One to watch: Phytopharm

Phytopharm is a development-stage pharmaceutical company. The group's lead series of compounds, the Sapogenins, has the potential to be a new class of therapy for neuro-degenerative diseases, including Parkinson's, motor neuron and glaucoma.

Phytopharm's origins were focussed on attempts to develop products extracted from botanical sources based on Chinese remedies. This has now developed into the synthetic manufacturing of Cogane and Myogane, the former a potential treatment for Parkinson's and motor neuron, the latter a treatment for glaucoma.

By its own admission, Phytopharm is a high-risk prospect. However, the trials for both Cogane and Myogane have proved encouraging. The group has received a grant of $1.16 million (7520,000) from the Michael J Fox Foundation and, following an equity issue in 2009, has sufficient cash to fund a development programme until the trials are concluded.

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For those looking for a classic high-risk "high-reward" investment in a developing pharmaceutical company, Phytopharm could be interesting.

Phytopharm

7.8p +0.05p

Scotsman says BUY

• The value of your investment could fall and you may get back less than you invested. You should take professional advice if you have any doubt on the suitability of this stock for your portfolio.

BROKER SNAPS

JD Wetherspoon

423.4p -5.5p

Broker says REDUCE

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Kingfisher

251p -6.3p

Broker says BUY

FRENCH government data released on Friday showed a slowdown in the sales growth of DIY products, according to Espirito Santo. The broker said it would be keeping a close eye on the next set of quarterly figures and any affect they may have on Kingfisher, which owns the B&Q chain in the UK, along with stores in France.

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