ZymoGenetics: rhThrombin has great potential

In line with the rapid historical uptake of other recombinant protein products, following an anticipated approval in late 2007, ZymoGenetics' rhThrombin is expected to quickly take market share from King Pharmaceutical's Thrombin-JMI. Upon doing so, rhThrombin's revenues are forecast to grow from $165 million in 2008 to an impressive $459 million in 2010, well ahead of Wall Street consensus.

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ZymoGenetics: early hope for late-stage disease

ZymoGenetics has reported positive results from its phase Ia study of IL-21 in patients with metastatic melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. This announcement warrants further studies of IL-21 in these indications, which is welcome news for ZymoGenetics and development partner Novo Nordisk. However, competition is already on the horizon, in the form of Bayer/Onyx' Nexavar.

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ZymeTx: flu management program could be catching

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Zurich: waving goodbye to asset management

Having struggled to maintain profitability in its asset management business over the past few years, Zurich Financial Services has now rid itself of Threadneedle. This has given Amex a bargain-basement entry into the world of asset management but the near future is not looking too rosy for this sector.<BR />

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Zurich: unthreading its needle

The sale of Threadneedle is the Zurich's latest effort to balance its books following heavy losses on its equity portfolio. Zurich has already announced heavy cost-cuts and has completed a rights issue to increase funds. With strong branding and performance Threadneedle is an attractive target, but finding a buyer might be tricky in the current market.

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Zurich: set to boost US non-standard motor book

Zurich Financial Services has announced that its subsidiary Farmers Group has entered into an agreement to acquire rival US motor insurer Bristol West Holdings. This looks to be a sensible move as, provided the deal goes ahead, Zurich should see significant growth in its US non-standard motor business.

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Zurich: mission possible

Zurich's [ZURZN.VX] Q1 results are further confirmation that the insurer has turned itself around. However, the insurance market was good to Zurich in 2003, and the strength of its restructured business will be severely tested when the market softens, as it looks set to do this year.

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Zurich: last man standing in the battle for RBSI?

Last month, RBS announced that it is to sell its insurance arm, RBSI, in an attempt to increase its capital base in the wake of the ongoing liquidity crisis. As well as boosting the portfolio of the company that successfully makes the acquisition, the move would have industry-wide implications, as the sale of brands including Direct Line would have major repercussions in motor and home insurance.

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Zurich: joining the list of insurance gloom

Zurich's fall into the red was driven by the September 11 tragedy combined with a general economic slowdown. Simultaneously, the insurer's payouts rocketed while its investment income plummeted. On the positive side, 2001 was a difficult year for many insurers throughout the world. Things should get better this year.

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Zurich: heading the right way in 2006

Zurich Financial Services has released its Q1 results, which show that its general insurance business reduced its combined ratio and generated strong profits. The Swiss insurer's results are another example of how a policy of conservative discipline in underwriting and focusing on profitable business lines is the right course to steer in the current insurance industry climate.

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