Biotech stocks fall in January

Biotechnology stocks have continued to underperform in January -- with the Intersuisse biotechnology index sliding by 0.9 per cent.

This compares with gains in January by both the All Ordinaries and the Nasdaq biotechnology index, of 3.6 per cent and 4.2 respectively.

However, Australian biotechnology stocks still outperformed the All Ordinaries and Nasdaq indices when calculated from June 2005, due to strong performance in the four months after that date.

In January, 30 companies showed price rises, 43 fell and seven stocks remained unchanged.

Gains over 20 per cent

Living Cell Technologies (ASX:LCT) - 38 per cent Biotron (ASX:BIT) - 32 per cent Cathrx (ASX:CXD) - 24 per cent Heartware (ASX:HTW) - 23 per cent Life Therapeutics (ASX:LFE) - 21 per cent

Falls over 20 per cent

Advanced Ocular Systems (formerly Regenera) (ASX:AOS) - 37 per cent Occupational & Medical Innovations (ASX:OMI) - 31 per cent Clinical Cell Culture (ASX:CCE) - 25 per cent