dedication and skill of FDA's drug review staff."
Research Driven Investing releases regular market updates on the Biotech Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.RDInvesting.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.
Astex Pharmaceuticals is a leader in innovative small-molecule therapeutics with particular expertise in fragment-based drug discovery, the most important advance in discovery chemistry in the last 20 years. Their primary areas of focus are oncology and hematology. The company's net income grew to $4.5 million in fourth quarter of 2012, compared to a net income of $220,000 in the year ago quarter.
Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., having developed the world's first approved stem cell drug, Prochymal, is the leading stem cell company. The company is focused on developing and marketing products to treat medical conditions in inflammatory, cardiovascular, orthopedic and wound healing markets. Shares of the company have nearly doubled in the past year.
Research Driven Investing has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. Research Driven Investing is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at:
http://www.rdinvesting.com/disclaimer
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