LXRX Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc

Despite the recent economic slowdown, the Biotech Industry has been home to some of the strongest performers in the market in 2012. The SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) and the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotech Index ETF (FBT) year-to-date are up 30 percent and 32 percent, respectively. As the world continues to face evolving health challenges the discoveries of new therapeutics and vaccines are critical. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Biotech Industry and provides equity research on Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: LXRX) and ZIOPHARM Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ: ZIOP).

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Expiring patents have been a major dilemma for pharmaceutical companies. New products that are being introduced are not expected to generate the same level of revenues of the products that have lost patent protection. The Obama administration is currently analyzing a proposal in which the exclusivity period for biologics would be cut down by 5 years. Mergers & Acquisitions activity is expected to pick up in 2012 as companies scramble to look to make up for loss revenues. M&A allow companies to acquire products that are already proven in the market place without the hassle and costs associated with research and development.

"Many of the pharmaceutical companies started producing everything in-house out of their own R&D organizations and over time they've failed to produce enough that way. So the industry is now coalescing around a 50-50 model of half on your own and half bought in. There are some things we'll do for ourselves but we need to be constantly on the lookout for new technologies," said Angus Russell, Chief Executive of Shire PLC.

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on companies in the Biotech Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.FiveStarEquities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Lexicon currently has five drug programs in mid-stage development for diabetes, carcinoid syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and glaucoma, all of which were discovered by Lexicon's research team. The company recently released positive results from their LX4211 Phase 2b trial for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

ZIOPHARM Oncology is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of new cancer therapies. The company recently reported that the first patient has been dosed in their Phase 3 study of palifosfamide for the treatment of small cell lung cancer. Shares of the company have soared over 30 percent year-to-date.

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