Biotech Clinical Trials to Watch in 2009

Editor's note: This article originally appeared in Senior Columnist Adam Feuerstein's Biotech Select newsletter on Dec. 17.

It's true, we're not quite finished with 2008 just yet, but I've certainly started to plan for next year. For me, that begins with compiling a calendar of meaningful clinical trials and data-related events expected to take place in the new year.

So I've put together a list, in alphabetical order, of biotech and drug companies with important (stock-moving) clinical trials expected to have data available in the first six months of 2009. I use a list like this for planning and research purposes, so I'm prepared in advance for when these data are released. Thanks to BioMedTracker, a service of Sagient Research, for assisting with the research for this list.

A prepared biotech investor is a richer biotech investor. Perhaps I should have that printed on T-shirts

Anyway, here is my clinical trials list. I hope you find it useful.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY) is conducting a phase II study of its lead RNA interference (RNAi) drug ALN-RSV01 in lung transplant patients naturally infected with respiratory syncytial virus with results to be released in mid-2009.

Amgen (AMGN) is expanding its experimental long-acting osteoporosis denosumab drug into cancer indications with phase III studies seeking to reduce skeletal related events in prostate, breast and other solid tumor cancers. The data are set to be available in mid-2009.

Amicus Therapeutics (FOLD) is running a phase II study of its drug Plicera in Gaucher disease with results due in mid-2009.

Arena Pharmaceuticals (ARNA): The first phase III data from its obesity drug lorcaserin are expected at the end of March.

Biogen Idec (BIIB) is conducting two phase II studies of its experimental drug BIIB-014 in early and late-stage Parkinson's disease with data due in the first half of 2009.