Coverage Initiated: April 2003

SciClone (SCLN) strategy is to develop and commercialize therapeutics targeting indications representing significant market needs, especially in oncology and infectious diseases. For now, SciClone’s main story is as an international company, especially in China. Its increasing profits derive from developing a vertically integrated Chinese pharmaceutical presence. It is also trying to develop the European Market for sales.

 Zadaxin flunked yet another trial for treating HCV, but SciClone relies on its China revenues and it expanding Zadaxin’s reach into Europe as a vaccine immune enhancer.

SCV-07 has the fastest path to decent Western revenues. The clinical path to treating oral mucositis presents a smooth path. We hope the company will apply some giddy-up to moving SCV-07 through clinical development. We have a somewhat dimmer view regarding SCV-07 as an interferon sparing agent for treating HCV.

RP-101 is a bit of a novelty. It’s an anti-chemoresistance agent paired with chemotherapy to treat late-stage pancreatic cancer. This is one tough cancer, probably harder on developmental drugs than melanoma, and we wonder whether this will show any efficacy.

A complete listing of our research on SciClone is available by clicking here.