Minding one's money

While a New York Times article was highlighting Magainin Pharmaceuticals among other companies that are developing antibiotics to treat drug resistant bacteria, a group of investors including Oracle Partners L.P. met with MAGN directors last week to discuss the strategic direction of the company. "They'd like a higher share price and we're certainly aligned with them on that," said Jay Moorin, president and CEO. Stuart Weisbrod, a general partner at Oracle, confirmed the meeting, but declined to comment further. He said Oracle owns 6 to 7 percent of MAGN. Moorin, who did not attend the meeting, said to his knowledge the group did not seek any management changes. MAGN's shares were up 15 percent on the week, closing at $12.125.

LACKING VISION? Companies always get left behind in market rallies. The laggards often have obvious fundamental drawbacks that explain why the Street has forsaken them. Others stories are more complicated. In the case of InSite Vision (INSV), whose stock languished as low as $1.50 in November, the Street may be back for another look. The company, which has three products in late stage development, has raised $13.6 million in the last four months, primarily through institutional investors. ...