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: 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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Zimmer: the strong get stronger

Over the past few years, Zimmer [ZMH] has demonstrated even higher growth than the impressive rates seen in the overall orthopaedic market, and is now set to become even stronger with the addition of Centerpulse. The company will take market leadership position in joint reconstruction and become the fifth largest player in the lucrative sector of spinal implants.

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Zimmer: spinal expansion would maximize Collagraft potential

The recent approval for these indications allows Zimmer to compete in the largest segment of the $200 million US market for bone growth substitutes. However, unless the company fully enters the spinal implant market - including the establishment of a spinal salesforce - Collagraft will not reach its sales potential.

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Zimmer: big advances through tiny holes

Zimmer has released positive preliminary results for its two-incision minimally invasive hip arthroplasty system, and also plans to open a training facility teaching surgeons how to implant these systems. But while the system can radically reduce recovery time, it involves an extremely difficult technique that most orthopaedic surgeons are unlikely to adopt.

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Zelboraf's approval demonstrates a significant shift toward personalized cancer therapy

The FDA has approved Zelboraf and Roche's companion diagnostic test for BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic melanoma. The joint approval is the first example of co-development and demonstrates the movement toward personalized cancer therapy, and Zelboraf's impressive efficacy data and the availability of a test will ensure rapid uptake.

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Yum! Brands: tasty profits

With more than 33,000 restaurants worldwide, Yum! Brands [YUM] has announced a 13% increase in its third quarter earnings over the same period last year. Though US growth is slowing slightly, Yum! is compensating by focusing increasing attention on its overseas outlets. As Yum! Brands looks to broaden its horizons, the sky may well be the limit.

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Yum Brands: Taco Bell to expand

Taco Bell is to open outlets in India and Spain in the near future, according to media reports. The unit's parent company, Yum Brands, plans to turn the restaurant into a globally successful concern, emulating its Pizza Hut and KFC brands. Overseas expansion will be challenging in the present economic climate and the chain will need to improve on its past track record if it is to be successful.

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