Here are highlights from Thursday's Analyst Blog:

AutoNation Shares Rate a Sell

AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: AN) is the largest automotive retailer in the U.S., and is about twice the size of its nearest competitor. As of December 2007, the company owns and operates 322 new vehicle franchises from 244 dealerships located in major metropolitan markets in 16 states, with about 75% of sales being focused in the Sunbelt region of the U.S.

We expect AutoNation to be hurt by a continuing weak new car market. The company is disproportionately exposed to Florida and California, states that will be hit the most by a slowing car market. Moreover, the credit crisis in the US led to a 12% fall in AutoNation's sales in the second quarter of 2008.

Oscient Pharma Outlook Lowers

Oscient Pharmaceuticals Corp. (Nasdaq: OSCI) focuses on cardiovascular /metabolic and respiratory diseases. The Waltham, Massachusetts-based biopharmaceutical company currently has two marketed products in its portfolio - Antara and Factive. While the sales force has done a commendable job driving growth for both products in 2007, first half 2008 results have been disappointing.

The company recently reduced its revenue guidance for the year by 4%. Oscient's dependence on Antara for top-line growth is a matter of major concern - Antara is competing in a highly crowded cholesterol market and a slowdown in its growth rate would have a major impact on the company's growth prospects.

Equity Residential Positioned Well

Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR), based in Chicago, Illinois, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT). It is the largest publicly traded, self-administered, and self-managed multi-family real estate operator in the U.S.

The housing market has not yet reached a bottom; thus there is a larger pool of renters. EQR continues to raise rents in most markets, although Florida continues to be a problem. With the national economic slowdown, rental rate growth will slow over the next couple of quarters.

Acadia Pharma Lacking Catalysts

Acadia Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ACAD) is a biopharmaceutical company utilizing innovative technology to fuel drug discovery and clinical development of novel treatments for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The company currently has one proprietary clinical program with pimavanserin (ACP-103) for treatment-induced dysfunction in Parkinson's disease. Other potential indications with pimavanserin include use as an adjunctive therapy for schizophrenia and for sleep maintenance in patients with insomnia.

Development in schizophrenia remains on hold until after the phase III PDP data in the second half of 2009. Management will continue to work with Allergan (NYSE: AGN) on two out-licensed candidates for chronic pain and glaucoma. However, similar to the PDP data, this will not be available until mid-2009. Therefore, we see a lack of catalysts for the next 2-3 quarters.

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"I am delighted to join the team at Nutrition 21," said Mr. Zeher. "I believe this company is uniquely positioned to grow into a thriving and profitable business providing products to support active, healthy lives and improved cognitive function. Nutrition 21 has a history of developing efficacious products by effectively combining research, biotechnology, and strategic marketing partnerships. We will look to leverage that tradition with a strong corporate structure, financial discipline, a vision dedicated to taking this company to the next level of its development, and in creating sustainable shareholder value."

"Nutrition 21 is indeed fortunate to introduce Mike Zeher as its new President and Chief Executive Officer," said John Gutfreund, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nutrition 21, Inc. "Mike's extensive experience in the nutritional supplement industry will enable him to set a clear course for the Company in the future. Mike also knows well how to manage and motivate a small, entrepreneurial organization to get the maximum value out of every employee. Under his leadership, the Board fully expects that the Company will enjoy renewed growth, both in revenues and in profits."

Peter Mann, a member of Nutrition 21's Board of Directors added, "I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Mike Fink and Gerry Butler for the exceptional job they have done as interim Co-CEO's. Mike and Gerry arrived on the job in late March 2008 and immediately set the Company on a new and exciting path. Under their leadership, Nutrition 21 is now focused on delivering positive EBITDA while continuing to grow top-line revenues in its key business segments. We are all deeply grateful for their contributions. Mike and Gerry will continue as executive officers in their new positions as Co-COOs and will work closely with Mike Zeher in his new position as President and CEO. I am also delighted that Mike Zeher is joining NXXI. I have known Mike for many years, and he is an individual with exceptional values and uniquely strong character."

In connection with the Company's hiring of Mr. Zeher, he was awarded an inducement grant of an option to purchase 1,000,000 shares of common stock at $0.36 per share. The option vests (i) one-third on each of the first three anniversaries of July 14, 2008 provided Mr. Zeher is then employed by the Company, or (ii) if earlier, on his death or permanent disability while employed. The option will expire on the earlier of 89 days after termination of employment or July 13, 2018.

About Nutrition 21

Nutrition 21, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXXI), headquartered in Purchase, NY, is a nutritional bioscience company and the maker of chromium picolinate-based and omega-3 fish oil-based supplements with health benefits substantiated by clinical research. Nutrition 21 holds more than 30 patents for nutrition products and uses. Nutrition 21's portfolio of health and wellness brands include: Chromax(R), Core4Life Advanced Memory Formula(TM), Diabetes Essentials(TM), Iceland Health(R) Maximum Strength Omega-3 and Iceland Health(R) Joint Relief. The company also manufactures private label supplements and ingredients for third parties. Nutrition 21 distributes its products nationally through more than 29,000 major food, drug and super center retailers as well as internationally. For more information please visit http://www.nutrition21.com.

Safe Harbor Provision

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate" and other similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the Company's current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including without limitation: the effect of the expiration of patents; regulatory issues; uncertainty in the outcomes of clinical trials; changes in external market factors; changes in the Company's business or growth strategy or an inability to execute its strategy due to changes in its industry or the economy generally; the emergence of new or growing competitors; various other competitive factors; and other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Form 10-K/A for the year ended June 30, 2007. Actual results could differ materially from the results referred to in the forward-looking statements. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the results referred to in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release will in fact occur. Additionally, the Company makes no commitment to disclose any revisions to forward-looking statements, or any facts, events or circumstances after the date hereof that may bear upon forward-looking statements.

    Contact:  For Investor Inquiries:
              Joe Diaz
              Lytham Partners, LLC
              602-889-9700

SOURCE Nutrition 21, Inc.

http://www.nutrition21.com/