IDIX (MM)

A sharp increase in drug approvals and mergers and acquisitions combined to create a bull market for the Biotechnology Industry in 2012. The iShares NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (IBB), the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and the First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index ETF (FBT) have all gained over 20 percent in the past year, outperforming the broader markets by a good margin. Research Driven Investing examines investing opportunities in the Biotech Industry and provides equity research on Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDIX) and Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: OREX).

Access to the full company reports can be found at: www.RDInvesting.com/IDIX www.RDInvesting.com/OREX

Bloomberg recently reported drug approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration reached a 15 year high in 2012. The FDA approved a total of 39 novel medicines last year, an increase of 30 percent when compared to a year ago. Oncology drugs lead the way with 11 new drugs approved last year. Over the last ten years the number of FDA approvals had averaged roughly 23 a year. The passage of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) played a major role in the sharp increase in approvals.

The PDUFA "has provided critical resources for improving the quality and timeliness of premarket review of drugs," said FDA spokeswoman, Sandy Walsh. "These accomplishments could not have been achieved without the innovations of the biopharmaceutical industry and the dedication and skill of FDA's drug review staff."

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Idenix has focused its efforts towards HCV due to the global unmet medical need for this viral disease. It is estimated that more than 170 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HCV. The company has previously discovered and developed antivirals for the treatment of hepatitis B virus and HIV/AIDS. The company has recently announced a non-exclusive collaboration with Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for the clinical development of all-oral direct-acting antiviral HCV combination therapies.

Orexigen Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of obesity. The Company's lead product candidate is Contrave, which has completed Phase III clinical trials and for which a New Drug Application has been submitted and reviewed by the FDA. The company earlier this month reported progress with the FDA on a faster path to resubmission of the Contrave NDA.

Research Driven Investing has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned publicly traded companies. Paragon Report is compensated by other third party organizations for advertising services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at: http://www.rdinvesting.com/disclaimer

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