You could have done worse -- or much better.Quick -- what were you doing back in September of 2022? Were you buying $10,000 of stock in Amgen (AMGN -1.17%)? If so, you might be wondering what that's worth today. Even if you didn't buy Amgen stock then, you might wonder how it has performed -- and if you should buy some shares now.Here's the answer to the question: Over the past three years, a $10,000 investment in Amgen would have become a stake worth ... $12,661. That may seem OK, as your money did grow. A ...

Summary of Entera Bio Ltd. Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Entera Bio Ltd. - **Industry**: Biopharmaceuticals - **Focus**: Development of first-in-class oral peptide therapies for unmet medical needs - **Ticker Symbol**: ENTX (listed on NASDAQ) - **Cash Runway**: Expected to last until Q3 2026 [2][24] Core Technology and Pipeline - **Technology Platform**: NTAB technology platform enables the development of oral peptide therapies in tablet form, overcoming challenges such as proteolytic degradation and molecular polarity [2][3][4] - **Lead Asset**: EB613, the only oral peptide in development for osteoporosis, is set to enter a phase 3 registrational study [2][4][17] - **Other Pipeline Assets**: Include treatments for hypoparathyroidism, metabolic disorders, obesity, and gastrointestinal inflammation [2][4] EB613 Details - **Mechanism of Action**: EB613 is a PTH(1-34) teriparatide tablet that stimulates bone formation and suppresses bone resorption, aiming to provide a validated mechanism of action in a convenient oral format [6][10][12] - **Clinical Studies**: Phase 2 studies showed favorable outcomes in bone formation markers and bone mineral density (BMD) across skeletal sites [12][13][14] - **Comparison with Forteo**: EB613 has a similar amino acid sequence to Forteo but offers a more rapid onset of action and improved BMD outcomes, particularly at the hip [6][14][15] Osteoporosis Market Insights - **Prevalence**: Approximately 200 million women globally are affected by osteoporosis, with significant fracture risks [7][8] - **Current Treatment Landscape**: Most treatments are antiresorptive drugs, with bisphosphonates being the most commonly prescribed [9][10] - **Patient Access Issues**: Many patients do not receive adequate treatment due to the limitations of injectable therapies and the need for healthcare provider resources [11][19] Phase 3 Study Plans - **Study Design**: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, 24-month study focusing on total hip BMD as the primary endpoint, with secondary endpoints including vertebral fracture trends [17][18] - **Regulatory Alignment**: Recent agreement with the FDA allows the use of total hip BMD as a primary endpoint, a significant milestone for the company [18][23] Market Research and Patient Insights - **Clinician Feedback**: 30% of osteoporosis patients experience suboptimal responses to current treatments, highlighting a need for more effective solutions [19] - **Patient Interest**: 55% of surveyed patients expressed interest in oral bone-building treatments, indicating a potential market for EB613 [19] Future Developments - **Partnership with OPKO Health**: Development of an oral oxyntomodulin tablet is underway, with an IND filing expected in early 2026 [5][20] - **Additional Programs**: Plans to validate a different peptide for hypoparathyroidism and to present supplemental data at upcoming conferences [23] Conclusion - Entera Bio Ltd. is positioned to address significant unmet needs in osteoporosis treatment with its innovative oral peptide therapies, particularly EB613, which aims to enhance patient access and compliance compared to existing injectable options [2][19][24]

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Sept. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) will present at the Morgan Stanley 23rd Annual Global Healthcare Conference at 9:15 a.m. ET on September 9, 2025. Peter Griffith, executive vice president and chief financial officer at Amgen, and Kave Niksefat, senior vice president of Global Marketing and Access at Amgen, will present at the conference. The webcast will be broadcast over the internet simultaneously and will be available to members of the news media, investors and the ...

Core Insights - The company is experiencing strong business performance and is well-positioned for future growth driven by four key factors [2][3] - In the second quarter, the company reported a 9% year-over-year revenue growth and a 21% increase in non-GAAP earnings per share [4] Group 1: Business Performance - The company has a broad and deep portfolio across four therapeutic areas, with 12 products achieving double-digit sales growth in the second quarter [2] - The company reported a 13% volume growth in the second quarter, indicating robust demand for its products [4] Group 2: Innovation and Execution - The company emphasizes its commitment to innovation, leveraging technology and AI to enhance its product offerings and drive continuous improvement [3] - A focus on execution excellence is highlighted as a critical component of the company's strategy [3] Group 3: Financial Metrics - The reported 21% year-over-year growth in non-GAAP earnings per share reflects the company's effective capital allocation and operational efficiency [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 9% year-over-year revenue growth and a 13% volume growth in the second quarter [5] - Non-GAAP earnings per share grew by 21% year-over-year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In general medicine, Repatha achieved $689 million in sales, growing at 31% year-over-year, while Evenity reached $518 million in sales with a growth of 32% year-over-year [8] - The rare disease segment is now annualizing at over $5 billion, with significant growth from Oplisna and a successful launch in IgG4 related disease [9][10] - The oncology portfolio saw BLINCYTO grow by 45% year-over-year, and IMDELTRA grew at 65% quarter-over-quarter, generating $134 million in sales [13] - The inflammation segment, particularly TestFire, grew by 46% year-over-year in severe uncontrolled asthma [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its presence in Japan with the successful launch of TEPEZZA and is having ongoing conversations with payers in Europe [70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a commitment to innovation, execution excellence, and disciplined capital allocation, with an increased R&D spend guidance of over 20% for the year [15][24] - The focus is on expanding the pipeline, particularly in obesity and cardiometabolic risk management, with multiple Phase III studies ongoing [18][19][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the ability to serve more patients and address unmet medical needs, highlighting the importance of both inline products and pipeline innovations [72] - The company is well-positioned for long-term growth, with a strong platform and breadth across therapeutic areas [72] Other Important Information - The company has largely completed deleveraging from the Horizon transaction and is on track to return to an efficient capital structure by the end of the year [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on Meratide and its safety profile - Management discussed the Phase II study's focus on dose escalation and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of Meratide, which allow for smooth titration to target doses [26][27] Question: Broader program for Meratide - Management highlighted the broad maritime program, including studies in cardiovascular disease and chronic weight management, indicating significant potential in these areas [33][32] Question: Opportunities with Repatha and Vesalius CV trial - Management noted that the Vesalius study will add to the evidence supporting Repatha's use in primary prevention, which is crucial for payer acceptance [42] Question: Positioning of Aplizna in the market - Management emphasized Aplizna's stable efficacy, steroid tapering capability, and attractive dosing schedule as key differentiators in the market [66][67] Question: Progress in geographical expansion post-Horizon deal - Management confirmed successful sales of TEPEZZA in Japan and ongoing discussions with European payers, indicating positive progress in geographical expansion [70]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 9% year-over-year revenue growth and a 21% growth in non-GAAP earnings per share [5][15] - Volume growth was reported at 13% year-over-year [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In general medicine, Repatha achieved $689 million in sales, growing 31% year-over-year, while Evenity reached $518 million, growing 32% year-over-year [6] - Rare disease segment is now annualizing at over $5 billion, with significant growth from Oplisna and TEPEZZA [7][10] - Oncology portfolio saw BLINCYTO grow 45% year-over-year, and IMDELTRA grew 65% quarter-over-quarter, generating $134 million in sales [11] - Inflammation products, particularly TestFire, grew 46% year-over-year in severe uncontrolled asthma [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expanding its presence in Japan with TEPEZZA and has received approval in Europe, indicating a focus on geographical expansion [71] - The rare disease market is expected to grow, with the company leveraging its manufacturing capabilities to enhance market access [70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a commitment to innovation across its therapeutic areas, focusing on execution excellence and disciplined capital allocation [24] - Increased R&D spending guidance to over 20% this year reflects the company's prioritization of innovation [14] - The company is exploring business development opportunities, including acquisitions and partnerships, to expand its portfolio [37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's ability to deliver growth and innovation, citing a strong pipeline and the potential for new product launches [24][74] - The focus remains on addressing unmet medical needs and expanding access to therapies for patients [73] Other Important Information - The company has largely completed deleveraging from the Horizon transaction and aims to return to an efficient capital structure by year-end [15] - The pipeline includes multiple Phase III studies across various therapeutic areas, indicating a robust development strategy [16][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on Meratide's safety and dosing - Management discussed the ongoing Phase II study addressing dose escalation and the potential for lower doses to maintain tolerability [26][27] Question: Broader program for Meratide - The company is exploring additional indications for Meratide, including cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea, based on encouraging Phase II data [33][32] Question: Repatha's opportunity in primary prevention - Management highlighted the Vesalius study's potential to reinforce the value of Repatha in primary care settings [40][41] Question: Olpasiran's positioning in cardiovascular disease - The company believes Olpasiran could achieve significant reductions in Lp(a) levels, differentiating it from competitors [47][50] Question: TESPIRE's potential in COPD - Management expressed confidence in TESPIRE's effectiveness in COPD based on its mechanism of action and previous data in severe asthma [56][58] Question: Bimertuzumab's regulatory filing approach - The decision on regulatory filing will depend on the totality of evidence from ongoing studies [63] Question: Aplizna's market positioning - Aplizna is positioned strongly in the market due to its dosing schedule and efficacy in treating IgG4 related disease and generalized myasthenia gravis [66][68] Question: Progress in geographical expansion post-Horizon deal - The company is successfully launching products in new markets, including Japan, and is optimistic about future growth in rare diseases [71][70]

Core Viewpoint - Amgen will present at the 2025 Wells Fargo Healthcare Conference, highlighting its ongoing commitment to innovation in the biotechnology sector [1][2]. Company Overview - Amgen is a leader in discovering, developing, manufacturing, and delivering innovative medicines aimed at treating serious diseases [3]. - The company has a robust pipeline that focuses on various therapeutic areas, including cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, inflammatory diseases, and rare diseases [3]. Recognition and Market Position - In 2024, Amgen received accolades such as being named one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company and one of "America's Best Large Employers" by Forbes [4]. - Amgen is included in the Dow Jones Industrial Average® and the Nasdaq-100 Index®, reflecting its status as one of the largest and most innovative non-financial companies based on market capitalization [4].

Core Insights - Veeva Systems has announced a collaboration with Amgen to enhance clinical trial innovation, utilizing the Veeva Clinical Platform to improve efficiencies in the clinical trial process [1][2][3] Group 1: Collaboration Details - Amgen aims to leverage advanced technology through this collaboration to enhance its end-to-end trial operations, which is expected to expedite the delivery of innovative treatments to patients [2] - The Veeva Clinical Platform will serve as the backbone for standardized and connected processes, facilitating faster delivery of life-saving drugs [3] Group 2: Veeva Clinical Platform Overview - The Veeva Clinical Platform is a comprehensive and connected solution that encompasses various clinical operations and data applications, including CTMS, EDC, clinical workbench, RTSM, eCOA, eTMF, and more [4] - This platform is designed to streamline clinical trials from initiation to completion, automating data flow and enhancing operational efficiency [4] Group 3: Company Background - Veeva Systems provides industry-specific cloud solutions for life sciences, serving over 1,500 customers, including major biopharmaceutical companies and emerging biotech firms [5] - The company is committed to innovation, product excellence, and balancing the interests of all stakeholders, including customers, employees, and shareholders [5]

Summary of Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) FY Conference Call - August 27, 2025 Company Overview - Ligand Pharmaceuticals is a NASDAQ-listed biopharmaceutical royalty aggregator focused on developing and acquiring technologies in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry [3][1] - The company has 12 major commercial royalty revenue drivers expected to generate approximately $150 million in revenue this year, up from $109 million last year [3][4] Financial Performance - Operating cash flow run rate is around $150 million with operating expenses of $40 million, indicating an infrastructure-light business model [5][6] - The company has $245 million in cash and investments, access to a $200 million credit facility, and recently closed a $460 million convertible note, totaling around $800 million in deployable capital [6][31] - Total revenue for Q2 grew 15% to $47.6 million, with royalties increasing 57% to $36.4 million [30][30] - Adjusted EPS grew 14% to $1.6 per share, with revised full-year guidance for revenue increased to $200 million to $225 million [30][30] Royalty Business Model - Ligand's royalty model involves acquiring a percentage of net sales from pharmaceutical drugs, which are non-dilutable and transfer to new marketers upon acquisition [6][7] - The company employs four main tactics for acquiring royalties: royalty monetization, project finance, special situations, and platform technologies [8][12] Key Products and Pipeline - Major revenue drivers include: - **Filspari**: Approved for IgA nephropathy, with consensus peak sales of around $1 billion, translating to $90 million in annual royalty revenue at a 9% royalty rate [19][20] - **O2Ver**: A novel inhaled treatment for COPD, with current sales of $3.5 billion expected to generate $100 million in annual royalties at a 3% royalty rate [23][23] - **Palvella's Qtorin Rapamycin**: Potentially the first FDA-approved treatment for two rare skin diseases, with combined peak sales estimates of $1.2 billion, yielding $150 million in royalty revenue [25][39] Strategic Differentiation - Ligand estimates that royalty capital comprises only about 5% of total capital deployed in the biopharmaceutical market, indicating significant growth potential [14][14] - The company has a strong team with extensive experience in investment and operational roles, enhancing its ability to execute its strategy [15][16] Market Outlook - The company anticipates a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22% over the next five years, driven by its commercial portfolio and late-stage development pipeline [35][36] - Analysts have increased peak sales estimates for O2Ver from $1.2 billion to $3.4 billion, with potential sales in the hands of Merck reaching $6 to $7 billion [38][38] Additional Insights - Ligand has reviewed a record-setting 100 investments in the first half of the year, with 25 actively in diligence [28][51] - The company remains open to acquiring companies trading below cash value, particularly those with royalty interests, but has not found compelling opportunities recently [48][49] Conclusion - Ligand Pharmaceuticals is positioned for significant growth through its innovative royalty model, strong financials, and a diverse pipeline of products, with a focus on maximizing shareholder value through strategic investments and partnerships [30][34]

Core Insights - Amgen's stock has increased by 13.5% year-to-date, outperforming the industry, sector, and S&P 500 Index [1][9][10] Revenue Drivers - Key medicines such as Repatha, Evenity, and Blincyto, along with newer products like Tavneos and Tezspire, are driving sales growth, compensating for declines in oncology biosimilars and mature products like Enbrel [4][7][10] - Revenues increased by 9.4% in the first half of 2025 due to rising patient demand for innovative medicines [6] - Rare disease drugs from the acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics are also contributing to revenue growth [7] Pipeline Developments - Amgen is focusing on the obesity candidate MariTide, which is in phase III studies, and has shown promising results in clinical trials [12][14] - Additional indications for existing drugs like Kyprolis and Uplizna are being evaluated, with potential approvals expected to drive further growth [8][10] Biosimilars Performance - New biosimilars launched in 2025, including Wezlana and Pavblu, generated significant sales, contributing to a total of $1.4 billion from biosimilars in the first half of 2025 [18][20] - Amgen's biosimilars have accumulated nearly $12 billion in sales since their first launch in 2018, enhancing top-line growth [20] Competitive Landscape - Sales of key drugs Prolia and Xgeva are expected to decline due to biosimilar competition following patent expirations [22] - Pricing pressures and competitive challenges are impacting sales of some products, particularly Otezla and Lumakras [23] Valuation and Estimates - Amgen's shares are trading at a price/earnings ratio of 13.53, lower than the industry average of 14.85, indicating reasonable valuation [24] - Consensus estimates for earnings per share have increased for 2025 and 2026, reflecting positive sentiment [27][29]