5 Best Medical Stocks To Buy Right Now

Demographics tell us that an aging population will be increasingly reliant on medical care of all types. The best way to play a broad demographic trend is to invest in a basket of related stocks that will benefit from the trend. The aging population should revitalize pharmaceutical, biotech and medical technology companies over the coming years.

The H&Q Healthcare Investors (HQH) closed-end fund invests in health care and medical technology firms. In addition, the fund has the ability to invest in private equity firms and in foreign securities, although it currently holds more than 90% of its assets in U.S. listed companies. Current top holdings include Gilead Sciences, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Amgen and Biogen Idec.

H&Q Healthcare currently trades at $26.51 with a net asset value of $27.81 giving the fund a discount of ��.67%. Its 52-week average discount has been -0.47%. The fund has shown volatility in its discount with a one-year range between a premium of 8.82% and a discount of ��.69%.

Top 10 Canadian Companies To Watch In Right Now: Koninklijke Philips NV (PHIA)

Koninklijke Philips NV, formerly Koninklijke Philips Electronics NV, is the Netherlands-based parent company of the Philips Group (Philips). The Company operates within three main business sectors, such as Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle, and Lighting, as well as through the Innovation, Group & Services (IG&S) sector. The Healthcare sector offers both personal care and professional products, such as computer tomography equipment, radiography equipment and refurbished systems. Consumer Lifestyle sector offers a range of sound, vision, personal devices and household products, such as television, headphones, kitchen appliances, shavers and digital cameras, among others. Lighting sector offers lighting products, such as professional lamps, light-emitting diodes (LED), ballasts and luminaires, among others. The IG&S segment provides the operating sectors with support through shared service centers. It also includes projects which are not part of the operating sectors. Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Corinne Gretler]

  European stocks rose for a fourth day, extending a seven-week high, as companies from UBS AG to Royal Philips (PHIA) Electronics NV reported increased profit.

5 Best Medical Stocks To Buy Right Now: Intrexon Corp (XON)

Intrexon Corporation, incorporated on April 19, 2004, is engaged in the business of synthetic biology. Using the Company�� suite of complementary technologies, it design, build and regulate gene programs, or sequences of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that control cellular function, and cellular systems, or activities that take place within a cell and the interaction of those systems in the greater cellular environment, to enable the development of new and improved products and manufacturing processes across a variety of end markets, including healthcare, food, energy and environmental sciences. Its technologies include the UltraVector gene design and fabrication platform; Cell Systems Informatics; LEAP-cell identification and selection, and mAbLogix-antibody discovery.

The Company�� LEAP technology facilitates the automated identification of an individual cell with the highest levels of expression, quality and potency from a population of over 100,000 cells. Its mAbLogix platform complements UltraVector with a library of human antibodies that exceeds 500 million. By immortalizing human tonsils, which consists of lymphatic tissue containing B-cells, its mAbLogix platform creates a B-cell library that can generate antibodies against an almost infinite number of new antigens.

The UltraVector gene design and fabrication platform

The Company�� gene program design platform, which it refer to as UltraVector, is an integrated suite of tools comprising advanced DNA construction technology and components, cellular and protein engineering tools, computational models and statistical methods which facilitate the rapid design, build and testing of complex systems. The UltraVector platform allows the Company to translate gene programs into standard components that can be designed, manufactured and tested in an automated format. This technology enables it to engineer at the cellular level from biological sources.

UltraVector DNA design is computer-automated and ! utilizes a set of defined construction rules to assemble components that are stored in its DNA library. In addition to the number of gene components in its UltraVector library, it is designing and creating enzymatic and regulatory components that provide control over genome integration and gene regulation. Its RheoSwitch Therapeutic System is a three-component transcriptional regulator that provides inducible gene expression. The RheoSwitch Therapeutic System provides the ability to not only express proteins/enzymes of interest, but also the ability to control the level and timing of expression to achieve a biological outcome. Other ongoing programs include its Attsite recombinases, which mediate predictable gene exchange into host cells thereby eliminating many of the difficulties seen with traditional gene insertion.

Cell Systems Informatics

The Company�� Cell systems informatics permits design, as well as testing and learning about new gene targets or product pathways. Its bioinformatics software and database systems for mapping cellular pathways when combined with its genome-scale modeling and experimental data, including, gene expression profiling and protein engineering, enable the Company to optimize selection and development of gene programs and cellular systems for its collaborators. Its computational modeling and simulation platform enables the development of predictive computer models of organisms, from microbes to humans. This platform builds virtual cells from their basic molecular components, and can simulate the activity of the cell�� complete reaction network.

The Company is designing proteins with post-translational modifications. It is also working to develop enzyme inhibitors and fusion proteins for a variety of applications in human and animal therapeutics. Its protein engineering may utilize one or more of its technologies to obtain catalysis activitiesits component library, the generation of component variants sequence, evolutionary analy! sis and s! tructure-based sequence alignment, computer-aided drug discovery, de novo, or synthesized or generated, and comparative protein modeling, molecular dynamics simulation and free energy analysis, antibody design and humanization, antigenicity prediction, protein pharmacokinetics optimization, and/or in silico support of enzyme engineeringand quantitative structure-function relationships with machine learning algorithms to optimize, facilitate and prioritize protein variant libraries for the advancement of its collaborators.

LEAP-cell identification and selection

The Company�� Laser-Enabled Analysis and Processing technology (LEAP), is an instrument that merges semiconductor manufacturing technologies for cell processing applications to provide high levels of control and scale to cell purification and stem cell culture management. The LEAP platform can identify and purify cells of interest from large libraries of cells created by its UltraVector and bioinformatics technologies using a laser-based purification process, thereby providing a mechanism of testing the degree of protein expression in genetically modified cells, as well as means to learn from the genetic building process.

mAbLogix- antibody discovery

The Company�� mAbLogix antibody discovery platform, or mAbLogix platform, enables production of B-cell libraries for discovery of antibodies. The mAbLogix platform permits antigen targeting using fully human monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. Its mAbLogix antibody discovery process consists of two major activities: the build of human B-cell libraries expressing a large number of antibodies, and the testing of these libraries based on an analysis of B-cells that express antibodies in response to a chosen antigen.

The Company competes with AbD SeroTec, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., XOMA Corporation, Genmab US, Inc., MorphoSys AG, NovImmune SA, Societe Des Systemes Biologiques, Adimab, LLC, ProMab Biotechnologies, Inc., Abpro, Inc.,! AIIM The! rapeutics and Open Monoclonal Technology, Inc.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Overvalued companies include MWI Veterinary (MWIV) and�Stericycle (SRCL), while companies with attractive valuations include Cardinal Health (CAH), Selected Medical (SEM). He’s not a fan of Intrexon (XON) but calls�Aratana (PETX) a “hidden gem.”

• [By Jon C. Ogg]

  Intrexon Corp. (NYSE: XON) was started as Buy at Mizuho Securities, started as Equal Weight at Barclays and started as Overweight at J.P. Morgan.

  Nokia Corp. (NYSE: NOK) was raised to Hold from Sell at Deutsche Bank, raised to Neutral from Underperform at Credit Suisse and
  Canaccord Genuity raised its price target to $5.50 from $3.30.

5 Best Medical Stocks To Buy Right Now: Protalix Biotherapeutics Inc (PLX)

Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins based on its ProCellEx protein expression system, ProCellEx. Using its ProCellEx system, the Company is developing a pipeline of biosimilar or generic versions of recombinant therapeutic proteins based on its plant cell-based expression technology, which focuses pharmaceutical markets and that rely upon known biological mechanisms of action. ProCellEx protein expression system consists of a set of technologies and capabilities for the development of recombinant proteins, including advanced genetic engineering technology and plant cell-based protein expression methods. Its ProCellEx protein expression system is built on flexible custom-designed bioreactors made of polyethylene and optimized for the development of complex proteins in plant cell cultures. In June 2010, it had completed the preliminary phase I clinical trial of PRX-105.

Taliglucerase Alfa

Taliglucerase alfa is a plant cell expressed recombinant glucocerebrosidase enzyme (GCD) for the treatment of Gaucher disease. The Company has commenced pre-clinical studies of an oral form of taliglucerase alfa. Its oral taliglucerase alfa is a plant cell expressed form of GCD that is naturally encapsulated within carrot cells genetically engineered to express the GCD enzyme. Pre-clinical studies of oral taliglucerase alfa demonstrate the stability of the enzyme in the cell and the capacity of the cell�� cellulose wall to protect the enzyme against degradation in the digestive tract in an in-vitro model of the stomach and intestines. Additionally, rats fed with lyophilized carrot cells expressing GCD have accumulated the active enzyme in the target organs; the spleen and liver. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had completed Phase III Clinical Trial.

PRX-102

The Company is developing PRX-102, its plant cell expressed modified version of the recombinant ! alpha-GAL-A protein, a therapeutic enzyme for the treatment of Fabry disease. Fabry disease is a rare, hereditary, genetic lysosomal storage disorder in humans caused by an X-lined deficiency of the alpha-GAL-A enzyme. The Company is in the animal evaluation testing phase of the development of PRX-102, which tests are based on a mouse model for Fabry disease.

Acetylcholinesterase

Protalix Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company is licensed the rights to certain technology under a research and license agreement with Yissum Research and Development Company (Yissum) and the Boyce Thompson Institute, Inc. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company is developing PRX-105, a plant cell-based acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and its molecular variants for the use in several therapeutic and prophylactic indications, as well as in a biodefense program and an organophosphate-based pesticide treatment program.

As of December 31, 2010, its in-vitro experiments of PRX-105 have shown that the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in its ProCellEx protein expression system demonstrates biological activity on biochemical and cellular levels. In addition, early animal studies demonstrated that the acetylcholinesterase expressed in its ProCellEx protein expression system was able to treat animals exposed to the nerve gas agent analogues, both when injected with its acetylcholinesterase product candidate immediately before exposure or when injected after exposure. In March 2010, it initiated a preliminary phase I clinical trial of PRX-105, which the Company completed in June 2010.

pr-antiTNF

pr-antiTNF is a candidate for the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, ankylosing, spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. The Company has designed the antiTNF as pr-antiTNF. pr-antiTNF is a plant cell-expressed recombinant fusion protein made from the soluble form of the human TNF receptor (TNFR), f! used to t! he Fc component of a human antibody domain. pr-antiTNF has an identical amino acid sequence to Enbrel and its in-vitro and preclinical animal studies have demonstrated that pr-antiTNF exhibits similar activity to Enbrel. Specifically, pr-antiTNF binds TNF thereby inhibiting it from binding to cellular surface TNF receptors and protects L929 cells from TNF-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner.

The Company competes with Genzyme, Actelion, Crucell N.V., Biolex, Inc., Chlorogen, Inc., Greenovation Biotech GmbH, Symbiosys, Novartis AG/Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, BioGeneriX AG, Stada Arzneimittel AG, BioPartners GmbH and Teva.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Maxx Chatsko]

  Industrial biotech isn't the only industry headed to Brazil. Protalix (NYSEMKT: PLX  ) entered into a technology transfer agreement with Brazil's Ministry of Health last week that will pay the company $280 million. The deal is big news for Protalix's first product, Elelyso/Uplyso, which was developed with partner Pfizer (NYSE: PFE  ) . The treatment is approved as an enzyme replacement therapy, or ERT, for adults with type 1 Gaucher disease, and it marks a huge step forward for the future of biomanufacturing. In the following video, Fool contributor Maxx Chatsko explains what this means for the product's commercialization and the adoption of Protalix's novel plant cell-based expression system for therapeutic proteins.

• [By Keith Speights]

  Other investors might wish that Pfizer would use some of its cash to acquire a few smaller companies. Protalix BioTherapeutics (NYSEMKT: PLX  ) has been mentioned as one possible candidate. The two companies already partner together on Gaucher disease drug Elelyso. In February, Protalix spurred rumors that Pfizer could be interested in buying the company after it announced that it had engaged Citigroup to pursue a "broad array of strategic alternatives."

5 Best Medical Stocks To Buy Right Now: Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp (IART)

Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corporation (Integra), incorporated on June 19, 1989, is an integrated medical technology company. Integra offers solutions in orthopedic extremity surgery, neurosurgery, spine surgery, and reconstructive and general surgery. The Company has developed numerous product lines for applications ranging from burn and deep tissue wounds to regeneration of dura mater in the brain and repair of nerve and tendon. It operates in five business segments: U.S. Neurosurgery, U.S. Extremities, U.S. Instruments, U.S. Spine and Other, and International. The International segment sells similar products to Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Central/South America, Asia-Pacific and Canada. On April 29, 2013, the Company launched the Integra Compact Cranial Closure System, which provides titanium implants for non-loadbearing (non-facial) operative cranial neurosurgical procedures. On April 30, 2013, it released its Hollywood VI intervertebral body fusion device (IBD) system. In January 2014, Integra LifeSciences Holdings Corp completed the acquisition of DuraSeal product lines from Covidien. In January 2014, Covidien PLC completed the sale of its Confluent Surgical product line to Integra LifeSciences Corporation.

U.S. Neurosurgery

The Company�� U.S. Neurosurgery sales organization sells a full line of products for neurosurgery and neuro critical care. It has products for each step of a cranial procedure and the care of the patient after surgery. Its key products include dural repair products, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) management devices, tissue ablation equipment, intracranial monitoring equipment and cranial stabilization equipment. The Company sells equipment used in the neurosurgery operating room and neurosurgery intensive care unit (NICU).

U.S. Extremities

Extremity reconstruction includes the repair of soft tissue and the orthopedic reconstruction of bone in the foot, ankle and leg below the knee (Lower Extremity), and the hand, ! wrist, elbow and shoulder (Upper Extremity). Its key products include bone and joint fixation devices, implants and instruments for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, wrist arthroplasty, carpel tunnel syndrome, and cubital tunnel syndrome. Other key products include its regenerative medicine devices for the treatment of acute and chronic wounds, peripheral nerve repair and protection and tendon repair, and bone graft substitutes.

U.S. Instruments

Integra�� U.S. Instruments business is a surgical instrument suppliers in the United States. Its portfolio includes over 60,000 instrument patterns and surgical products sold a range of users, including hospitals, surgery centers, and physician, dental and veterinary offices. In addition to selling hand-held instruments, it sells surgical headlight systems and table-mounted retractors. The Company�� brands include Jarit, Miltex, Padgett, Ruggles, Luxtec and Omni-Tract.

U.S. Spine and Other

Integra�� U.S. Spine and Other segment offer spinal fusion technologies that surgeons use along the full length of the spine, as well as a range of related orthobiologics. During the year ended December 31, 2012, its Spine business launched multiple new implants into the integrated interbody fusion device market and the deformity market. Its key spinal hardware products include integrated interbody fusion devices, minimally invasive solutions, and deformity correction. It markets and sells a complete line of orthobiologics, including demineralized bone products, collagen ceramic matrices and pure synthetic bone grafting solutions, to neurosurgeons, and spine, orthopedic, trauma, and foot and ankle surgeons. Integra sells its products through specialty distributors focused on its spine and orthopedic surgeon customers, as well as through some direct sales representatives. This segment also includes private-label sales of a set of its regenerative medicine technologies. Its customers are other large medical technology! companie! s that sell to end markets primarily in orthopedics and wound care.

The Company competes with Johnson & Johnson, Synthes, Inc., Stryker Corporation, Tornier, Inc., Wright Medical Group, Inc., Zimmer, Inc., Small Bone Innovations, Inc., Medtronic, Inc., Globus Medical Inc., NuVasive, Inc., Orthofix, Alphatec Spine, Inc., B. Braun Medical Inc., CareFusion and Symmetry Medical.

Advisors' Opinion:

• [By Ben Levisohn]

  Shares of Align have surged 24% to $57 at 12:37 p.m. Sirona Dental Systems (SIRO) has risen 0.8% to $69.61, Dentsply International (XRAY) is up 0.1% at $45.44, Integra Lifesciences (IART) has� gained 0.4% to $44.23 and Danaher (DHR) has fallen 0.3% to $72.13.