Biopharma Vical (NASDAQ:VICL) has risen to its highest share price in a year — and with rumors of a buyout offer, it shows no sign of stopping.

There are a number of health care reform plans on the drawing boards right now, and they all seem to come with mind-numbing sticker shock. The administration’s new plan and Senator Kennedy’s plan are both estimated to cost $1 trillion over 10 years.

Both President Obama’s and Senator Kennedy’s healthcare plans are estimated to cost $1 trillion over 10 years.  I’ll believe it when I see it. When was the last time the government completed any project on budget?

It’s bold. It’s ambitious. And if it works, it should make America a healthier nation. Reform plans are a dime a dozen in Washington – many of which get stuck in political gridlock without ever reaching a satisfactory resolution. And healthcare reform is no different, with multiple presidents trying – and failing – to pass a plan that would see every American covered by healthcare insurance.

Like most investors, Harvard University’s billion-dollar endowment fund took a beating during the global financial crisis. Many investors cashed out, opting for the safety of the sidelines. But Harvard called a new play. During the first quarter, Harvard engineered a dramatic shift in its endowment-fund investment strategy – boosting its stakes in some of the most prominent emerging market exchange traded funds (ETFs).

Investment in Cubist (CBST) has now become a twofold offer. If the company defends its patent position against Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (TEVA) who produces the low-cost generic version of the drug Cubicin, shares will surge. If Teva wins the fight, Cubist is likely a penny stock.

It wasn’t long ago that we published several articles urging investors into the neglected biotech industry. Now Sara Nunnally over at Taipan Publishing says Central and Eastern Europe is a hot region for the sector right now. Big pharma is also looking to enter the rapidly growing market for generic drugs. And a popular way to establish a foothold in the region is through acquisitions of local firms.