Roche’s (RHHBY) $8.3 billion deal, announced over the weekend, to take over biotech firm InterMune (ITMN) triggered significant stock price appreciation in many mid-cap firms in the space on Aug 25. Switzerland-based Roche is looking to strengthen its respiratory portfolio through the impending InterMune buy. The offer price of $74.00 per share represents a premium of 37.5% to InterMune’s closing price on Aug 22, 2014. … Continue reading Biotech Stocks: The Consequences of Intermune Takeover

Fed Chair Janet Yellen testified before the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. She presented the Fed’s semiannual Monetary Policy Report (MPR) to the Congress. In her prepared remarks, she stated that while valuation seems “stretched” in some areas of the bond market, equities “remain generally in line with historical norms.” Yet in the MPR, which bears her signature, the following observation … Continue reading Biotech Stocks: Invest in Biotech, But at Your Own Risk

With second quarter earnings season coming to an end, focus in the biotech sector is back on pipeline and regulatory updates. Last week’s highlights included Achillion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.’s (ACHN) impressive interim data on its experimental hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, Gilead Sciences’ (GILD – Analyst Report) legal victory and Amgen’s (AMGN – Analyst Report) hit and miss on the clinical front. Achillion, which focuses on … Continue reading Biotech Stocks Highlights: A look at Last Week’s Performance

Biogen Idec’s (BIIB) shares were up slightly (0.62%) on the FDA approval of multiple sclerosis (MS) product, Plegridy (peginterferon beta-1a). The FDA approved Plegridy for the treatment of people with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS). Plegridy Pen, a ready-to-use autoinjector, or a prefilled syringe can be used to administer Plegridy subcutaneously. Plegridy’s less frequent dosing schedule (once every two weeks) could help it gain … Continue reading Biotech Stocks in Focus: Biogen consolidates, Stock Rated High

Amgen (AMGN) suffered a major setback when its phase III study, FOCUS (CarFilzOmib for AdvanCed Refractory MUltiple Myeloma European Study) on multiple myeloma treatment, Kyprolis did not meet its primary endpoint. The open-label study evaluated Kyprolis versus an active control regimen of low-dose dexamethasone, or equivalent corticosteroids, plus optional cyclophosphamide in patients suffering from relapsed and advanced refractory multiple myeloma. However, the study did not … Continue reading Biotech Stock Update: Amgen Stock Disappoints