We are back now with a football legend opening up about his health. Barry Sanders played 10 seasons for the Detroit Lions and cemented his place as one of the greatest running backs of all time. Well, on Father's Day last year, Sanders suffered a heart attack and now he is opening up about his life-changing experience.In a new documentary by Amgen called The Making of a Heart Attack, here's a sneak peek. For me, it wasn't like a real strong pain. It was just like persistent like right in the middle.And that ...

Core Insights - Ligand Pharmaceuticals' partner Pelthos Therapeutics has launched ZELSUVMI™, the first FDA-approved at-home treatment for molluscum contagiosum, leading to a $5 million milestone payment for Ligand [1][2] Company Overview - Ligand Pharmaceuticals is a biopharmaceutical company focused on supporting the clinical development of high-value medicines through financing and licensing technologies [4] - The company aims to create a diversified portfolio of biotech and pharmaceutical revenue streams while maintaining a low corporate cost structure [4] - Ligand partners with leading pharmaceutical companies to leverage their expertise in late-stage development, regulatory management, and commercialization [4] Product Details - ZELSUVMI™ (berdazimer) is a nitric oxide-releasing topical gel indicated for treating molluscum contagiosum in patients aged one year and older [3] - It is the first and only approved topical prescription medication that can be applied at home, outside of a medical setting [3] - The product was developed using Ligand's proprietary NITRICIL™ technology platform [3] Financial Aspects - Following the merger between Pelthos Therapeutics and Channel Therapeutics, Ligand now owns 56% of Pelthos [2] - Ligand is entitled to a 13% royalty on worldwide sales of ZELSUVMI and can earn up to an additional $5 million in commercial sales milestones [2]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management in equity valuation and market trends [1] - It highlights the experience of the analyst in leading teams for model validation and stress testing, showcasing a strong background in both fundamental and technical analysis [1] - The collaboration between the analyst and their research partner aims to provide high-quality, data-driven insights for investors [1] Company and Industry Analysis - The focus is on uncovering high-growth investment opportunities through rigorous risk management and a long-term perspective on value creation [1] - There is a particular interest in macroeconomic trends, corporate earnings, and financial statement analysis, which are crucial for providing actionable investment ideas [1]

Investment Rating - Industry View: In-Line [3] - Top Pick: Daiichi Sankyo [5] - Other Recommendations: Overweight (OW) for Takeda and Chugai; Mid Cap OW for Kaken [5][9] Core Insights - The pharmaceutical industry in Japan is currently rated as In-Line, indicating a stable outlook with potential for growth [3] - Daiichi Sankyo is highlighted as a top investment opportunity, with a price target of ¥4,750, reflecting a significant upside from its current price of ¥3,319 [7] - Takeda and Chugai are also recommended for their strong market positions and growth potential [5][9] Valuation and Performance - Takeda's market cap is ¥6,991 billion with an estimated EPS growth from ¥491.2 in 2024 to ¥706.0 in 2029, indicating a P/E ratio decreasing from 8.9x to 6.2x over the same period [7] - Daiichi Sankyo's market cap is ¥6,287 billion, with an EPS forecast increasing from ¥147.6 in 2024 to ¥291.7 in 2029, showing a P/E ratio decline from 22.5x to 11.4x [7] - Chugai's market cap stands at ¥12,151 billion, with EPS expected to grow from ¥241.3 in 2024 to ¥372.2 in 2029, and a P/E ratio decreasing from 30.0x to 19.4x [7] Company Summaries - Daiichi Sankyo: Strong growth potential with a focus on innovative therapies [6] - Takeda Pharmaceutical: Diversified portfolio with robust pipeline [6] - Chugai Pharmaceutical: Strong R&D capabilities and market presence [6] - Kaken Pharmaceutical: Mid-cap with promising growth prospects [6]

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., July 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Genelux Corporation (NASDAQ: GNLX), a late clinical-stage immuno-oncology company, today announced the appointment of Eric Groen as General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, Chief Compliance Officer and Head of Business Development, effective July 1, 2025. "We are delighted to welcome Eric to the executive team," said Thomas Zindrick, President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board. "Eric brings a powerful blend of legal expertise, global business developmen ...

Core Insights - AbbVie has emerged as a top performer in the healthcare sector, with its stock increasing by 6% while the S&P 500 healthcare index declined by 1%, reflecting strong investor confidence in its transformation strategy post-Humira [2] - The company faces significant challenges due to the decline in Humira sales, which dropped 58% from a peak of $21.2 billion in 2022 to $9 billion last year, highlighting a substantial revenue gap [3] - AbbVie has adopted an aggressive acquisition strategy, totaling over $22 billion since the start of 2024, aimed at diversifying its portfolio and securing leadership in high-growth therapeutic areas [5] Acquisition Strategy - The acquisitions include ImmunoGen for $10.1 billion, Cerevel Therapeutics for $8.7 billion, Aliada Therapeutics for $1.4 billion, and Capstan Therapeutics for up to $2.1 billion, among others, indicating a strategic focus on oncology, neuroscience, and Alzheimer's [7] - AbbVie's past success with acquisitions, such as the collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim that led to Skyrizi, which generated $11.7 billion in sales in 2024, serves as a model for potential future successes [6] Financial Performance - Despite the decline in Humira sales, AbbVie achieved 4% revenue growth last year, demonstrating the resilience of its broader portfolio and the initial benefits of its acquisition strategy [8] - The company anticipates revenue growth accelerating to high single-digits in the coming years, with even greater earnings growth expected as margins improve [8] Valuation and Market Position - AbbVie's stock is currently trading at approximately $190 per share, with a valuation of 18.5 times its trailing adjusted earnings of $10.27 per share, representing a premium compared to its historical average of 14x and other major pharmaceutical competitors [9][10] - The elevated valuation reflects investor confidence in AbbVie's growth strategy and operational capabilities, supported by a robust revenue growth trajectory and ongoing pipeline expansion [11] Balance Sheet Considerations - AbbVie currently holds $70 billion in debt against a market capitalization of $336 billion, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.3%, which is moderately above the S&P 500 average [12] - The company's cash position is concerning, with only $5.2 billion in cash and equivalents out of $136 billion in total assets, leading to a low cash-to-assets ratio of 3.8%, which may limit future strategic opportunities [13] Strategic Outlook - AbbVie's transition from reliance on Humira to a diversified pharmaceutical company represents a significant strategic shift, positioning it as a potentially attractive long-term investment for those willing to accept balance sheet risks and a premium valuation [14]

Market Overview - The stock market experienced mixed results on the first trading day of July, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declining by -0.11% and -0.82% respectively, while the Dow and Russell 2000 increased by +0.91% and +0.94% respectively [1] - A rotation occurred in the market, with tech stocks lagging after a strong first half of 2025, while healthcare stocks led, exemplified by Amgen (AMGN) gaining +4% and Merck (MRK) up +3.4% [2] Economic Indicators - The Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) for May reported 7.8 million job openings, exceeding expectations of 7.3 million, with job quits at 3.3 million and layoffs/discharges at 1.6 million [4] - The highest job openings were in Accommodation/Food Service (+314K) and Finance/Insurance (+91K), while the Federal Government saw a decrease of -39K jobs [5] - Manufacturing data showed stronger than expected results, with S&P final Manufacturing PMI at 52.9 and ISM Manufacturing at 49.0%, while Construction Spending for May fell to -0.3% [6] Company Performance - Constellation Brands (STZ) reported Q1 earnings of $3.22 per share on revenues of $2.52 billion, missing estimates of $3.38 per share and $2.57 billion, attributed to softer consumer demand in wine and beer sales, with shares down -24% year to date [7]

Core Insights - Amgen's stock rose over 4% following positive news regarding its investigational stomach cancer drug, bemarituzumab, which outperformed the S&P 500 index that slid by 0.1% [1][2] Group 1: Drug Development - Bemarituzumab, in combination with chemotherapy, met its primary endpoint of overall survival in a phase 3 clinical trial, showing favorable results compared to patients receiving only a placebo [2][4] - The study involved 547 patients with unresectable locally advanced or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer, highlighting the significance of the drug in addressing a major health issue, as gastric cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer-related death globally, with over 650,000 fatalities [4] Group 2: Analyst Reactions - Analysts reacted positively to the trial results, with Piper Sandler's David Amsellem maintaining an overweight (buy) recommendation and setting a price target of $328 per share, indicating confidence in the drug's potential despite some concerns [5] - The overall sentiment among analysts suggests that Amgen may be on the verge of a successful drug launch, with optimism surrounding the advancements in cancer treatment [6]

Core Viewpoint - Amgen is competing in the rapidly growing obesity drug market, which is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030, with its drug MariTide being a key focus in this race [1]. Company Overview - Amgen is developing MariTide, a GIPR/GLP-1 receptor agonist, designed for convenient monthly dosing via an autoinjector, distinguishing it from competitors' weekly injection options [2]. - In phase II studies, MariTide demonstrated an average weight loss of approximately 20% over 52 weeks in obese or overweight individuals without type II diabetes, although this was at the lower end of investor expectations [3]. - Amgen has initiated two phase III studies for MariTide as part of its MARITIME program, with additional studies planned for 2025 targeting various cardiovascular conditions [4]. Competitive Landscape - The obesity drug market is becoming increasingly competitive, with companies like Viking Therapeutics developing their own candidates, such as VK2735, which is being evaluated in late-stage studies [6]. - Other major pharmaceutical companies, including Roche, Merck, and AbbVie, are also entering the obesity space, potentially challenging the market positions of Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly [7]. Financial Performance - Amgen's stock has increased by 8.9% year-to-date, outperforming the industry average decline of 0.7% [8]. - The company's shares are currently trading at a price/earnings ratio of 13.26, which is lower than the industry average of 14.87 and below its five-year mean of 13.77 [10]. - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have seen upward revisions, with the consensus for 2025 rising from $20.57 to $20.82 per share and for 2026 from $21.13 to $21.29 per share [11].

Efficacy of MariTide - MariTide demonstrated strong efficacy with up to approximately 20% average weight loss without a plateau at 52 weeks[9, 84] - Up to approximately 98% of patients without Type 2 diabetes lost ≥5% of their body weight[29] - Up to approximately 99% of patients with Type 2 diabetes lost ≥ 5% of their body weight[38] - In adults with obesity WITH Type 2 Diabetes, MariTide demonstrated an impressive up to approximately 17% average weight loss at 52 weeks without a weight loss plateau[35] Cardiometabolic Improvements - In adults with obesity WITH Type 2 Diabetes, MariTide 420 mg monthly resulted in a -22% change in HbA1c, -58 mg/dL in Glucose, -11 mmHg in Systolic blood pressure, -28% in Triglycerides, and -72% in hs-CRP from baseline to week 52[41] - In adults with obesity WITHOUT Type 2 Diabetes, pooled 420 MariTide dose arms resulted in - 11 mmHg in Systolic blood pressure, - 5% in LDL-C, - 19% in Triglycerides, and - 53% in hs-CRP from baseline to week 52[44] Tolerability and Dosing - With one-step dose escalation in the Phase 2 study, the vomiting incidence was reduced and the discontinuation rate due to GI AEs was low at 8%[51] - Dose escalation significantly improves tolerability without compromising weight loss efficacy[9, 84] - Two-step dose escalation in the Phase 1 Low Dose Initiation study further reduced vomiting incidence with no discontinuation due to GI AEs[51] - In the Phase 1 Low Dose Initiation study, the mean baseline weight was 1006 kg[70]