Belgischer Biotech-Play: Innogenetics WKN 904001

Der Wert wurde vor kurzem im Global Biotech Investing empfohlen. Was meint ihr dazu? Charttechnisch sieht es ja ganz gut aus. Außerdem scheint der Wert im Vergleich zu anderen Biotechs noch ziemlich günstig zu sein. Bitte Meinungen, da ich ev. Kauf erwäge oder Nachkauf Stressgen.

Dauberus

LiPA is a multiprobe, strip-based, detection system for DNA. A large number of targeted genetic characteristics, located in one or
more genes, can simultaneously be processed in a single patient sample. This allows the determination of specific recognition patterns,
which are representative for specific diseases or infections.

LiPA tests are based on the reverse-hybridization principle. Specific oligonucleotide probes are immobilized as parallel lines on
membrane-based strips. The patient's sample is submitted to PCR amplification with biotinylated primers. The amplified biotinylated
DNA material is then hybridized with the probes on the strip. After hybridization, streptavidin, labeled with alkaline phosphatase, is
added and bound to any biotinylated hybrid previously formed. Incubation with BCIP/NBT chromogen results in a purple/brown
precipitate. The banding pattern on the strip can then be interpreted.

LiPA products include assays for the detection of mutations in the reverse transcription (RT) gene of the HIV virus associated with drug
resistance, different assays for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, and an assay for the detection of mutations in Mycobacterium
tuberculosis associated with rifampicin resistance.

Line immunoassay (LIA)

LIA is a multiparameter, strip-based system which is used for the detection of antibodies against antigens of infectious agents or for the
detection of autoantibodies.

Recombinant proteins and/or synthetic peptides are coated as discrete lines on a nylon strip with plastic backing. The test sample is
incubated in a test trough together with the multiple antigen-coated test strip. Specific antibodies, if present in the sample, will bind to the
individual antigen lines on the strip. Afterwards, a goat anti-human IgG labeled with
alkaline phosphatase is added and will bind to any antigen/antibody complex previously formed. Incubation with enzyme substrate and
the chromogen BCIP/NBT produces a dark brown color in proportion to the amount of specific antibody present in the sample. Color
development is stopped with sulfuric acid.

Examples of LIA products include assays for the confirmation of antibodies against HIV and differentiation between HIV-1 and HIV-2,
for the confirmation of antibodies against HCV, and for the detection of autoantibodies to anti-nuclear antigens (ANA). An assay for the
confirmation of antibodies against human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) and differentiation between HTLV-I and HTLV-II is
currently under development.

ELISA

Products include assays for the detection of antibodies against HIV-1 and HIV-2 (this assay includes HIV-1 group O-specific
antigens), tests for the detection of antibodies against HCV, and assays for the detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antigens.

Biologicals

The biologicals produced at Innogenetics include antigens, monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, as well as plasmid DNA. These
biologicals are either used in diagnostic test kits or for research purposes.



Current Premises

Innogenetics' research facilities consists of approximately 7,700 m² ( 77,000 sq.ft.) of working space. These premises are located in
Zwijnaarde, near Gent, Belgium on the site of an industrial park . In addition, the Company has 2,300 m² ( 23,000 sq.ft.) of facilities for
development, production, and quality control of diagnostic kits located in Zwijndrecht, near Antwerp (some 35 miles from its
headquarters).

Content and Size of Facility under Construction

In order to increase production capacity, centralize its various departments, and manufacture its products in compliance with the
different requirements of regulatory authorities worldwide, Innogenetics has opted to build a major new facility in close proximity
(approx. 1 mile) to its current headquarters in Zwijnaarde.

The project was launched in mid-1996 and is to result in the completion of a 3-story building with approximately 14,000 m² (140,000
sq.ft.) of space, fully operational by mid-1999. Actual construction work on the project was begun in August 1997. The following
major units will be located in the facility:
# Unit for medical diagnostic kits manufacturing (ground floor)
# Unit for development activities (first floor)
# Unit for biologicals manufacturing (second floor)

An adjacent office wing will have a total floor area of 2,650 m² (26,500 sq.ft.). The manufacturing area accounts for a total area of
11,200 m² (112,000 sq.ft.), of which 50% is taken up by laboratories containing approximately 3,200 m² (32,000 sq.ft.) of Clean
Room finishing.

Innogenetics has chosen to locate its new facility in Zwijnaarde at the Technology Park of the University of Gent.  

In the course of 1999, costs of trade sales reached 15.1 million euro versus 13.7 million euro in the previous year. The higher costs were mostly due to the start-up of Innogenetics' production facility in the summer of 1999. This affected gross margins which amounted to 53% for the entire year. By optimising its production processes and due to the increase in the sales percentage of Innogenetics' high-margin products in total sales, gross margins already increased in the fourth quarter to 62%.

Last year, royalty income was 0.7 million euro, principally derived from the HIV-1 group O patent. No significant licensing agreements were made. Grants totalled 2.9 million euro compared to 4.2 million euro in 1998. This figure reflects a decrease in the number of new start-up research projects in favour of a more strategic orientation on core research programmes. Research and Development contract income also declined to 1.7 million euro compared with 4.0 million euro the year before, a decrease attributable to the reformulation of the research agreement with Murex/Abbott.

R&D expenses increased by 29% to 23.2 million euro compared to 18.0 the year before. This rise was mostly related to the costs for the production of the therapeutic vaccine against hepatitis C and the preparation of clinical trials.

Marketing, General & Administrative costs amounted to 28.8 million euro as compared with 21.1 million euro in 1998. The increase in Marketing and Sales costs was for a large part due to investments in the infrastructure of Innogenetics Inc. as well as the hiring of personnel for logistic support, quality assurance, sales and distribution at Innogenetics' affiliates in Germany, Spain, and the U.S. In the course of 1999, Innogenetics also posted additional administrative expenses for consultancy fees as part of the Company's efforts to maximise the future potential related to its patent portfolio.

An exceptional income of 2.1 million euro was booked in the fourth quarter of 1999. This represented the sale of 155,452 shares of Rhein Biotech which brings the participation of Innogenetics in this company to 9.5%. At the end of 1999, the cash position of Innogenetics amounted to 20.6 million euro.

According to Rudi Mariën, Chairman of Innogenetics, "In November, we installed a strong management team which already led to improved results in the fourth quarter. We have also attracted an experienced top manager, namely, Philippe Archinard, formerly of bioMérieux, to our Company. In the near future, we will further strengthen our management team with industrially experienced persons to help us strategically refocus our efforts so that more income can be generated along with stabilized costs."

Innogenetics, founded in 1985, is an established Belgian-based biotechnology company engaged in the research, development and marketing of diagnostic products for the detection of human diseases, and in the discovery and development of new therapeutic products and vaccines. Innogenetics has now more than 550 employees. Innogenetics targets five disease areas: infectious diseases, tissue repair, as well as immune, neurodegenerative and genetic disorders.

Innogenetics' goal is to build an innovative, international biomedical company. Innogenetics (symbol: INNX) is listed on EASDAQ, the pan-European stock market for growth companies.



4.Quartal wurde durch hohe Investitionen belastet, die für die zukünftigen Umsätze richtungsweisend sein dürften.

Würde kaufen........

Gruß

TGK

Meldung von heute

Rhein Biotech: Innogenetics verkauft Aktien


Die am Neuen Markt notierte Rhein Biotech wurde gestern darüber informiert, dass das belgische Unternehmen Innogenetics 106.000 Aktien der Rhein Biotech im Marktwert von rund 18 Millionen Euro verkauft hat. Rhein Biotech ist bis zu diesem Zeitpunkt nicht über diesen Verkauf informiert gewesen.

Zuvor hatten Rhein Biotech und Innogenetics eine Zusammenarbeit für die Entwicklung von Stämmen zur Herstellung bestimmter Proteine, die für Therapie (inklusive Hepatitis C-Impfstoffen), Diagnostik und Forschung verwendet werden, getroffn.

Wie Rhein Biotech mitteilte, sei der Verkauf durch Innogenetics ausschließlich aus finanziellen Motiven heraus getätigt worden, beide Unternehmen wollen die erfolgreiche Zusammenarbeit im Bereich Forschung und Entwicklung fortsetzen.