The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Gilead, AbbVie, Regeneron and Alkermes - Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – February 12, 2015 – 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 Achillion Pharmaceuticals (ACHN-Free Report), Gilead (GILD-Free Report), AbbVie (ABBV-Free Report), Regeneron (REGN-Free Report) and Alkermes (ALKS-Free Report).
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Here are highlights from Wednesday’s Analyst Blog:
Biotech Stock Roundup
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) market continues to be in the news even in the midst of fourth quarter earnings season. While Achillion Pharmaceuticals (ACHN-Free Report) came out with positive interim data on its experimental HCV treatment, Gilead (GILD-Free Report) struck a deal with yet another health service company for its HCV treatment.
Recap of the Week’s Most Important Stories
1. Achillion’s shares jumped 7.8% on encouraging interim data from a mid-stage study being conducted on the company’s experimental HCV treatment, ACH-3102. The ongoing study is evaluating ACH-3102 in combination with Gilead’s Sovaldi. Results showed that all patients including those with a high baseline viral load in the six-week treatment duration arm achieved SVR12.
With these encouraging results in hand, Achillion intends to see if the treatment duration can be cut further (4 weeks). Although competition in the HCV market is pretty intense given the presence of companies like Gilead and AbbVie (ABBV-Free Report), there is still room in the market for new improved therapies.
2. Gilead continues to sign up with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and health care service companies for its HCV drugs, Sovaldi and Harvoni. The company recently signed up with Cigna under which Harvoni will be the only preferred brand prescription drug treatment for HCV patients. Pricing competition in the HCV market will be a key focus in 2015 with both AbbVie and Gilead signing up with PBMs. (Read more: Can Gilead Boost HCV Sales with Health Service Deals?)
3. Regeneron’s (REGN-Free Report) fourth quarter results were better-than-expected with Eylea performing well. However, the company’s Eylea sales guidance for 2015 fell short of expectations. This year the company has an important regulatory event coming up with the FDA expected to decide on the approval status of the company’s PCSK9 inhibitor, Praluent, by Jul 24. (Read more: Regeneron Beats on Q4 Earnings Driven by Eylea Sales)
4. Armed with positive top-line results from a phase I study, Alkermes (ALKS-Free Report) is looking to move its experimental multiple sclerosis treatment, ALKS 8700, into pivotal development this year. (Read more: Alkermes Reports Positive Data on Multiple Sclerosis Drug)
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
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ACHILLION PHARM (ACHN): Free Stock Analysis Report
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