IDRA: Idera Pharmaceuticals ($4.64)

Idera Pharmaceuticals became a new holding in December when we started buying the stock here IDRA: $3.04, and traded in /out, then back in using volatility to our advantage to buy shares back. Since then, the stock has advanced nicely to $4.64 with the addition of new key employees.  The special thing about the new personnel is that they have prior ties while serving at Genzyme, an extremely successful company that was purchased by Sanofi for $20 billion dollars.  On January 9th, 2014, two new key people were hired by IDRA.  Lou Brenner MD, has joined as senior vice president and chief medical officer, and has experience with advancing clinical trials with previous companies.  Also, Dr. Mark Goldberg has been appointed as a new board member. Previously, while at Genzyme he played a key role in the development of four successful orphan therapies. Dr. Goldberg is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist and has published more than 50 papers.  So the list of employees that are currently at IDRA with prior experience working together at some point at Genzyme consist of the following:

CFO: Louise Arcudi
Chairman of Board:  James Geraghty
Board Member:  Mark Goldberg
Chief Medical Officer:  Lou Brenner

Near Term Catalyst:

• 16th annual BIO CEO & Investor Conference 2-10-14.
• Phase 2 top line results IMO-8400 plaque psoriasis, first quarter.
• Phase 2 top line results IMO-8400 plaque psoriasis dose escalation .60 mg. second quarter.

Bottom Line:  Idera Pharmaceuticals is making progress behind the scenes with the addition of key personnel that have prior experience growing an emerging biotechnology company while at Genzyme.  Near term catalyst could move the stock higher in the coming weeks.  Thank you for reading.

Contact: portfoliomgt1@gmail.com