First, More Vectors. Then, More Genes

Executive Summary

This month's merger agreement between financially sound, but scientifically narrow Cell Genesys Inc. (Foster City, CA)and the troubled, but technology-rich Somatix Therapy Corp. (Alameda, CA) [See Deal] was played to the investment community as an ideal match-up-a play for critical mass in the complex and clinically demanding field of gene therapy. Although the merits of size may seem self-evident, we may still ask, why is bigger better?