Cancer Genetics is pursuing a strategy that differs from Facebook’s IPO plan, expert says.

A Rutherford, N.J.-based start-up developing tools to diagnose cancer is planning to launch an initial public offering this week under the long shadow of Facebook’s long-awaited blockbuster IPO.

Cancer Genetics Inc. is looking to raise more than $50 million with an initial public offering of 4 million shares priced between $11 to $13 a share.

The offering comes as the IPO market is struggling back toward its pre-recession level of activity, although it remains well below the peak of the dot-com fueled boom of the 1990s. If Cancer Genetics prices this week, it will be the first IPO in North Jersey since Park Ridge-based SeaCube Container Leasing Ltd. went public in October 2010. The ticker symbol would be CGIX, and the shares would trade on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

How the Facebook IPO will affect that of Cancer Genetics is unclear. David Menlow, president of IPOfinancial.com, said he thinks it “greatly hampers their chance of success.”

“Investors are not interested in paying attention to anything other than the 800-ton gorilla in the room,” which is Facebook, he said.

But Jay R. Ritter, a professor of finance at University of Florida in Gainesville, who tracks IPOs, said the two companies are playing to different investors.

Cancer Genetics, which is planning its IPO for Friday, is looking to attract institutional investors interested in holding company stock for the long period it takes for a biotech company to make a medical breakthrough, he said. In contrast, many Facebook investors are mainly interested in the chance of making a quick profit if the stock takes off, he said.

“Facebook is getting huge amounts of attention,” Ritter said. “Lots of investors are coming out of the woodwork who do not have an interest in buying biomedical companies.”

Cancer Genetics, founded in 1999, is focused on developing and commercializing tests and services to diagnose, predict and help treat hematological, urogenital and HPV-associated cancers. The top executives at Cancer Genetics are Chairman Raju S.K. Chaganti, Chief Executive Officer Panna L. Sharma and Elizabeth A. Czerepak, chief financial officer.

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Cancer Genetics IPO Faces Facebook

WESTMINSTER, Colo., May 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — GeneThera, Inc. (GTHR.PK) announced today that Applied Genetics, GeneThera’s majority owned subsidiary, signed a research and test validation agreement with Universidad National Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM). Scope of the agreement is to validate GeneThera proprietary Johne’s disease (JD) HerdCheck Field Collection System (FCS) Molecular Assay in Mexico. Dr. Tony Milici, interim president of Applied Genetics and CEO of GeneThera, stated, “This agreement is another major milestone in establishing GeneThera and Applied Genetics’ leadership in the field of Johne’s disease molecular testing. UNAM’s support is of fundamental importance to speed up the validation process of GeneThera’s Johne’s disease molecular testing, which will lead to JD test approval by the Mexican Government.”

Dr. Gilberto Chaves Griz, Professor of Veterinary Pathology, in the Department of Veterinary medicine at UNAM and Director of the Johne’s Disease Center, who is one of the world’s most renowned expert in the field of Johne’s disease declared, “We are very pleased to partner with Applied Genetics and GeneThera to work on this project. It is extremely critical that we can diagnose JD in Mexico using the most advanced technology available. It is also of paramount importance to establish a Johne’s disease program at the national level. Mexico has one of the largest cows, goat and sheep populations in Northern and Central America, yet no data exists to the extent of Johne’s infection in these animals. It is our firm intention to establish a National Testing Program for Johne’s Disease in Mexico with the help of Applied Genetics and GeneThera’s state of the art technology.” UNAM is the largest University in Mexico. Applied Genetics is a molecular diagnostic company that focuses on commercializing molecular testing for Johne’s disease in Mexico.

Johne’s disease is a global devastating and incurable disease of dairy cows, sheep and goats caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium Paratuberculosis sub. Avium, (MAP). Dairy products, contaminated with MAP, are the vehicles by which the infection spreads in the human intestine triggering the onset of Crohn’s disease. Applied Genetics employs the use of GeneThera HerdCheck to test and control the spread of Johne’s disease in Mexico. HerdCheck is a proprietary molecular diagnostic system based on the use of high throughput robotics and Real time PCR.

About GeneThera, Inc.

GeneThera, Inc. is a molecular biotechnology company located in Westminster, Colorado. The Company’s proprietary diagnostic solution is based on a genetic expression system (GES) and Johne’s disease management system, HERDCHECK, designed to function on a highly automated Fluorogenic PCR platform. This platform enables GeneThera to offer tests that are presently not available from other technologies. The GES and HERDCHECK systems are designed for a host of individual diseases, the current priority being Johne’s disease. For more information, contact Dr. Tony Milici at 720 439-3011.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “intends,” “believes,” and similar expressions reflecting something other than historical fact are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including the timely development and market acceptance of products and technologies, the ability to secure additional sources of finance, the ability to reduce operating expenses, and other factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The actual results that the Company achieves may differ materially from any forward-looking statement due to such risks and uncertainties. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

http://www.genethera.net

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Applied Genetics Signs Agreement With The National University Of Mexico (UNAM)

BOTHELL, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SGEN – News) announced today that management will present at the Bank of America Merrill Lynch 2012 Health Care Conference on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. The presentation will be webcast live and available for replay from Seattle Genetics website at www.seattlegenetics.com in the Investors and News section.

About Seattle Genetics

Seattle Genetics is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of monoclonal antibody-based therapies for the treatment of cancer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approval of ADCETRIS in August 2011 for two indications. ADCETRIS is being developed in collaboration with Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company. In addition, Seattle Genetics has three other clinical-stage antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programs: SGN-75, ASG-5ME and ASG-22ME. Seattle Genetics has collaborations for its ADC technology with a number of leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Abbott, Bayer, Celldex Therapeutics, Daiichi Sankyo, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Millennium, Pfizer and Progenics, as well as ADC co-development agreements with Agensys, an affiliate of Astellas, and Genmab. More information can be found at www.seattlegenetics.com.

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Seattle Genetics to Present at Bank of America Merrill Lynch Health Care Conference

AMES, Iowa, May 10, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NewLink Genetics Corporation (Nasdaq:NLNK – News), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, developing and commercializing cancer therapeutics, today reported consolidated financial results for the first quarter of 2012, and provided an update on the progress of its clinical development programs.

“During the first quarter of 2012 we continued to advance our pivotal trial in pancreatic cancer and are also moving forward on a number of other HyperAcute immunotherapy development programs including those to treat melanoma and lung and kidney cancers,” commented Dr. Charles Link, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NewLink. “We also made strides in our IDO pathway inhibitor program and are looking forward to presenting new data for a number of these programs at both DDW and ASCO. We believe that the receipt of patent allowances in both of our core programs will also facilitate our business development activities.”

First quarter 2012 Financial Results

Financial Guidance

NewLink is maintaining its financial guidance and continues to expect to end 2012 with about $20 million in cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities. NewLink continues to anticipate that this capital should allow it to fund its operations through 2013 based on its current operating plans.

2012 Key Accomplishments to Date

Upcoming Activities

NewLink expects to present at the following investor conferences:

NewLink expects to present at the following oncology and pharmacology meetings:

About NewLink Genetics Corporation

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NewLink Genetics Corporation Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results

WALTHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Interleukin Genetics,Inc. (OTCQB: ILIU.PK – News) today announced financial and operational results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

Total revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was $678,000, compared to $719,000 for the same period in the prior year. The decrease was attributable to lower genetic test revenue.

Research and development expenses were $446,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $305,000 for the same period in the prior year. The Company continues its work in its weight management and periodontal disease programs.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses were $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, compared to $1.2 million for the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily attributable to decreased corporate professional fees and patent-related legal fees offset in part by increased compensation, consulting and sales commissions paid to Amway.

The Company reported a net loss of $1.4 million, or $(0.04) per basic and diluted common share, for the first quarter of 2012, compared to a loss of $1.3 million, or $(0.03) per basic and diluted share, for the same period in the prior year. On March 31, 2012, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $732,000 and had $1.3 million available under its credit facility with Pyxis Innovations, Inc.

The Company expects that its current and anticipated financial resources, including the $1.3 million available as of March 31, 2012 under the credit facility, which was borrowed on April 13, 2012, are adequate to maintain current and planned operations at least through June 30, 2012. The Companys independent registered public accounting firm has included an explanatory paragraph in their opinion in connection with the 2011 audit, relating to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

While recognized genetic test revenue this quarter was lower than last years for this corresponding quarter, our deferred revenue increased by over 35% or more than $300,000 in this quarter indicating that unit test sales are continuing to grow nicely, said Lewis H. Bender, Chief Executive Officer of Interleukin Genetics. In addition, enrollment in our clinical study in collaboration with Renaissance Health and the University of Michigan to demonstrate the utility of using our PST genetic test in the management of dental patients was completed and we successfully delivered 5,186 genotypes to the University thereby completing our portion of the program.

Conference Call and Webcast Information

Interleukin Genetics will host a live conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. EDT to review the Companys new business developments and first quarter financial results. To access the live call, dial 877-324-1976 (domestic) or 631-291-4550 (international). The live webcast and replay access will be available on the Investors section of the Companys Website at: www.ilgenetics.com.

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Interleukin Genetics Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew_miEPsw_o

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Stuart Newman: The New Business of Genetic Determinism- Tarrytown 2010 – Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPJuxtMTyu4

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Jonathan Kahn: Setting the Stage for Understanding Genetic Technologies- Tarrytown 2010 – Video

Cancer Genetics, which offers proprietary genomic tests to improve the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer, announced terms for its IPO on Monday. The Rutherford, NJ-based company plans to raise $48 million by offering 4 million shares at a price range of $11 to $13. At the midpoint of the proposed range, Cancer Genetics would command a market value of $112 million. Cancer Genetics, which was founded in 1999 and booked $3 million in sales for the 12 months ended 3/31/2012, plans to list on the NASDAQ under the symbol CGIX. William Blair and Baird are the joint bookrunners on the deal.

The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc.

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Diagnostics company Cancer Genetics sets terms for $48 million US IPO

Two scientists at Rockefeller University who have helped elucidate the pathways involved in the regulation and expression of genes have been awarded the 2012 Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research.

The 2012 Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research is being shared by James E. Darnell Jr, MD, and Robert G. Roeder, PhD, both of Rockefeller University, for their contributions to the understanding of transcription and gene expression.

James E. Darnell Jr, MD, head of the university’s laboratory of molecular cell biology, and Robert G. Roeder, PhD, head of the laboratory of biochemistry and molecular biology, will share the $500000 award for their contributions to science. The presentation will be made at a ceremony on May 11. The annual award, the largest in medicine and science in the United States, was established in 2000 by New York philanthropist Morris Marty Silverman.

Understanding how our cells

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Genetics Researchers Net Albany Prize [Medical News & Perspectives]

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & BOTHELL, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE:4502) and Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SGEN – News), today announced the initiation of an international pivotal phase 3 clinical trial evaluating ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) in patients with CD30-expressing cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) who received at least one prior systemic therapy. The global multi-center study with ADCETRIS, an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) directed to CD30, will be conducted in the United States, Europe, Australia and Brazil. The trial is being conducted under a Special Protocol Assessment (SPA) agreement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the trial design. The study also received European Medicines Agency (EMA) scientific advice.

Millennium is pleased to announce the initiation of the pivotal trial of ADCETRIS in patients with relapsed CD30-expressing CTCL. We recognize this as a significant milestone in our efforts to explore the potential of this targeted therapy in other indications, said Karen Ferrante, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Millennium. Looking forward, this study may support the potential to supplement therapeutic options for patients, from traditional systemic chemotherapy to ADCETRIS, a targeted therapy.

Data from patients with cutaneous lesions observed in our pivotal trial in systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) and interim data from investigator-sponsored trials in CTCL with ADCETRIS provide a strong rationale for initiating this phase 3 trial, said Thomas C. Reynolds, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Medical Officer, Seattle Genetics. CTCL is an important part of our development plan to broadly evaluate ADCETRIS in CD30-expressing malignancies. This trial complements many other ongoing and planned trials for patients in need, including two additional phase 3 trials for front-line Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and front-line mature T-cell lymphomas expected to start by late 2012 or early 2013.

CD30 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family and is a characteristic cell surface receptor for activated T-cells and B-cells, including the malignant cells of HL and sALCL. According to published literature, up to 50 percent of CTCL patients lesions express CD30(1-3). Under a previously announced collaboration agreement with Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (Ventana), Millennium and Seattle Genetics, Ventana is developing a molecular companion diagnostic test for use in this CTCL patient population.

Study design

The study is a randomized, open-label, phase 3 trial of ADCETRIS versus investigators choice of methotrexate or bexarotene in patients with CD30-positive CTCL, including those with primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) or mycosis fungoides (MF). The primary endpoint of the study is overall response rate (ORR), lasting at least 4 months, with ADCETRIS in patients with CD30-positive MF or pcALCL compared to that achieved with therapy in the control arm. The key secondary endpoints are complete response (CR), progression-free survival (PFS), and burden of symptoms. Approximately 124 patients will be enrolled in the pivotal trial.

For more information about the trial, please visit www.clinicaltrials.gov.

About ADCETRIS

ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) is an ADC comprising an anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody attached by a protease-cleavable linker to a microtubule disrupting agent, monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), utilizing Seattle Genetics proprietary technology. The ADC employs a linker system that is designed to be stable in the bloodstream but to release MMAE upon internalization into CD30-expressing tumor cells.

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Millennium and Seattle Genetics Initiate Global Phase 3 Trial of ADCETRIS™ in Patients with CD30-Expressing Relapsed …

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Seattle Genetics pares 1Q loss on Adcetris sales

BOTHELL, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–

Seattle Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:SGEN – News) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012. The company also highlighted the ADCETRIS (brentuximab vedotin) product launch, ongoing and planned clinical development activities and upcoming milestones.

First quarter 2012 ADCETRIS net product sales were $34.5 million, an increase of 4 percent from $33.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. ADCETRIS gross product sales increased by 12 percent in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the fourth quarter of 2011, but this increase was offset by an expected increase in gross-to-net discount in the first quarter of 2012 driven by Public Health Services program discounts that became effective during January.

The commercialization of ADCETRIS continues to be strong, and we are pleased by the acceptance and utilization of ADCETRIS among oncologists and patients with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), said Clay B. Siegall, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Genetics. Our long-term vision for ADCETRIS is to expand its use into earlier lines of HL and sALCL therapy and into other CD30-positive malignancies. To that end, we are conducting a robust clinical development program with ADCETRIS, including clinical studies to broadly assess CD30 expression in both hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, as well as to evaluate activity and tolerability of ADCETRIS in these patient populations. Initial data from these clinical studies will be presented at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting and we have multiple late-stage trials that are already underway or are about to begin to further evaluate the broad potential of ADCETRIS. In addition, we and our collaborators are advancing a robust pipeline of clinical and preclinical ADC programs for a variety of cancers.

Recent ADCETRIS Highlights

Other Recent Highlights

Upcoming Milestones

The company is on track to achieve multiple near-term milestones for ADCETRIS and other pipeline programs, including:

First Quarter 2012 Financial Results

Revenues in the first quarter of 2012 were $48.2 million, compared to $12.2 million in the first quarter of 2011. First quarter 2012 revenues include ADCETRIS net product sales of $34.5 million. In addition, first quarter 2012 revenues reflect amounts earned under the companys ADCETRIS and ADC collaborations.

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Seattle Genetics Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results