Our special focus this week is on biotechnology. We spoke to analyst Liisa Bayko of JMP Securities about where she’s looking in this space. She told us about a little known pick in the hepatits C area- Human Genome Sciences (HGSI). Here’s what she had to say about them:

Ms. Bayko: I think Human Genome Sciences (HGSI) is one that often gets overlooked with respect to hepatitis C, but they’ve got an enhanced version of interferon which is part of the current standard of care, (and will be the backbone of the new hepatitis C regimens once the antivirals come on board, at least until we figure out if the antivirals can work in the absence of interferon). Recall the current standard of care includes weekly injections of pegylated interferon which is associated with flu like symptoms. Human Genome Sciences is developing a form of interferon that instead of being pegylated is bound to albumin and so it creates an even longer half-life, resulting in decreased frequency of dosing to every two weeks.

For the more on Human Genome Sciences, take a look at TWST’s exclusive interview with their CEO, H. Thomas Watkins.

For the full interview with Ms. Bayko, including a complete overview of this space and more stocks picks, click here.

This weeks featured interview is a CEO interview with JAMES R. MUSICK of VITRO DIAGNOSTICS, INC. (VODG)

When asked about the company’s focus Mr. Musick stated:

“We have identified a market within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector and in biomedical research, where we will target the use of our products in acute and chronic toxicology testing together with functional tests of beta cells, allowing determination of the impact of new drug candidates on human pancreatic endocrine functions.We believe that there are limited obstacles to sharp increases in revenue and Sthat we can achieve a turnaround with the second year following launch.”

To read the full interview click here .

Today Bunge Ltd. (BG), the world’s largest oilseed processor, took the leap and agreed to buy Corn Products International Inc. (CPO) for $4.2 billion in stock to add corn-based sweeteners as demand increases for soft drinks and processed foods in China and India.

We interviewed Corn Products a year ago – and they were in full growth mode back then.

Cory Krebs of Pierce & Co is also big fan of Bunge. See why in this exclusive TWST interview.

After announcing discussions for a possible merger on June 13, it was reported this morning that two major waste management companies are prepared to join forces: Republic Services (RSG) and Allied Waste (AW) have agreed to the establishment of a $12 billion waste management company, that will move one of South Florida’s largest company’s to Arizona.

How will this merger work out? Check out TWST’s interview with the parties involved to see if you think their management styles are compatible:

TWST interviews Todd Holmes of Republic Services

TWST interviews John Zillmer of Allied Waste.