Durect Corp.: In the Pipeline
This small medical-supply company isn't profitable yet but has a lineup of potential products.
Durect Corp. (DRRX) works to develop drug-delivery systems. The small Cupertino, Cal.-based company isn't profitable, so its stock is risky. But the shares look promising to mutual fund managers Matt Patsky and Jack Robinson, who head up Winslow Green Growth fund (WGGFX).
The systems the company is working on are "cheaper, better, faster drug technologies to control pain," says Robinson. Durect has five products in clinical trials, including a patch that releases pain-relief medication to surgical wounds for several days. The company often partners with pharmaceutical companies to develop products.
Company officials are scheduled to discuss Durect's business at a brokerage conference next Monday.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Expenses for research and development at this stage far exceed Durect's minuscule revenues, so Durect won't make money until its products win government approval. Analysts expect the company to post a loss of 32 cents per share for 2005, and to lose 35 cents a share in 2006, according to Thomson First Call.
The stock, at $3 a year ago, now trades at $5.
--Katy Marquardt
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Standard Deduction 2026 Amounts Are Here
Tax Breaks What is the standard deduction for your filing status in 2026?
-
New 2026 Income Tax Brackets Are Set: What to Know Now
Income Tax The IRS has adjusted federal income tax bracket ranges for the 2026 tax year to account for inflation. Here's what you need to know.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Bank of America Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today
Bank of America stock has been a massive buy-and-hold bust.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Oracle Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today
ORCL Oracle stock has been an outstanding buy-and-hold bet for decades.
-
How to Invest for Rising Data Integrity Risk
Amid a broad assault on venerable institutions, President Trump has targeted agencies responsible for data critical to markets. How should investors respond?
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into Sherwin-Williams Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today
Sherwin-Williams stock has clobbered the broader market by a wide margin for a long time.
-
If You'd Put $1,000 Into UnitedHealth Group Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's What You'd Have Today
UNH stock was a massive market beater for ages — until it wasn't.
-
What Tariffs Mean for Your Sector Exposure
New, higher and changing tariffs will ripple through the economy and into share prices for many quarters to come.
-
How to Invest for Fall Rate Cuts by the Fed
The probability the Fed cuts interest rates by 25 basis points in October is now greater than 90%.
-
Are Buffett and Berkshire About to Bail on Kraft Heinz Stock?
Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway own a lot of Kraft Heinz stock, so what happens when they decide to sell KHC?