Insight into Japan’s Manufacturing in September 2017
Japan’s manufacturing PMI stood at 52.90 in September 2017, compared to 52.20 in August 2017. The PMI figure beat the preliminary market estimation of 52.5.
Healthcare
The latest news in the healthcare sector including biotech and telehealth.
What’s BD’s Latest News in the Diabetes Management Market?
On September 19, 2017, Becton, Dickinson, and Company (BDX), or BD, introduced a new pen needle for its pen injection devices.
Robust Growth Expected for Cardinal Health’s Specialty Solutions
Cardinal Health’s (CAH) Specialty Solutions segment provides two types of services: upstream to pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturers and downstream to healthcare providers.
Cardinal Health Expected to Report Modest Revenue Growth
For fiscal 2018, Cardinal Health (CAH) has projected mid-single-digit revenue growth on a YoY basis, partially driven by the company’s high customer retention rates.
Mylan: S&P 500’s Top Gainer on October 4
Mylan, which is one of the leading global pharmaceutical companies in the world, was the S&P 500’s top gainer on October 4.
Abbott’s Breakthrough CGM Device Freestyle Libre Wins FDA Approval
On September 27, Abbott Laboratories (ABT) announced the FDA approval of its Flash CGM (continuous glucose monitoring) device, Freestyle Libre.
HVAD Expected to Expand Medtronic’s Presence in LVAD Segment
On September 27, 2017, the FDA approved Medtronic’s HVAD (HeartWare ventricular assist device) system as a destination therapy for advanced heart failure patients.
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Could Be a Short-Term Growth Driver for MDT
More than 33 million patients suffer from AF, the most common form of heart arrhythmia. About 30% of these patients respond to antiarrhythmic drugs (or AAD).
Medtronic Expands Capabilities of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators
On May 2, 2016, the FDA approved Medtronic’s (MDT) Visia AF and Visia AF MRI Surescan. These devices are single-chamber implantable cardioverter defibrillators (or ICDs) capable of detecting asymptomatic and undiagnosed atrial fibrillation.
New Data Confirms the Efficiency of BSX’s HeartLogic Diagnostic
On September 19, 2017, Boston Scientific announced new data from its MultiSENSE (Multisensor Chronic Evaluation in Ambulatory Heart Failure Patients) study.
Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Immunoscience Products
Bristol-Myers Squibb’s (BMY) Immunoscience franchise includes Orencia, which is a fusion protein used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and aligned problems.
Medtronic Saw Several Challenges during Launch of MiniMed 670G
In fiscal 2H17, Medtronic launched the priority access program to first target those patients who were interested in purchasing MiniMed 670G.
What’s Medtronic’s Long-Term Growth Strategy for Its Diabetes Business?
Medtronic (MDT) expects its diabetes business to witness a temporary sequential drop in revenues in 2Q18 and then return back to growth in the second half of fiscal 2018.
These Factors Affected Johnson & Johnson’s Revenues in 2Q17
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) reported a 2.9% increase in its revenues at constant exchange rates in 2Q17.
What Analysts Recommend for Colgate-Palmolive
The majority of analysts providing recommendations on Colgate-Palmolive (CL) stock maintain a neutral outlook.
Roche’s Immunology Drugs Xolair, Pulmozyme, and CellCept
In the first half of 2017, Roche’s (RHHBY) Xolair reported revenues of CHF 866.0 million, which is a 17.0% rise on a YoY (year-over-year) basis.
These Pfizer’s Products Are Now Losing Market Share
Pfizer’s (PFE) Essential Health segment reported a fall in overall revenues in 2Q17, driven by the loss of exclusivity of Celebrex and Zyvox.
Esbriet Could Boost Roche’s Revenue Growth in 2H17
In the first half of 2017, Roche’s (RHHBY) Esbriet reported revenues of CHF 418.0 million, which reflected a ~16.0% growth on a YoY basis.
Xultophy Could Substantially Boost Novo Nordisk’s Revenue Growth
In the first half of 2017, Novo Nordisk’s (NVO) Xultophy generated revenues of DKK (Danish kroner) 284.0 million.
How Japan’s Service Activity Trended in August 2017
According to the latest report by Markit Economics, the Japan Services PMI (EWJ) (DXJ) stood at 51.6 in August 2017, compared with 52 in July 2017.
Agilent Technologies’ Downward Sloping Dividend Yield Curve
Agilent Technologies’ net revenue rose 6.0% in the first nine months of 2017, driven by every segment. Income from operations rose 41.0% as total costs didn’t increase much.
Why Cosentyx Could Significantly Drive Novartis’s Revenue Growth
In 1H17, Novartis’s (NVS) Cosentyx generated revenues of around $900 million compared to $436 million in 1H16.
A Look at Rite Aid’s Stock Crash This Year
Rite Aid’s shareholders have been the real losers from the delay and eventual termination of the deal between Rite Aid (RAD) and Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) in October 2015.
How Novartis’s Promacta, Votrient, and Jakavi Performed in 1H17
In 1H17, Novartis’s (NVS) Promacta/Revolade reported revenues of around $385 million, which reflected ~33% growth on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis.
Here’s Why Rite Aid’s Margins Have Deteriorated over the Years
Rite Aid’s profitability has worsened over the years. Its gross margin has fallen from 29.0% in fiscal 2013 to just 22.6% in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.
An Update on Novartis’s Sandostatin, Afinitor, and Exjade
In 1H17, Novartis’s (NVS) Sandostatin generated revenues of around $789 million, which reflected a ~4% decline on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis.
How Are Novartis’s Blockbuster Drugs Gleevec and Tasigna Positioned?
In 1H17, Novartis’s (NVS) Gleevec reported revenues of around $1.1 billion, which reflected a ~39% decline on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis.
Kisqali Could Significantly Boost Novartis’s Revenue Growth
In 1H17 and 2Q17, Novartis’s (NVS) Kisqali reported revenues of around $15 million and $8 million, respectively.
Could Mylan See a Rise in Net Profit Margins in 2017?
In 2Q17, Mylan (MYL) reported gross profit margins of 54.0%, which was lower than 56.0% reported in 2Q16.
How Did Novartis Perform in 1H17?
In 1H17, Novartis (NVS) reported revenues of around $23.8 billion, a ~1% decline on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis.
How Is Novartis’s Lucentis Positioned after 1H17?
In 1H17, Novartis’s (NVS) Lucentis reported revenues of around $922 million, which is a ~1% decline on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis.
What Analysts Recommend for Novartis in September 2017
Three analysts were analyzing Novartis in September 2017. One analyst recommended a “strong buy,” while the other two recommended a “hold.”
Kevzara May Emerge as a Prominent Rheumatoid Arthritis Drug in 2017
Regeneron and Sanofi have submitted an application seeking regulatory approval for Kevzara in Japan.
BD Stock Fell 2.7% on September 13: Should Investors Worry?
Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) closed at $196.62 on September 13, 2017.
Regulatory Approval in Asthma Indication May Boost Dupixent’s Sales
In June 2017 and July 2017, healthcare providers wrote prescriptions for Regeneron (REGN) and Sanofi’s (SNY) Dupixent for 750 new patients on a weekly basis.
Is Sanchez Energy Repeating an Old Debt Mistake?
Since 1Q16, crude oil (USO)(SCO) prices have risen from lows of $26.05 per barrel to $49.30 per barrel as of September 13.
Management Changes at Baxter International: What You Should Know
Baxter International (BAX) has been going through a cost transformation and reorganization process for some time. The initiative includes some leadership and management changes.
Eylea Leads the Retinal Diseases Sector
In 1H17, Eylea’s total sales rose 10% on a year-over-year basis.
How TEVA’s CNS Drugs Performed in 1H17
In 1H17, Teva Pharmaceutical’s (TEVA) CNS (central nervous system) business generated revenues of ~$2.3 billion, or ~16% lower YoY (year-over-year).
TEVA Depends on This for Revenue Growth
In 1H17, Teva Pharmaceutical’s (TEVA) Copaxone reported revenues of ~$2.1 billion, or ~7% lower YoY (year-over-year).
How TEVA’s Generic Medicines Franchise Is Positioned after 1H17
In 1H17, Teva Pharmaceutical’s (TEVA) generic medicines business generated revenues of ~$6.1 billion, or ~22% higher YoY (year-over-year).
Indonesia Manufacturing PMI Saw Sharp Rise in August 2017
In August 2017, Indonesia’s (IDX) (ASEA) manufacturing activity saw a sharp rise in the overall business conditions as compared to a contraction in the previous month.
How Did Gilead’s Blockbuster Drug Harvoni Perform in 2Q17?
Harvoni is the top-selling drug in Gilead Sciences’ (GILD) portfolio. The drug is used for the treatment of genotype-1 hepatitis C virus (or HCV) infection.
Shareholders Approve Quaker Chemical and Houghton Combination
On September 7, 2017, Quaker Chemical (KWR) shareholders approved the company’s combination with Houghton International.
BioMarin’s Strong Pipeline Could Be a Long-Term Growth Driver
After success in the company’s phase 1/2 trial with BMN 270, an investigational gene therapy for hemophilia A, BioMarin Pharmaceuticals (BMRN) is expected to start phase 3 trials.
How Merck’s Diabetes Portfolio Performed in 2Q17
Merck’s (MRK) diabetes portfolio includes drugs used for controlling the blood sugar levels for patients with diabetes.
How Gilead’s HIV and HBV Portfolios Performed in 2Q17
Gilead Sciences’ (GILD) portfolio includes various drugs for key therapeutic areas including HIV/AIDS, liver diseases, oncology, cardiovascular, inflammation, respiratory, and others.
How Did BioMarin Pharmaceuticals’ Drugs Perform in 1H17?
In 2Q17, BioMarin Pharmaceuticals’ (BMRN) Aldurazyme generated revenues of around $20 million, which was a ~6% increase on a year-over-year (or YoY) basis.
How Merck’s Gardasil and Other Human Vaccines Performed in 2Q17
Merck’s (MRK) Gardasil franchise includes vaccines for the prevention of certain strains of HPV infections that are sexually transmitted.
Inside Baxter International’s Stock Price Performance
On September 7, 2017, BAX stock closed at $62.84 per share. It has a 50-day moving average of $61.15 and a 200-day moving average of $57.14.