Micromet’s (MITI) third-quarter loss per share came in at 22 cents, well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 14 cents and a loss of 15 cents in the prior-year period. The company reported revenues of $4 million, compared to $7 million in the third quarter of 2008. Micromet records revenues primarily in the form of reimbursements of expenses incurred by the company under different collaborative agreements. We believe current investor focus is more on the developments of the company’s portfolio rather than the financials.

Operating expenses during the quarter increased 28% year over year to $17.13 million, primarily due to a 34% rise in R&D expenses. The increase in R&D expenses was driven by Micromet assuming full responsibility of the development of its lead candidate blinatumomab as per the company’s agreement with MedImmune.

As a reminder, earlier this month, Micromet had agreed to buy out MedImmune's option to reacquire the right

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Recently, the European Union (EU) approved the proposed $41.1 billion merger between Schering-Plough (SGP) and Merck & Co. (MRK). The deal is awaiting approval from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year. While approving the merger, the EU clarified that the tie-up will not hinder effective competition significantly in Europe, even though both participants in the merger operate in the field of prescription pharmaceuticals. While checking for overlaps in Europe, particularly in the fields of asthma and allergic rhinitis, the European body did not find the products to be close competitors. Consequently, the merger would not be considered to hog the market and choke other companies. As a reminder, Merck filed for EU approval last month after the completion of the sale of its 50% interest in animal health company Merial Limited (Merial) to ...

Sanofi-Aventis has recently been very close to MA-based Dyax. Recently Sanofi-Aventis had made an announcement that they have entered into an agreement with Fovea Pharmaceuticals for US$ 540 million to partner with the pharmaceutical giant for eye therapy. Currently, Fovea Pharmaceuticals and Dyax were developing a drug for eye indication treatment. Additionally, Sanofi-Aventis entered into an exclusive collaboration and licensing deal with Dyax’s licensee, Merrimack Pharmaceuticals to acquire the rights to MM-121, an antibody for the treatment of cancer related diseases.

Sanofi-Aventis deal with Fovea Pharmaceuticals leaves Sanofi partnered with Dyax in a joint development agreement that covers DX-88, an early stage RVO (retinal vein occlusion) induced macular edema which is commonly known as swelling under the central area of the retina. Soon after the news about the Sanofi-Aventis agreement with

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Recently, Schering-Plough Corporation (SGP) and Opko Health Inc. (OPK) entered into a deal which would enable Opko to acquire the assets of Schering's neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor antagonist program. The companies did not disclose the terms of the agreement. NK-1 receptors are mostly found in the brain.  However, they are also found in other tissues of the body. Their activation causes a release of neurotransmitters and other signaling molecules that play a key role in controlling nausea and vomiting amongst other functions.  The U.S. market for nausea and vomiting drugs is estimated to be in excess of $2 billion. Rolapitant, Schering's lead neurokinin, recently completed mid-stage studies for the prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer chemotherapy, surgery and other indications. The company has initiated early-stage studies for another compound in the same class.  As a result of Schering’s $41.1 billion merger agreement with ...

Though Sanofi-Aventis have been talking about their big pharma plans, it was today when they announced about their new billion-dollar plans. The company today announced their plans to acquire France’s Fovea Pharmaceuticals and MA-based Merrimack Pharmaceuticals for around US$ 530 million. Sanofi-Aventis announced that are all ready and prepared to spend the mentioned amount to make sure they wrap up both the deals quickly.

France’s Fovea Pharmaceuticals is an eye-disease biotech and Merrimack Pharmaceuticals that is based in Cambridge, MA is an in-license antibody cancer program.  Sanofi-Aventis has clearly announced that they are willing to cash up to 15 billion euro to restructure the management and projects in pipeline and would like to commit up to US$ 542 million to swiftly complete the acquisition process and make their first impression in

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Yesterday, Merck & Co. (MRK) announced that it is seeking approval from the European Union (EU) for its $41.1 billion acquisition of Schering-Plough Corp. (SGP). The regulatory authorities in the EU are expected to pass a verdict on the matter by Oct. 23. Merck filed for approval of the merger in the EU after the completion of the sale of its 50% interest in animal health company Merial Limited (Merial) to Sanofi-Aventis (SNY) for a cash consideration of $4 billion ( US ). As a reminder, Merial was founded in 1997. It was a 50/50 joint venture between Merck and Sanofi-Aventis and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the latter. In 2008, Merial was ranked third in the animal health market, with a market share estimated at 13.8% and sales of $2.7 billion just behind Schering’s animal health business, which registered sales ...

Dr Stock Pick HOT News & Alerts!

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DrStockPick.com Watch List!

My Picks for Wednesday September 16, 2009, are:

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MVIS, Microvision, Inc.

MVIS is a global leader in innovative ultra-miniature projection display and image capture products for mobility applications

Today was the commercial introduction of the world’s first laser-based pico projector, called SHOW WX™, based on its proprietary PicoP® display engine technology.

The MVIS pico projector uses the revolutionary laser-based PicoP display engine that delivers large, colorful, bright, and vivid images that are always in focus, regardless of projection distance. The accessory product is a simple plug-n-play pico projector for people on-the-go who

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The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reinstated the previously suspended approval for Hospira’s (HSP) generic version of Eloxatin (chemotherapy agent), giving the company some relief for the time being. The Eloxatin issue has been in the news for the past few days ever since Hospira received the approval to launch its generic version of the drug, which is manufactured by French giant Sanofi-Aventis (SNY). Along with Hospira, the largest generics player Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA) also received the approval to sell its generic version of the drug.   However, soon after granting approval, the FDA ordered both Teva and Hospira to stop shipment of the drug pending patent infringement litigation filed by Sanofi-Aventis against both the companies. Recently the court order was dissolved following which both Teva and Hospira resumed shipment of the drug, known generically as oxaliplatin. Although the companies have resumed shipment, we are concerned

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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – August 11, 2009 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Sanofi-Aventis (SNY), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Novartis (NVS), Merck (MRK) and Wyeth (WYE).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=5513

Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:

H1N1 Vaccine from Sanofi?

All countries are waiting eagerly for the H1N1 vaccine since the outbreak of the swine-flu pandemic, which has killed hundreds if not thousands of people worldwide. As the swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is comparatively new, no vaccine is available at present to prevent the infection. In this respect, French

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The latest pharmaceutical major to enter into an agreement with a biotech player is Sanofi Aventis (SNY). Today, Sanofi agreed to buy a 78% stake in India-based Shantha Biotech for €550 million ($783 million). Sanofi is buying the stake from France’s Merieux Alliance, which bought a 60% holding in this company back in 2006 and later increased it to 80%.

With this deal, Sanofi would be able to target not only the fast growing vaccine segment but also the sought-after emerging market region. Apart from Sanofi, it is reported that GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Novartis (NVS) were interested in acquiring a stake in Shantha Biotech.

Shantha Biotech, a player in the vaccine segment, works with several international agencies like the UNICEF in the regions of Asia-Pacific, Africa and Latin America. The company is expected to post revenues of $90 million in 2009.

The company’s vaccines are available at an affordable price

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