Amgen (AMGN) is well-positioned for the aging population with its osteoporosis drug Prolia ($1.5 billion in annual sales) and has the potential to increase its market share in the treatment of the condition with Romosozumab, a related drug aimed at spinal vertebral fractures in patients with osteoporosis. Romosozumab is currently in phase 3 trials with recent positive results. Amgen yields nearly 3% via its $1 quarterly dividend.

Bio-Rad Laboratories (BIO) makes laboratory testing equipment and monitoring systems. It recently introduced a first of its kind (de novo FDA approval) diagnostic monitoring system for molecular laboratory tests for infectious diseases, a growing segment of the market expected to reach $9.2 billion by 2020. Monitoring systems make sure that all lab testing equipment is running optimally in order to assure accurate results.

Celldex Therapeutics (CLDX)  is a research company that develops vaccines and immunotherapy drugs for cancer. After its leading candidate drug Rintega failed a high-profile trial in February, the stock now provides a great buying opportunity. The company has two significant trials underway with another leading candidate, glembatumumab vedotin, aimed at breast cancer and metastatic malignant melanoma.  Savvy company insiders bought on the Rintega decline.

Cerus Corp. (CERS)  developed the Intercept system for neutralizing viruses, bacteria and parasites in platelet and plasma transfusions.  FDA approval for red blood cell transfusions is pending.  Intercept was recently adopted by Health Canada, yet another high-profile development. Intercept has special approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for neutralizing the Zika virus in plasma and platelet transfusion packets. The Red Cross has been adopting Intercept in the U.S.

Emergent Biosolutions (EBS) makes Bioanthrax, the leading vaccine against the potential terrorist threat bacillus anthraces.   Emergent also makes antidotes for nerve gases and chemical weapons. Even as it undergoes an aggressive restructuring, this company is reliable with earnings and revenue.

Medidata Solutions (MDSO) offers cloud-based software used by drug companies to handle every area of a research project including data storage, organization, statistical analysis and study compliance. Its most recent earnings beat expectations.

Meridian Biosciences (VIVO) sells a broad array of easy-to-use and easy-to-deploy laboratory tests that can be used by lab technologists with minimal training, especially in field conditions. Meridian is developing a Zika virus-testing product at the  request of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The dividend yield is 4.68%.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NVO) is the leading global company in diabetes care. The FDA on May 25 approved IdegLira, a newly designed combination of two existing Novo drugs that are used to treat type II diabetes. The combination of Tresiba (insulin degludec) and Novo Nordisk’s GLP-1 agonist, Victoza (liraglutide), tested justed as well as each drug did separately and will be more convenient for patients that take both drugs.

Opko Health Inc. (OPK)  is a mid-cap reesearch company that is expanding through acquisitions. Opko specializes in laboratory testing for genetic and often rare diseases. Its therapeutic focus is endocrine diseases, especially bone metabolism and kidney function.

Rollins Inc. (ROL)  owns Orkin and other pest control companies, such as Critter Control, making it a perfect fit for a biomedical portfolio given the rising, global threat of animal borne infectious diseases. Rollins outpaces its peers with higher operating margins and a portfoio of diversified related global businesses.