ImmunoCellular Therapeutics (IMUC.OB)

ImmunoCellular Therapeutics attracted investor interest with several key developments in 2012, resulting in a Q1 gain of 120%. The early results from its lead candidate ICT-107 were a primary driver, showing 40% of patients treated with its drug having no progression of glioblastoma over a period of three years. The results were incredible and created instant optimism surrounding the future of the company; considering glioblastoma has a 3 year disease-free survival of only 5%. As a result, some believe the company's technology can be successful in treating other cancers, and with unprecedented success. IMUC has been acquiring intellectual property at a rapid rate and diversifying its patent portfolio with a multitude of antigens for further testing. The company is succeeding where others have failed by targeting a number of antigens expressed in cancer, and being able to attack cancerous cells without harming healthy cells. IMUC is now believed by many to have one of the best technologies in cancer research, which could result in the company being very attractive as an acquisition target.

I feel strongly that IMUC has significant long-term growth and revenue potential. The company has a solid cash position and a very low burn rate; those two factors will allow the further development of their growing pipeline. Currently the company meets the AMEX listing requirements and a jump to a major exchange is usually followed by additional interest from institutional buyers. IMUC should not only see a significant increase in share price in Q2, but through out all of 2012.