Margaret Patrick

The medical care ratio of health insurance companies is calculated as the ratio of the total money spent in health care claims to premiums earned.

The combined Teva–Allergan generics entity should have approximately 320 Abbreviated New Drug Applications (or ANDAs), including 110 first-to-file ANDAs (or FTF) in the US.

In 2Q17, United Therapeutics (UTHR) reported revenue of ~$445 million, representing year-over-year growth of around 8%.

Merck provided revenue guidance of $39.7 billion–$40.2 billion in 2016. It expects negative foreign exchange fluctuations to reduce its fiscal 2016 revenue.

On July 22, 2015, Biogen (BIIB) released data from a Phase 1b study, also called the PRIME Study, that looked at the effectiveness of its investigational Alzheimer’s drug, BIIB037.

For 2016, Merck & Co. (MRK) reported revenue close to $39.8 billion, a year-over-year (or YoY) rise of ~1%. New product launches have played major roles in boosting Merck’s 2016 revenue.

Praluent is one of the Regeneron’s key new additions in the cardiovascular segment. It’s a PCSK9 therapy approved for lowering LDL cholesterol in patients.

Of 28 analysts covering BMY’s stock, 42.3% gave it a “buy” recommendation, while 50.0% gave it a “hold” recommendation. Only 7.7% rated it as a “sell.”

Based on the company’s performance in 1Q17, Anthem (ANTM) has increased its 2017 revenue guidance by around $1.5 billion.

According to unaudited financial results published by Celgene (CELG) on January 9, 2017, Revlimid sales for 2016 are about $7.0 billion, a YoY rise of about 20.0%.

It’s projected that UnitedHealth Group’s revenue and earnings growth in 2015 will be driven by the strong performance of the Optum segments.

Despite a year-over-year (or YoY) drop in revenues in 2Q16, Gilead Sciences (GILD) managed to earn gross margins of about 92%.

In the US, the private health insurance industry has been expanding its footprint in international markets. International markets are less penetrated and competitive.

Following the completion of its acquisition of Allergan’s Actavis Generics business on August 2, 2016, Teva Pharmaceutical plans to focus on realizing the deal’s synergies in 2017.

UnitedHealth Group (UNH) operates Optum. It provides health services like health technology, health and well-being, and pharmacy services.

Pfizer expects its 2018 R&D (research and development) expenses to be in the range of $7.7 billion–$8.1 billion.

In 3Q15, Amgen recorded total operating expenses of ~$3.4 billion. This fall in expenses enabled the company to report a net profit margin of ~36.4%.

Kanuma was acquired by Alexion Pharmaceuticals on completion of the acquisition of Synageva Pharmaceuticals in June 2015.

On October 24, 2016, the FDA approved Merck & Co’s (MRK) Keytruda as a second-line therapy for patients suffering from non-small cell lung cancer (or NSCLC).

Humana’s total enrollment is mainly enrollments in the MA program, a substitute for the original Medicare program, via private insurance companies.

the U.S. Food and Drug Administration accepted the filing of a supplemental Biologics License Application for Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Opdivo.

In its 3Q15 earnings report released on October 28, Amgen reported YoY revenue growth of ~14.0%, from $5.0 billion in 3Q14 to $5.7 billion in 3Q15.

In 1Q17, Amgen’s (AMGN) PCSK9 inhibitor therapy, Repatha, reported revenue of nearly $49 million. The drug earned $33 million in revenue in US markets and $16 million in international revenue.

In addition to the US market, Merck’s (MRK) Keytruda has been approved in more than 50 international markets for metastatic melanoma.

In 1Q17, Biogen (BIIB) saw an increased demand for Tysabri, both in the United States and in international markets.

AbbVie’s (ABBV) Venclexta was approved by the FDA on April 11, 2016. AbbVie has also successfully launched Venclexta in Germany and France.

After the approval of the drug as a therapy for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma, Celgene’s Revlimid has witnessed rapid growth in market share worldwide.

Biogen’s (BIIB) 3Q15 earnings results will be announced on October 21, 2015. Analysts expect that the company will report lower net profit margins as compared to 2Q15.

Given the high-risk profile of individual exchange enrollments, UnitedHealth Group has decided to offer plans only on a few public exchanges in 2017.

Dermatology pricing trends Valeant Pharmaceuticals’ (VRX) dermatology business witnessed intense pricing pressure in 2016, due to a change in the company’s distribution model in 4Q15. While Valeant previously marketed its dermatology drugs through specialty pharmacies, the company now distributes its products through Walgreens. To learn about the company’s current distribution model, please refer to How Valeant Plans […]

Amgen and Novartis are exploring an investigational drug that is a CGRP antibody, AMG 334, for the treatment of episodic and chronic migraine headaches.

Aurora Cannabis (ACB) stock is currently down 29.23% on the NYSE on a YTD (year-to-date) basis. The company has lost 14.81% of its value since October 1.

National healthcare spending is a major driver of the hospital industry. National spending on hospital care is expected to amount to $973 million.

Spending on pet care is gradually rising in the US. As reported by CNBC, Nielsen estimated Americans spent $33 billion on pet food and treats last year.

Siliq growth trends On February 15, 2017, the FDA approved injectable biologic therapy Siliq (brodalumab) as a treatment option for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis patients. Siliq is for psoriasis patients eligible for systemic therapy or phototherapy, and are not responding sufficiently or have stopped responding to these treatment options. To learn more about Siliq, please refer to What Are […]

In August 2020, chronic pain and age-related macular degeneration would be eligible for treatment under Minnesota’s medical marijuana program.

Viekira Pak managed to earn revenues worth about $414 million in 1Q16. The drug’s sales in the US market, however, fell YoY (year-over-year) by about 9.3% and reached $125 million in 1Q16.

Universal Health Services (UHS) is expected to benefit from its leading market position in the behavioral health business in 3Q15.

In the first nine months of 2016, the Bausch + Lomb/International segment reported revenues of ~$3.4 billion, which equals year-over-year (or YoY) growth of ~0.4%.

In 2016, Regeneron expects to face increased competition from Roche Holding’s Lucentis (Ranibizumab) and Avastin (Bevacizumab) for Eylea.

In 1Q17, Abbott Laboratories’ (ABT) Nutritional segment reported revenue of nearly $1.6 billion, a year-over-year (or YoY) fall of ~1%.

In the fourth quarter, Merck reported total revenues of $11.0 billion—a rise of 5% YoY (year-over-year) on a reported basis.

Amarin has been rising on rumors about pharmaceutical giant Pfizer (PFE) being interested in acquiring the company.

Canopy Growth (CGC) announced the US launch of First & Free, its hemp-derived CBD product line. CGC offers softgels, oil drops, and creams.

United Therapeutics has projected that in 2016, its trepostinil pulmonary arterial hypertension drugs will benefit from patients’ shifting away from Uptravi.

CymaBay Therapeutics (CBAY) closed at $6.17 on June 12, 1.98% higher than its previous close, 28.01% above its 52-week low of $4.82, and 58.87% below its 52-week high of $15.

Biogen (BIIB) has entered into a licensing agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) for exclusive global rights for the development and commercialization of BMS-986168.

In Valeant’s 2Q16 earnings, Xifaxan reported a year-over-year (or YoY) increase in monthly prescriptions of about 28.0%.

Analysts projected a fall in the revenue for Amgen’s nephrology drugs, Aranesp and Epogen, in 4Q15. The drugs are expected to suffer in the coming quarters.

Ligand Pharmaceuticals has developed a product portfolio that spans more than 700 patents offering varying degrees of protection to the assets.

Teva Pharmaceutical (TEVA) expects its 2017 non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) earnings per share (or EPS) to fall in the range of $4.9–$5.3.

With 642 million people expected to suffer from diabetes globally by 2040, the disease is expected to offer multiple growth opportunities for Novo Nordisk.

In 1Q17, AstraZeneca’s (AZN) new oncology portfolio reported global sales of around $236.0 million. Tagrisso earned revenues of $171.0 million globally.

As part of its significant product line extension, Gilead Sciences (GILD) is entering therapeutic areas such as oncology, pulmonology, and cardiology.

For fiscal 2018 (ended March 31, 2018), Abiomed (ABMD) has projected that its operating margins will be in the range of 22%–24%.

Today, New Age Beverages Corporation (NBEV) announced that it would launch its CBD (cannabidiol) based products. Share prices jumped by 14.96% to $3.20.

In the second quarter, Endo International (ENDP) reported revenues of $715 million, which is a YoY decline of 18.4%.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (ALNY) is currently developing three investigational therapies—Patisiran, Revusiran, and ALN-TTRsc02—for the treatment of patients with hereditary ATTR amyloidosis.

Chevron’s 1H17 results improved from ~-$2.2 billion in 1H16 to $4.1 billion due to an across-the-board rise in its segmental earnings.

Amgen’s Prolia is the leading brand for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis, or PMO, in women with a high risk of bone fracture.

On December 6, Canopy Growth (CGC) disclosed its rollout plans for Cannabis 2.0 products, such as chocolates, vape pens, vape cartridges, and beverages.

AbbVie (ABBV) plans to complete its Phase 3 registrational program for investigational next-generation Hepatitis C virus (or HCV) therapy by 2016.

23.1% of analysts gave United Therapeutics (UTHR) a “buy” recommendation while 69.2% of analysts rated the company a “hold.”

Trumpcare’s failure is considered to be a boon by hospital companies treating a significant portion of Medicaid members.

The cannabis industry is fighting against the ongoing US-China trade war and recessionary worries, which have hurt valuations across the global market.

On December 26, a Santa Claus rally seems to be in full swing. This effect pushed the S&P 500 (SPX) and Nasdaq Composite Index (COMP) to record highs.

Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR) is scheduled to release its Q3 earnings results on November 6. Find out what cannabis investors can expect.

On November 20, Pfizer (PFE) closed at $43.53, which was 1.47% lower than its previous closing price.

These days, experts are discussing the pros and cons of medical cannabis at multiple conferences and summits around the world.

On January 2, as reported by CNBC, the FDA banned most fruit- and mint-flavored nicotine products. The move aims to reduce teen usage of these products.

Colorado reported $1.16 billion in marijuana sales in the first eight months of 2019. In 2018, the state reported marijuana sales of $1.54 billion.

On Monday, Curaleaf (CURA) (CURLF) became the first company to launch medical cannabis flower products in New York. The state offers growth opportunities.

After the release of its 3Q15 earnings results on October 21, Biogen was trading at PE multiples in the range of 13.8x–15.3x.

Economic conditions like falling oil prices affect the healthcare industry with a lag. This makes the hospital industry a good investment option.

Mexico is fast approaching its October 23 marijuana legalization deadline. Multiple legalization proposals before parliament are creating confusion.

On December 9, 2016, the FDA accepted for review its first-ever biologics license application (or BLA) submitted by AstraZeneca (AZN).

Canopy Growth (CGC) has seen dizzying ups and gloomy downs in 2019. The stock jumped up by 79.91% from $28.92 on January 2 to $52.03 on April 29.

Merck & Co. (MRK) highlighted its oncology, vaccines, hospital and specialty care, and animal health businesses as its key growth drivers in 2018.

Amgen (AMGN) believes that Repatha will be widely accepted as a major cardiovascular therapy for high-risk patients.

Accounting for a ~46% market share, Novo Nordisk (NVO) is expected to continue to benefit from the positive trends in the global insulin market

To ensure long-term relevance as well as quick adaptability to changing market needs, Novartis (NVS) is focusing on five major initiatives in 2017.

On November 10, 2016, the FDA approved Opdivo as a treatment option for patients suffering with recurring or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (or SCCHN).

Exelixis (EXEL) plans to explore Cabometyx in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as atezolizumab, ipilimumab, and nivolumab.

In 2016, Celgene’s (CELG) Otezla attained blockbuster status by earning revenues in excess of $1 billion as a therapy for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

In addition to Humira, AbbVie also offers several virology drugs targeting diseases such as hepatitis C, HIV, and respiratory syncytial virus.

In its fiscal 3Q18, which ended on December 31, 2017, Haemonetics (HAE) reported revenue of close to $234 million.

Novartis (NVS) and Amgen (AMGN) recently announced that the CGRP inhibitor therapy, AMG 334, reported positive results in a Phase 2 clinical trial as a therapy for preventing chronic migraine.

On December 9, Canopy Growth (CGC) appointed David Klein as its new CEO effective January 14. He’s the current CFO of Constellation Brands.

The hospital sector is widely considered a non-cyclical or defensive industry, meaning demand for hospital services doesn’t change with the economic cycle.

Biogen’s investigational Alzheimer’s disease drug, aducanumab, is one of the four therapies accepted in the EMA’s Priority Medicines program (or PRIME).

The State Medical Board of Ohio refused to include anxiety disorders and autism in Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program. Will the market suffer?

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries accounts for 18% of the US generic drug market. This share is significantly higher than those of Mylan, Novartis, and Pfizer.

Charlotte’s Web Holdings (CWEB) (CWBHF) stock is currently down 23.64% year-to-date on US over-the-counter exchanges. What’s affected investor sentiment?

Since the launch of Sovaldi in late 2013, Gilead Sciences has managed to treat about 1,000,000 hepatitis C (or HCV) patients globally.

Wall Street analysts have projected AstraZeneca’s (AZN) 2017 net profit margins at about 12.2%, which is lower by 300 basis points on a YoY basis.

Wall Street analysts expect that Universal Health Services (UHS) will report higher net profit margins in 3Q15 compared to margins in 3Q14.

Launched in Japan in 2Q16, AstraZeneca’s (AZN) 1Q17 revenues for Tagrisso approached $39 million in this major emerging market.

As market analysts increasingly predict an upcoming global recession, we take a look at the impact of a recession on cannabis stocks.

The FDA has issued warning letters to 15 companies involved in illegal sales of non-psychoactive CBD products. What’s the legal market’s potential?

Regeneron (REGN) and Sanofi’s (SNY) Dupixent has seen stronger total prescription (or TRx) performance since its launch than Cosentyx, the dermatology biologic drug by Novartis (NVS).