NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwire) -- 02/07/13 -- 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 Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACUR) and Protalix BioTherapeutics Inc. (NYSE: PLX).

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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.

Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a specialty pharmaceutical company developing and commercializing tamper-resistant products to combat medication abuse and misuse. In December, 2012 the Company commenced commercialization of Nexafed a 30 mg immediate-release abuse-deterrent decongestant.

Protalix is developing therapies that may potentially address Gaucher disease, Fabry disease, biodefense indications, and autoimmune disease (including rheumatoid arthritis). The company recently announced that it has "has engaged Citigroup to assist it in reviewing a broad array of product partnering, technology sharing and other strategic alternatives."

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