Acquisition Spotlight Shines on Hepatitis C Drug Developers
November 08 2011 - 8:16AM
Marketwired
Biotech companies focused on treatment for Hepatitis C have been on
the upswing in recent weeks as a combination of acquisitions and
positive test results has raised investor interest. While the FDA
approved two Hepatitis C drugs earlier this year -- the first
treatment breakthrough in two decades -- newer drugs working
through the approval process are reported to have better cure rates
and reduced side effects. The Bedford Report examines the outlook
for companies in the biotechnology industry and provides investment
research on Idenix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: IDIX) and Anadys
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ANDS). Access to the full company
reports can be found at:
www.bedfordreport.com/IDIX
www.bedfordreport.com/ANDS
Both Vertex's Incivek and Merck and Co.'s Victrelis were cleared
by the FDA this spring. Analysts argue that both companies could
get billions in sales of both drugs. In the third quarter alone,
Vertex reported sales of $420 million for Incivek. Hepatitis C is a
viral infection that often has no symptoms but which can lead to
life-threatening liver damage. Approximately 4 million Americans
have the disease.
Idenix's current focus is on the treatment of patients with
chronic hepatitis C infection. The Company's lead program, IDX184,
is a pan-genotypic oral nucleotide polymerase inhibitor that has
shown potent antiviral activity in both preclinical and clinical
studies.
The Bedford Report releases market research on the Biotechnology
Industry so investors can stay ahead of the crowd and make the best
investment decisions to maximize their returns. Take a few minutes
to register with us free at www.bedfordreport.com and get exclusive
access to our numerous analyst reports and industry
newsletters.
Last month Switzerland-based Roche Holdings AG agreed to acquire
Anadys Pharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company engaged in the
development of medicines for the treatment of hepatitis C for $230
million in cash.
In a note to clients, JMP Securities analyst Liisa Bayko said
she expects she expects more hepatitis drug developers to be
acquired. "We anticipate more deal making in the hepatitis C virus
space in 2012 as companies accrue longer-term safety data on the
earlier stage assets in the pipeline," she wrote.
The Bedford Report provides Market Research focused on equities
that offer growth opportunities, value, and strong potential
return. We strive to provide the most up-to-date market activities.
We constantly create research reports and newsletters for our
members. The Bedford Report has not been compensated by any of the
above-mentioned publicly traded companies. The Bedford Report is
compensated by other third party organizations for advertising
services. We act as an independent research portal and are aware
that all investment entails inherent risks. Please view the full
disclaimer at http://www.bedfordreport.com/disclaimer
Add to Digg Bookmark with del.icio.us Add to Newsvine
Contact: The Bedford Report Email Contact
Anadys (NASDAQ:ANDS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Aug 2024 to Sep 2024
Anadys (NASDAQ:ANDS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2023 to Sep 2024