NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - Jan 9, 2012) - Biotechnology stocks have performed well in the early stages of the New Year. Last Thursday, the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index skyrocketed as much as 3 percent, reaching a two-month intraday high. With several potential blockbuster drugs working their way through the approval process this year, 2012 could be a big year for biotech. Five Star Equities examines the outlook for companies in the Biotechnology industry and provides equity research on Zalicus, Inc. (NASDAQ: [ ZLCS ]) and Xoma Corporation (NASDAQ: [ XOMA ]). Access to the full company reports can be found at:

[ www.fivestarequities.com/ZLCS ]

[ www.fivestarequities.com/XOMA ]

XOMA, a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the discovery, development, and manufacture of therapeutic antibodies to treat autoimmune, infectious, inflammatory, and oncological diseases. Earlier this month the company said that it plans to cut 84 jobs, or 34 percent of its workforce, to focus on the development of its lead anti-inflammatory drug XOMA 052.

The staff reductions result mostly from the company's decisions to utilize a contract manufacturing organization for Phase 3 and commercial production and to eliminate internal research functions that are non-differentiating or that can be obtained cost-effectively by contract service providers.

Five Star Equities releases regular market updates on the biotechnology 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.

Zalicus engages in the discovery and development of drug candidates focusing on the treatment of pain and inflammation. Last month the company announced the initiation of a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating the pharmacokinetics and safety of Z944, a novel oral T-type calcium channel blocker with demonstrated preclinical potential for the treatment of acute and inflammatory pain.

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