Stem Cell Company Stocks 2/1/09

Stem cell stocks are on fire right now! Let's take a look at how well these stocks have performed since the pivotal announcement by Geron Corp regarding the first human stem cell trial the morning of 1/23/09:

Market Cap over 50 Mil

Ariad Pharmaceuticals (ARIA) = Current Price: $1.67; Up 16%
Aastrom Biosciences (ASTM) = Current Price: $0.73: Up 43%
Celgene Corp (CELG) = Current Price: $52.95; Up 8%
Geron Corp. (GERN) = Current Price: $7.84; Up 50%
ThermoGenesis (KOOL) = Current Price: $0.77; Up 42%
StemCell, Inc. (STEM) = Current Price: $2.68; Up 25%

Market Cap Under 50 Mil

Advanced Cell Technology (ACTC.PK) = Current Price: $0.24; Up 100%
Athersys, Inc.(ATHX) = Current Price: $1.01; Up 49%
Brainstorm Cell Therapeutics Inc.(BCLI.OB) = Current Price: $0.16; Up 60%
Bioheart Inc.(BHRT) = Current Price: $0.80; Up 1%
Cord Blood America Inc.(CBAI.OB) = Current Price: $0.0151; Up 297%
Cyro-Cell International (CCEL.OB) = Current Price: $0.74; Up 61%
Neuralstem (CUR) = Current Price: $1.74; Up 22%
International Stem Cell Corp.(ISCO.OB) = Current Price: $0.51; Up 76%
LifeStem International (LSTM) = Current Price: $0.0199; Up 410%
MultiCell Technologies (MCET.OB) = Current Price: $0.024; Up 458%
Osiris Therapeutics (OSIR) = Current Price: $20.05; Up 6%
Pluristem Therapeutics (PSTI) = Current Price: $1.81; Up 184%
Stem Cell Therapy Intl (SCII) = Current Price: $0.11; Up 100%
Stem Cell Innovations (SCLL.PK) = Current Price: $0.016; Up 191%
Vitro Diagnostics (VODG.OB) = Current Price: $0.14; Up 133%


Possible Catalyst for Further Upward Price Movement This Week

The FDA is expected to rule whether they will approve a drug developed by GTC Biotherapeutics (Nasdaq: GTCB) called ATryn by 2/07/09. The drug is prepared from the milk of genetically engineered goats and is used as an anti-blood clotting medication. Because of the recommendation of an advisory panel, the FDA is expected to approve this drug for sale in the US. Although this development does not directly relate to stem cell research, it would further validate this new administration's commitment to using biotechnology and nontraditional methods for medical treatments. An approval by the FDA regarding the use of genetically engineered animals would be huge and reverberate throughout the Biotech community and, more importantly, Wall Street. Most of stocks in this sector will rise.

Notable Trends and Events for Key Stem Cell Stocks

- Pluristem Therapeutics (PSTI) - Stock has gone up 7 days in a row. What's appealing about this stock is that compared to all the other publicly traded stem cell companies, it has very few outstanding shares, steadily increasing volume and was one of the last stem cell stocks to make a big move. On Friday 1/29/09 they sold over a 1 million additional shares to raise money. After moving up so many days in a row, expect a pull back to come soon although it should be brief.

- Geron Corp (GERN) and StemCell (STEM) - Both stocks began to surge back in November 2008 and had huge pops after the news on 1/23/09. However, they each pulled back during the latter part of the week. Look for both stock to begin a slow steady incline to new highs starting this week.

- Advanced Cell Technology (ACTC.PK) - This stock actually began to really move at the start of 2009. Although it has gone up 100% since 1/23/09 it began the year at around $0.03/share and peaked at $0.29/ share. It looks to be finding a trading range at around $0.25/share, but I wouldn't be surprised to see it hit $1.00/ share in the next 3 months.

- Cord Blood America (CBAI.OB) - This cord blood stem cells stock went up 4 days in a row until finally pulling back Friday 1/29/09. Despite its "micro-penny" status, this stock appears to be one of the best candidates for quick price appreciation. Word has spread that Blue Cross Blue Shield recently purchased over 15 million shares. Although this doesn't represent that large of an investment monetarily, the fact that a large reputable entity has shown interest speaks volumes. I expect this stock will move from $0.015/share to $.05/share in the next two weeks.

My final word for traders or potential traders is to not fear the "Penny" status of stem cell stocks. The current stock price of these companies was simply a function of political suppression. Don't allow any negative thoughts you may have about trading stocks that are less than a dollar keep you from making money.