Merger and Acquisition Activity Expected to Rise in 2013 as Big Pharma Companies Flush With Cash

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Jan 25, 2013) - Lost revenues from expiring patents has played a major part in the Biotech Industry's success in recent years. A total of 676 takeovers of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have occurred in the past three years, with an average premium of 38 percent, according to data collected by Bloomberg. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Biotech Industry and provides equity research on Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: CYCC) and DARA Biosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: DARA).

Access to the full company reports can be found at:

www.FiveStarEquities.com/CYCC
www.FiveStarEquities.com/DARA

At the end of the third quarter five of the biggest drug makers in the U.S. held over $70 billion in cash, near cash and short-term investments. Major revenue losses from patent expirations have forced big pharmaceutical companies to look to biotech companies to help fill the void. Pfizer's Lipitor and Bristol-Myers' Plavix, which lost exclusivity in late 2011, had combined annuals revenues of $17 billion at their peaks.

"We're through many cost-cutting programs, restructurings and portfolio arrangements," said Henry Gosebruch, Managing Director, Mergers & Acquisitions J.P. Morgan. "When you put that together with record levels of cash available and improving, but still moderate R&D productivity, we think there will be more big pharma M&A activity in 2013."

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the Biotech Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes to register with us free at www.FiveStarEquities.com and get exclusive access to our numerous stock reports and industry newsletters.

Cyclacel is a biopharmaceutical company developing oral therapies that target the various phases of cell cycle control for the treatment of cancer and other serious diseases. Cyclacel's Sapacitabine is currently in Phase 3 development for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in the elderly under a Special Protocol Assessment agreement with the FDA.

DARA Biosciences is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of oncology treatment and supportive care products. The company in November submitted an Orphan Drug Application to the FDA for KRN5500, a treatment for a painful form of chronic chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Five Star Equities provides Market Research focused on equities that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities. We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our members. Five Star Equities has not been compensated by any of the above-mentioned companies. We act as an independent research portal and are aware that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full disclaimer at:
www.FiveStarEquities.com/disclaimer