Biotech Calendar: Key Dates and Events

A calendar of important, potentially stock-moving biotech events for October:
Oct. 5-6
JMP Securities Healthcare Focus conference

Oct. 7-8
Cowen & Co. 12 th Annual Therapeutics Conference

Oct. 8
FDA approval decision date for Spectrum Pharmaceuticals\'(SPPI Quote) colon cancer drug Fusilev.

Oct. 13
Presentation at the American Neurological Association meeting of detailed data from the phase III study of Avanir Pharmaceuticals\'(AVNR Quote) Zenvia, an experimental drug for the treatment of uncontrollable laughing and crying episodes -- a condition known medically as pseudobulbar affect. Avanir announced positive top-line results from this study in August.
Third-quarter earnings: Johnson & Johnson(JNJ Quote) (before market open) and Gilead Sciences(GILD Quote) (after market close.)

Oct. 14
The FDA\'s Peripheral and Central Nervous System Drug Advisory Committee will convene to review Acorda Therapeutics\'(ACOR Quote) fampridine (brand name Amaya). The proposed indication for Amaya is to improve the walking ability of patients with multiple sclerosis. Biogen Idec(BIIB Quote) is Acorda\'s marketing partner for Amaya.
Take note: The FDA\'s briefing documents for Amaya should be posted to the agency\'s web site on Oct. 12 or 13. When available, those documents can be found here.
Third-quarter earnings: Abbott Labs(ABT Quote) (before market open.)

Oct. 15
Third-quarter earnings: Cubist Pharmaceuticals(CBST Quote) (after market closes.)

Oct. 16-21
The American College of Rheumatology annual meeting in Philadelphia. Noteworthy clinical data expected for presentation includes Pfizer\'s(PFE Quote) CP-690550 in rheumatoid arthritis and Rigel Pharmaceuticals\'(RIGL Quote) R788 in rheumatoid arthritis

Oct. 19
FDA approval decision date for Amgen\'s(AMGN Quote) osteoporosis drug denosumab. If approved, Amgen will market the drug under the brand name Prolia.

Oct. 22
FDA\'s approval decision date for Acorda\'s drug Amaya.

Oct. 24-28
The Obesity Society annual meeting convenes in Washington, D.C. Detailed data from phase III studies of three closely watched weight-loss drugs will be presented at the meeting: Arena Pharmaceuticals\'(ARNA Quote) lorcaserin, Vivus\'(VVUS Quote) Qnexa and Orexigen Therapeutics\'(OREX Quote) Contrave.