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Originally Published MX September/October 2003

Governmental &Legal Affairs

Promising clinical trial developments may seem causefor crowing, but FDA and SEC could think otherwise.

Darren W. Alch and Deidre L. Shearer

Few would argue with the proposition that the value of a pharmaceutical or medical device company lies largely in the strength of its product line. And just as important as the products already on the market is the product pipeline--those drugs or devices in development that FDA has not yet approved for marketing. In many instances, the value of a publicly owned medical technology company's stock--as well as the availability of investment capital--depends on how the firm communicates the potential value and research progress of its pipeline products to those with an interest.