A new survey from Deutsche Bank gives some insight into what's on the mind of life sciences investors. Respondents offered expectations on a number of companies, including Celgene, Genzyme, Biogen Idec, Acorda Therapeutics, United Therapeutics and Amgen. Here are a few of the highlights:
Investors are hoping for a better Q2 earnings report from Amgen. As for the outlook for the rest of the year, respondents expect the FDA to give Amgen the green light to market its bone loss drug denosumab by the October 19 deadline. Seventy-seven percent of survey respondents predict results from the Phase III trial evaluating the med for bone cancer to show denosumab to be non-inferior to Novartis' Zometa, but 21 percent of investors expect denomusab to be superior to Zometa.
Despite positive results for apremilast in a Phase II trial, investors are split on the outlook for Celgene's anti-inflammatory drug. The med is also being evaluated for the treatment of psoriasis, data for which is expected later this year. On a scale of one to 10 (with one being absolute failure and 10 being the best outcome possible), only 18 percent said the results will be a "six." Twenty-six percent of investors said the results will be a "five," 21 percent said a "three" and "19 percent said "four."
The outlook isn't so rosy for Acorda Therapeutics' Fampridine-SR either. The drug, which is designed to improve mobility in multiple sclerosis patients, is currently awaiting FDA approval. Twenty-six percent of respondents think the approval will come in Q4, 24 percent said it will get the green light in early 2010 and 17 percent have given up hope for an approval.
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