With an arthritis drug no better than common saline, Ampio Pharma’s shot at FDA approval is dim

Here’s a high-confidence biotech prediction for 2018: Ampio Pharmaceuticals (AMPE) will not win approval for its osteoarthritis drug candidate Ampion because saline is just as effective.

In recent weeks, Ampio CEO Michael Macaluso has also told investors the company is garnering takeover interest from multiple pharma companies. This, too, will not happen.

Ampio shares closed 2017 up 352 percent, making the stock one of