HIN - HeartWare International

Anyone follow this? Seems to be a VCR competitor, chart ho hum. Report from Hopkins of Lehman Brothers "Thoratec " top small cap idea" in the market.... price target of USD25 (market cap USD1.3bn) by April. ... next generation devices (such as the HeartWare HVAD) can increase the market to "thousands per year", and estimates a DT market potential of some 20,000 to 30,000 patients per year "HeartWare, for example, is a small Australian LVAD company that recently convinced Doug Godshall to become CEO. Doug is a very seasoned Medtech executive from the US and his ability to due diligence markets and opportunities is unmatched." Endquote

Blurb from Comsec Business Description
HeartWare (HTW) is developing a range of implantable circulatory assist devices aimed at treating patients with congestive heart failure. HeartWares technology is protected by a portfolio of 14 US and 10 international patents. Its device family includes three products the HVAD, MVAD and PedVAD.

Company Strategy
During the first half of 2006, HTW initiated its human clinical trials for its lead product, HVAD Left Ventricular Assist Device, with two patients implanted with the device. A key objective for the first half of the year included a transition of the company from a product development focus into a manufacturer of Class III medical devices. A comprehensive review of its manufacturing and operational capabilities was carried out to optimise internal processes with a view to ensuring HTWs current capacity to support a level of quality production. HeartWare reported Net Loss of $10.6m for the half-year ended 30 June 2006. Revenues from ordinary activities were $1.3m, compared to 1.1m from the same period last year. Diluted EPS was (8.29) cents compared to (8.11) cents last year. Net operating cash flow was ($9.3) compared to ($4.6m) last year. Net tangible assets per share was 18.79 cents compared to 13.70 cents of pcp. No dividend was declared. The net loss reflects increased expenditure by the Company relating to the commercialisation of its range of circulatory assist devices or "heart pumps", which are used for the treatment of congestive heart failure. During the half year ended 30 June 2006 HeartWare initiated its human clinical trials for its lead product, the HVADTM Left Ventricular Assist Device. As at 31 July, two patients have been implanted with the device. The clinical trial currently underway is aimed at achieving European and Australian regulatory approval for the HVADTM device.

Re: HTW

Bought into this one for $0.745 last year.

They're shooting for 20 patients to meet their clinical trial commitments, and were making good progress (5 for 5) before reassessing their programme, and shifting their focus to manufacturing issues at the end of last year.

It appears that they had to iron out some creases in their production line, and wanted to get this sorted before pushing on with the trials.
They've announced that this is now sorted, and they can once again focus on getting the units implanted.

All of their trial hospitals are now fully stocked, and hopefully their trials can now progress quickly. They're now 7 for 7.

The trial requires patients to pass the 180 day mark before they're considered successful, so I would expect that, by the time they implant the 20th device, and this patient passes the 180d, we're going to be opening Christmas pressies again.

The hardware (LVAD) looks great though. Surgeons love it because all of the work is limited to the thoratic cavity, due to the small size of the device. The operation takes a fraction of the time required for competitors devices, and the recovery time is dramatically reduced as a result.

They're also testing and developing a miniature device (MVAD) and the possibilities (if they can get this thing to work) are amazing. There's some great presentations on their website for all of their devices.

I think the SP may float around $0.80c while they progress their clinical trials, but if their implant schedule starts to build momentum, which they expect it to do now, this one may take off.

I believe it's a good buy at present, as they apear to have sorted all of their production issues, and the implant schedule is restricted only by the selection of suitable trial candidates - nothing else.

Also nice to have one of those "feel good" stocks in the portfolio to balance all of my other holdings in companies that are destroying the planet!

Re: HTW

Serpie said:

Bought into this one for $0.745 last year.

They're shooting for 20 patients to meet their clinical trial commitments, and were making good progress (5 for 5) before reassessing their programme, and shifting their focus to manufacturing issues at the end of last year. (etc)

Click to expand...

Thanks, website http://www.heartware.com.au/IRM/content/index.htm and the LVAD looks interesting. Are they a serious competitor to VCR which I hold?

Re: HTW

Gidday Drmb,

We (completely impartial) HTW holders do see the HTW product as superior to the VCR product (due to the less invasive procedures required) but VCR are further along in their trials and approvals.

I was surprised to see the VCR SP drop yesterday. The chatrooms have been very quiet on the HTW front, but fairly active on VCR. VCR seems to have some frustration attached to it(from my breif reading) - perhaps HTW holders will also be venting in 12 months time! I hope not.

I was hoping that the VCR drop yesterday was due to a switch to HTW, but 3.3M VCR changed hands, and only 116k HTW.

Not sure of the timing of the report from Lehman Brothers (any ideas?) but hopefully there's $3M of ex VCR funds looking for a new home? You're all very welcome at HTW.

Cheers
Serpie

Re: HTW - Heartware

Report was 2/2/07 I think. I was surprised to see sudden drop of VCR, not sure why but all spec stocks are voltile I guess. Will just be paient and sit it out and will watch HTW as well. Cheers

HIN - Heartware

Hi,

Any people in here following or buying/selling HIN? I own a bit and wondering what peoples thoughts were. HTWR today just became a 1 Billion dollar company.

Cheers

J

On September 17th, 2013, HeartWare International Inc. (HIN) was removed from the ASX's official list following a request from the company.