HEB

[joozt]

their ampligen:

first it was for cancer
then for chronic fatigue syndrome
and now for avian bird flu

so, they have a drug, but simply can't find disease for it !!!
and they are looking for a buyer i heard

[David Randolph]

HEB was sold at an average price of $2.38, according to plan, I don't know why Ramsburg didn't take it out of the open trades table immediately. I'll do it now.

[ScottishTrader]

Might be a good time to look at HEB again - big move today - up over 12%, but not much volume.  Was just stepping up and up on the intra-day.  Looks like it may want to break out of that big symmetric triangle.  Hit and topped out at descending resistance so far, but we also have a nice crossover on the MACD. HEB is presenting potentially key results at a conference this week, so we could see a good run this week.  No other reason aside from recent european bird flu cases (and technicals) I can think of that made it move.

Let's see if volume kicks in on this on this week.  I'm in at 2.65

[ScottishTrader]

Had a nice close yesterday at 2.71, almost at the HOD.  Is gapping pre-market, currently at 2.88.  Looks like it is breakout time, and we may push 3.00 today.

This appears to be due to expectations of a major announcement later this week - could potentially spell a big move.  Will have to just hang in there and see....

[ScottishTrader]

Well, the last couple days have pulled back on lower vol. - appears ot be testing some nerves out there.  Closed poorly at 2.67, near the LOD.  However, is now sitting at 2.89AH.  Tomorrow appears to be the "big day" when they will report their "exciting news".

Here is their abstract from the poster session tomorrow afternoon - looks promising, however, I really hope they are presenting more than a poster.  If these are key results and a lot is riding on them, it will need a bigger forum than a poster session, but lets just see.

Synergistic Inhibition of Avian Influenza (H5N1) by Poly I: Poly
C12U Combined with Oseltamivir or Zanamivir

D. Strayer1, W. Carter1, W. Mitchell2, D. Smee3; 1Hemispherx Biopharma,
Inc., Philadelphia, PA, 2Vanderbilt Univ., Nashville, TN, 3Utah State Univ.,
Logan, UT.

Background:Avian influenza (H5N1) is a major, global public-health con-
cern. Since antiviral monotherapy can rapidly lead to drug resistant virus, it
will be important to identify well-tolerated, synergistic drug combinations
active against H5N1 influenza. Ampligen®, poly I: poly C12U, is a bi-func-
tional, double-stranded (ds) RNA with both antiviral and immunomodula-
tory activities. Phase II/III clinical trials of Ampligen® for other viral indica-
tions show that it is generally well tolerated. Since Ampligen® and
oseltamivir/zanamivir exhibit antiviral activity against influenza virus, but
by different mechanisms, Ampligen® in combination with each was studied.
Methods: Influenza A/Duck/MN/1525/81 (H5N1) was propagated in
MDCK cells. Ampligen® and oseltamivir (each alone and in combination)
were applied to cells 18 hours prior to virus infection. Cell viability (neutral
red) was determined 3 days following infection. Synergy analyses were per-
formed using the method of Chou-Talalay (J. Biol. Chem. 252:6438 (1977)).
Results: Ampligen® at 32 and 100 ?g/ml was effective in reducing cell
destruction in both the oseltamivir and zanamivir studies, while 0.32 and
1.0 ?g/ml were not effective. Oseltamivir alone was effective in reducing cell
destruction at 0.1 and 0.32 ?g/ml, but not effective at <0.032 ?g/ml. The
combination of Ampligen® (0.32-10 ?g/ml) plus oseltamivir (.0032-0.1
Ìg/ml) showed synergistic inhibition of viral induced cell destruction.
Similar synergistic results were seen with zanamivir and Ampligen®.
Conclusions: Cell culture studies showed that Ampligen® combined with
either oseltamivir or zanamivir, synergistically inhibited avian influenza
(H5N1) induced MDCK cell destruction. These studies suggest a new and
potentially pivotal role of dsRNA therapeutics in improving the efficacy of
the present standards of care for influenza prevention/treatment.
Structure-Based Development of Variola H1 Phosphatase
Inhibitors
J. Phan, J. E. Tropea, D. S. Waugh; Natl. Cancer Inst. at Frederick, Frederick, MD.
Smallpox was officially eradicated more than 20 years ago but there
remains a serious concern that undeclared stocks of the variola major virus
may still exist and could be used as a bioterrorist weapon. Although there
is a vaccine, it is not without risks and serious side effects. Consequently,
there is an urgent need for effective antiviral drugs. In addition to provid-
ing potential therapy for infected people, the availability of antiviral drugs
could decrease the risks associated with the smallpox vaccine by providing
a treatment for vaccine-associated complications. Essential viral enzymes
have frequently proven to be good targets for antiviral drugs (e.g., her-
pesvirus thymidine kinase, HIV protease, and influenza neuraminidase).
The dual specificity protein phosphatase (H1) encoded by the smallpox
virus is essential for viral replication. We recently solved the crystal struc-
ture of this enzyme, the first of any protein encoded by the variola major
virus, at a resolution of 1.8 Angstoms, thereby creating an opportunity for
structure-based drug development against this molecular target. in silico
screening methods have led to the identification of several small molecules
that inhibit variola H1 phosphatase with IC50 values in the low micromo-
lar range.

[ScottishTrader]

Didn't realise there were actually 2 abstracts - this one relates to their second drug, Alpheron:

Systemic Activity of a Low Dose Oral Natural Alpha Interferon
(alfa-n3) as Measured by cDNA Microarray Analysis

W. Carter1, D. Strayer1, W. Mitchell2, P. Faber3, H. Wu4, K. Mounzer5, T.
Tong6; 1Hemispherx Biopharma, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, 2Vanderbilt Univ.,
Nashville, TN, 3Cleveland Clinic Fndn., Cleveland, OH, 4Drexel Univ.,
Philadelphia, PA, 5Philadelphia Fight, Philadelphia, PA, 6Princess Margaret
Hosp., Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.

Background: Exposure of the oromucosa to low doses of alpha interferon
(IFN) has been reported to lead to biological effects in animals and
humans. However, the optimal dose/schedule of low dose oral (LDO) IFN
to achieve a systemic antiviral effect has not been determined. A naturally
derived alpha IFN (Alferon N Injection®) has been approved for treatment
of condylomata acuminata. It is active at doses significantly lower than
those used for recombinant alpha IFN. Methods: Study A: asymptomatic
HIV infected subjects with CD4 levels >400 were treated with 500 IU
Alferon® LDO daily for 10 days. RNA from peripheral blood leukocytes was
isolated from blood collected before, during and post-therapy using
Paxgene technology for RNA isolation. cDNA microarray analysis was uti-
lized to identify genes which were modulated as a result of the Alferon®
LDO dosing. Study B: normal healthy volunteers being studied in a similar
manner in Hong Kong. Results:Initial results in Study A indicate a tempo-
ral induction of IFN related gene activity in peripheral blood leukocytes fol-
lowing the oral administration of 500 IU of a multi-species natural leuko-
cyte IFN. Further studies will clarify the range and magnitude of the effect
relative to a parenterally administered dose. Conclusions: Experiments to
date indicate that a biological cocktail of natural human interferon species
administered orally has systemic biological activity based on upregulation of
IFN related genes in peripheral blood leukocytes. Because alpha IFNs are
broad spectrum antiviral/immunomodulatory molecules, potential applica-
tions in numerous IFN-sensitive diseases exists, including application to
respiratory infections such as avian influenza.

[ScottishTrader]

So big news is released today after all - Apparently Ampligen improves the efficacy of Tamilfu by up to 100 times, meaning that the amount of Tamiflu required to produce an immune response is reduced by 100 times, and improves the efficacy of Relenza by 500% -

have a look at the PRs:

http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060216/20060216005132.html?.v=1

http://www.forbes.com/2006/02/16/hemispherx-biopharma-0216markets02.html?partner=yahootix

Currently up 9% at 2.89 - seems to be getting held down just now, will wait to see what the rest of the day brings.  This is huge news for HEB - it should rocket over $3 - possibly after their presentation today.

[D&Data]

Hy,

Ampligen drug can be used for avian flu - 

http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?guid=%7BCE9002A3%2DF14F%2D4D7F%2DB31F%2D0EE131B1A82C%7D&source=blq%2Fyhoo&dist=yhoo&siteid=yhoo

[D&Data]

Now: Let's go !!

Watch it tomorrow !!
In Germany...more than 10 % today...

Don't forget these stocks too:
GNBT - NVAX - AVII - BCRX...

[ScottishTrader]

Well today was a HUGE day for HEB - up over 26% for the day

Looked like all the bird flu stocks got a real boost today, as things start to boil over in Europe about bird flu concerns.  Personally, I think this is just the beginning of things for HEB, and we should hear some announcements from them fairly soon about agreements to go into production of Ampligen and Alferon, at least I wouldn't be surprised. 

In the meantime, the volume tells the story.  If the share price was acting funny last week, it must have been due to accumulation - someone wanted a bunch of this before letting it get away.  But now the cat is out of the bag, I think it could continue to be a very strong week - closed at the HOD at 3.98, a new 52 week high and has gone up over $4 after hours.  Really quite difficult to figure out exactly where this could go, but I see resistance at 4.20 and 4.90 from the 3 year chart.  it all depends on how it tackles the $4 range, and whether the volume keeps up. Vector Vest has a price target of $5.62.  Lets see.  But I'm happy - up almost 50% in a week - sweet

I'll leave the daily and weekly (long term) charts - any thoughts about where this may top out are always appreciated

[ScottishTrader]

Well we had our pullback over the last 2 days, which filled the gap and provided a 50% retracement for the move.All looks set to rock and rool once more with HEB.  I am looking for a move into the 3.50-3.70 range today, perhaps starting to consolidate the recent move, as it heads for new highs.  Volume still looks positive (though there was a lot of sell-side volume on Wednesday).  I put the target of the symmegtrical triangle breakout at $4.25.  I think we should see a consoidatory formation arround these levels, looking for the next push upwards.  This certainly does not look to be a flash in the pan spike this time....

[D&Data]

Great news again 4 HEB (3.49$)

.InPlay: Hemispherx Biopharma describes new studies that identify why the immune system breaks down
Briefing.com (Thu 8:36am) 

.New Research From Hemispherx Biopharma Leverages Recent Studies to Identify Factors in Breakdown of Immune System
Business Wire (Thu 8:25am) 

[sebfr]

A triangle is formed on HEB...Wait for breakout

[Se7en]

update

Thread needs to me merged with this one: http://www.3stocksonfire.org/trading/index.php?topic=2946.30

[Se7en]

Thoughts about HEB guys, another bird flu stock ...