Two Months of Good News and Execution Shows Neptune's Run May Just be Getting Started
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
Neptune Technologies & Bioressources Inc. (Nasdaq:NEPT), is one of the
established leaders in the development and commercialization of Krill Oil and
other Krill based products. Neptune's first commercially available product,
Neptune Krill Oil (NKO®), is the only clinically proven and scientifically
acknowledged marine omega-3 phospholipids with cardiovascular, cognitive and
anti-inflammatory benefits. Neptune researches, develops and commercializes
proprietary bioactive ingredients and products with superior added-value and
clinically proven health benefits.
A clinical study of the effects of Krill Oil, using NKO, was conducted to assess
the effects of krill oil on blood lipids, specifically total cholesterol,
triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein
(HDL). The results were published in November of 2004. The study conclusions
stated the following: "The results of the present study demonstrate within high
levels of confidence that krill oil is effective for the management of
hyperlipidemia by significantly reducing total cholesterol, LDL, and
triglycerides, and increasing HDL levels. At lower and equal doses, krill oil
was significantly more effective than fish oil for the reduction of glucose,
triglycerides, and LDL levels. The results of this clinical trial demonstrate
that daily doses of 1-3 g krill oil are significantly more effective than 3 g
EPA/DHA fish oil in the management of hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, a maintenance
dose of 500 mg krill oil is significantly effective for long-term regulation of
blood lipids. The unique molecular composition of krill oil, which is rich in
phospholipids, omega-3 fatty acids, and diverse antioxidants, surpasses the
profile of fish oils and offers a superior approach toward the reduction of risk
for cardiovascular disease."
Neptune has spun-out a company, Acasti Pharma, Inc., to realize the
pharmaceutical benefits and develop and commercialize products for the
prescription drug market in relation to this study. Acasti is focusing
initially on treatments for chronic cardiovascular and cardiometabolic
conditions within the over-the-counter, medical food and prescription drug
markets. Acasti is currently in a Phase II double blind, randomized clinical
trial with their lead drug CaPre. Acasti could release top-line results from
this study as well as results from an open label study for CaPre by the end of
2012.
Recent Positive News
Over the past two months Neptune has made several positives announcements. On
May 25th Neptune reported year-end fiscal 2012 results with record revenues of
$19,113,000, a 15% year-over-year gain. The Company subsequently announced
preliminary 1Q 2013 revenues on June 5th in the range of $6,000,000 to
$6,200,000, a 40-45% year-over-year gain and nearly a 20% gain quarter-over-
quarter. Michel Timperio Vice President of Global Sales commented on the strong
quarter, "The krill industry as a whole is vibrant; delivering double digit
growth. Krill Oil is the fastest growing ingredient in the whole Omega-3
market, which is great news as it reflects greater awareness from the consumers.
Neptune's NKO, being first in its class, is gaining momentum worldwide in Asia,
Oceania as well as Europe, while continuing great progression in the US mass
market where Neptune's products, while dominating the health store channel, can
now be found in large retail chains. We are thrilled and are foreseeing
sustained growth in the upcoming quarters.''
During a conference call with investors, management discussed Neptune's capacity
expansion progress. Current production capacity is 150,000kg/year; completion
of the Phase 1 expansion project is scheduled to be completed by the first
quarter of calendar 2013, bringing capacity to 300,000kg/year. Capacity should
further increase to 500,000kg/year at the beginning of 2014 with the completion
of the Phase 2 expansion.
Other recent news includes the following:
Neptune has also had positive news on its patent front with the U.S. Patent &
Trademark Office (the "USPTO") allowing one of the Company's continuation patent
applications, number 13/189,714, which claims the benefit of Neptune's U.S.
Patent No. 8,030,348 ("the '348 Patent"). This continuation application contains
claims to further embodiments of the inventions that were disclosed in the '348
Patent; specifically to krill extracts comprising a phospholipid suitable for
human consumption. This continuation further strengthens Neptune's patent
position in the United States.
Neptune recently became the only Krill Oil manufacturer to be certified "Friend
of the Sea." This allows Neptune to use the FOS label on all of their
packaging.
Dr. Harlan Waksal, Executive Vice-President, Business & Scientific Operations of
Acasti Pharma Inc. was appointed to the Neptune's Board of Director. Dr. Harlan
Waksal is a retired physician, founder of Imclone System Inc. in which he has
been involved as the President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer
and Executive Vice-President from 1987 to 2003. Imclone System has developed and
obtained approval for a new targeted biologic cancer therapy known as Erbitux
and was later acquired by Eli Lily for $6.5 B US in October 2008. Dr. Harlan
Waksal currently seats on the Board of Directors of Oberlin College and Senesco
Technologies, is the author of over 50 scientific publications and has been the
author of multiple patents and patents applications. Furthermore, Dr. Waksal is
currently the Executive Vice-President, Business & Scientific Operations of
Acasti Pharma Inc, Neptune's subsidiary.
Neptune is currently trading around $3.60. With all these positive
developments, it is easy to understand why Rodman Renshaw rates the Company with
a Market Outperform and a $7 price target and Roth Capital Partners rates the
Company a Buy with a $9 price target. The Krill Oil market segment is growing
double digits and Neptune's capacity is scheduled to increase over 200% in the
next 18 to 24 months, Neptune's revenue growth seems poised to take off.
Neptune's management has positioned the Company for significant success along
many fronts. Investors are beginning to see the benefits of Krill Oil as an
investment and as a supplement to their individual health. With more positive
news on the way for Neptune, now is the time to consider all the benefits of
this company and its products.
After watching Amarin Corporation's (Nasdaq:AMRN) stock run as their company
focused on improving the treatment of cardiovascular disease last year, we are
convinced that Neptune shows significant scientific and fundamental evidence to
support the idea that their own firm is poised to continue to penetrate and
impact several substantial billion dollar+ markets and return huge gains for
early investors over both the short and long term. The risk profile here is far
lower than most of the ones we see in biotechnology and the upside potantial is
tremendous. When one considers the still discounted market cap for the company,
the investment looks even more attractive.
[Author Michael Morhamus is also a contributor at Seeking Alpha. His firm
provides investment products and solutions for institutions and individual
investors. He pays particular attention to small and mid-cap companies in
emerging markets.]
This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of
Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and
other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: BioMedReports via Thomson Reuters ONE
[HUG#1619125]
Datum: 12.06.2012 - 14:40 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 155645
Anzahl Zeichen: 8624
contact information:
Kategorie:
Business News
Diese Pressemitteilung wurde bisher 265 mal aufgerufen.
Die Pressemitteilung mit dem Titel:
"Two Months of Good News and Execution Shows Neptune's Run May Just be Getting Started"
steht unter der journalistisch-redaktionellen Verantwortung von
BioMedReports (Nachricht senden)
Beachten Sie bitte die weiteren Informationen zum Haftungsauschluß (gemäß TMG - TeleMedianGesetz) und dem Datenschutz (gemäß der DSGVO).
