The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights:Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Exelon, ALLETE, Wisconsin Energy and Sempra

CHICAGO, Jan. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include the Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALNY-Free Report), Exelon Corporation (NYSE:EXC-Free Report), ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE:ALE-Free Report), Wisconsin Energy Corporation (NYSE:WEC-Free Report) and Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE-Free Report).

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Here are highlights from Friday's Analyst Blog:

Pipeline Progress at Alnylam

Pipeline updates are highly awaited events in the pharma/biotech sector as they play an important role in deciding whether or not to invest in a particular company. These updates provide information on experimental drugs and at times provide an insight into the commercial potential of the candidate once it is successfully developed and commercialized.

Earlier in the week, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ALNY-Free Report) initiated a phase I study on ALN-AT3 for the treatment of hemophilia and rare bleeding disorders (RBD). ALN-AT3 is a subcutaneously administered ribo nucleic acid interference (RNAi) therapeutic targeting antithrombin (AT).

The phase I study on ALN-AT3, to be conducted in the U.K., is a single- and multi-dose, dose-escalation study consisting of two parts. The randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, single-dose initial part of the study (n~24) is evaluating the safety and tolerability of a single low dose of ALN-AT3.

The latter part of the trial is an open-label, multi-dose, dose-escalation study (n~18) in patients suffering from moderate-to-severe hemophilia A or B. This part of the study is assessing the safety and tolerability of multiple doses of ALN-AT3 in these patients. Alnylam is expecting initial results from the study late this year.

ALN-AT3 was granted orphan drug designation for both hemophilia A and B by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in August last year.

Exelon Unit Provides Solar Update

Exelon Corporation's (NYSE:EXC-Free Report) business unit, Constellation Energy Resources, LLC, has reported its 2013 solar portfolio update. In 2013, Constellation added 38 megawatts ("MW") of customer-sited solar generation to its portfolio, which now totals over 164 MW of solar generation either in operation or under construction phase for commercial, industrial and public sector consumers.

Constellation supplies power, natural gas and energy products and services to U.S homes and businesses. The company's wide array of energy products and services include solar, energy efficiency, load response, and building and home services. Constellation currently has 58 projects and 177 installations in 10 states and the District of Columbia, which are either completed or underway.

We note that Exelon generates approximately 55% of electricity from nuclear powered units. Though the company maintains necessary safety measures, nuclear power generation has been a debatable issue worldwide since the nuclear disaster in Japan.

To diversify generation portfolio and reduce risks related to accidents in nuclear facilities, Exelon is currently venturing more into environment-friendly power projects. Currently, approximately 10% of the company's total production comes from renewable sources with the ratio rising gradually.

Currently, utilization of renewable energy is increasing primarily due to its clean nature and a growing awareness among the masses regarding its benefits. These influence utility providers to shift their mode of power generation to solar, wind and water.

Apart from Exelon, its peers ALLETE, Inc. (NYSE:ALE-Free Report), Wisconsin Energy Corporation (NYSE:WEC-Free Report) and Sempra Energy (NYSE:SRE-Free Report) are investing substantially to develop and upgrade their renewable utility assets to comply with stringent regulations.

We remind investors that Exelon receives power supply orders from several government and private establishments at regular intervals. In Nov 2013, the company entered into a power supply agreement with the City of Chicago. We believe inking long-term power supply agreements on a regular basis will enable Exelon to secure a stable revenue stream going forward. A steady cash inflow will also support the company to invest more in new projects.

Chicago-based Exelon currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

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