Oncology
Search documents
Will AbbVie's Growing Oncology Portfolio Aid Top-line Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-06-24 13:25
Core Insights - AbbVie has established a significant oncology franchise, expanding from blood cancer drugs to include therapies for solid tumors, with five oncology products now available [1][7] - The oncology segment contributed over 12% to AbbVie's total revenues in Q1 2025, with expectations for Emrelis, its first internally developed lung cancer drug, to start contributing in Q3 2025 [1][2][7] Company Strategy - AbbVie is pursuing both organic and inorganic growth strategies, with recent additions to its oncology portfolio coming from acquisitions and collaborations, while Emrelis represents an internal development [2] - The company has a diverse pipeline of promising therapies, including etentamig for multiple myeloma and Temab-A for colorectal and gastroesophageal cancers, indicating a strong focus on expanding its oncology offerings [3][7] Competitive Landscape - Major competitors in the oncology space include AstraZeneca, Merck, and Pfizer, with AstraZeneca's oncology sales accounting for nearly 41% of its total revenues and growing by 13% in Q1 2025 [4] - Merck's Keytruda accounted for over 46% of its total revenues in Q1 2025, while Pfizer's oncology revenues grew by 7%, making up over 27% of its total revenues [5] Financial Performance - AbbVie shares have outperformed the industry year to date, although the company's valuation is not considered cheap, trading at a P/E ratio of 13.99 compared to the industry average of 14.81 [6][9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AbbVie's earnings has increased for both 2025 and 2026, indicating positive market sentiment [10]
Pfizer vs BMY: Which Oncology Drugmaker Is a Better Choice for Now?
ZACKS· 2025-06-20 15:06
Core Insights - Pfizer (PFE) and Bristol Myers (BMY) hold a dominant position in the oncology market, which is expected to grow due to an increase in cancer patients globally [1][2] - Oncology sales represent approximately 25% of Pfizer's total revenues, while Bristol Myers focuses on immuno-oncology and has a strong pipeline of drugs [2][9] Pfizer's Position - Pfizer has a diverse oncology product portfolio, including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), small molecules, and immunotherapies targeting various cancers [4] - Key approved drugs in Pfizer's portfolio include Ibrance, Xtandi, and others, with Ibrance being a significant revenue generator [5] - The acquisition of Seagen in December 2023 enhanced Pfizer's oncology offerings, adding four ADCs and boosting sales for 2024 and early 2025 [6] - Pfizer is also advancing a pipeline of oncology candidates, expecting to have eight or more blockbuster oncology medicines by 2030 [7] - In addition to oncology, Pfizer's portfolio includes drugs for COVID-19, inflammation, rare diseases, and migraines [8] Bristol Myers' Strategy - Bristol Myers aims to strengthen its leadership in immuno-oncology, with key drugs like Opdivo and Yervoy driving its oncology franchise [9][10] - Recent FDA approvals for Opdivo and other drugs are expected to enhance its market presence [11] - Bristol Myers has expanded its oncology pipeline through acquisitions, including Mirati and RayzeBio, which add significant assets to its portfolio [12][14] - The company is also developing drugs across various therapeutic areas, including hematology and immunology [16] Financial Estimates and Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Pfizer's 2025 sales indicates a slight decline of 0.6%, while earnings per share (EPS) are expected to decrease by 1.61% [17] - In contrast, Bristol Myers' 2025 sales are projected to decrease by 4.13%, but its EPS is expected to increase significantly due to low figures in 2024 [20] - Year-to-date, Pfizer's stock has declined by 6.8%, while Bristol Myers has seen a larger drop of 15.4% [21] - From a valuation perspective, Pfizer's shares trade at a forward P/E ratio of 7.77, slightly higher than Bristol Myers' 7.22 [22] Dividend Yield and Investment Considerations - Pfizer offers a higher dividend yield of 7.2% compared to Bristol Myers' 5.29%, making it more attractive for income-focused investors [23] - Both companies are currently rated with a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating a complex decision for investors when choosing between the two [24] - Despite challenges, Pfizer's diverse portfolio and higher dividend yield position it as a preferable choice at present [26]
Pfizer Boasts Strong Oncology Portfolio: Can it Sustain Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-06-19 14:51
Core Insights - Pfizer is a leading player in oncology with a strong portfolio of approved cancer medicines and a robust pipeline focusing on various modalities, including small molecules and antibody-drug conjugates [1] - The acquisition of Seagen in 2023 enhanced Pfizer's oncology position by adding four ADCs, contributing significantly to revenues in 2024 and Q1 2025, with oncology revenues growing 7% operationally in Q1 2025 [2][8] - Pfizer is expanding its oncology pipeline with several late-stage candidates and has entered the biosimilars market, marketing six cancer biosimilars [3][4] Company Developments - The Seagen acquisition added four ADCs: Adcetris, Padcev, Tukysa, and Tivdak, which have positively impacted Pfizer's revenue [2] - Pfizer has advanced its oncology clinical pipeline with candidates like sasanlimab, vepdegestrant, and sigvotatug vedotin, and has secured an exclusive licensing deal with 3SBio for a dual PD-1 and VEGF inhibitor [3] - The company is also working on expanding the labels of existing oncology products, indicating a proactive approach to enhance its market offerings [4] Competitive Landscape - Major competitors in the oncology space include AstraZeneca, Merck, and Bristol-Myers, with AstraZeneca's oncology sales comprising about 41% of total revenues and growing 13% in Q1 2025 [5] - Merck's Keytruda accounts for approximately 50% of its pharmaceutical sales, while Bristol-Myers' Opdivo represents around 20% of its total revenues [6] Financial Performance - Pfizer's stock has declined 6.8% year-to-date, contrasting with a 0.2% increase in the industry [7] - The company's oncology revenues rose 7% in Q1 2025, driven by key drugs such as Xtandi, Lorbrena, and Padcev [8] - Pfizer's 2025 EPS estimate has increased to $3.06, with a forward P/E ratio of 7.77, which is below the industry average of 15.05 [10][12] Valuation Insights - From a valuation perspective, Pfizer appears attractive, trading below its 5-year mean P/E of 10.90 [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has risen from $2.98 to $3.06 per share over the past 60 days, indicating positive sentiment [12]
Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) Presents at Barclays Speaking the Science Call Series Transcript
Seeking Alpha· 2025-06-16 20:44
Core Insights - Moderna is focusing on its oncology pipeline as a key area of interest for investors moving forward [3][4]. Company Overview - The conference call is part of Barclays' 8th annual speaking science conference series, aimed at discussing scientific concepts, clinical program progress, and company strategy [1][2]. Oncology Pipeline - Rose Loughlin, EVP of Research, is presenting a comprehensive slide deck regarding Moderna's oncology pipeline, indicating its importance in the company's future development [3][5]. - The oncology space is highlighted as a significant focus for Moderna, with expectations of substantial investor interest [3].
Moderna (MRNA) Update / Briefing Transcript
2025-06-16 15:00
Summary of Moderna (MRNA) Update / Briefing June 16, 2025 Company Overview - **Company**: Moderna (MRNA) - **Focus**: Oncology pipeline and commercial strategy Key Points on Oncology Pipeline 1. **Oncology as a Key Focus**: The company emphasizes the importance of oncology in its future development, with a focus on individualized therapies and cancer antigen therapies [3][4] 2. **Lead Program - Intisiran Auto Gene (INT)**: This individualized neoantigen therapy has shown a 49% reduction in the risk of recurrence or death in a Phase 2 study for adjuvant melanoma, with pivotal study data expected in 2026 [7][39] 3. **Expansion of INT**: The company is exploring INT in various cancer settings, including combinations with pembrolizumab and as a monotherapy [7][8] 4. **Off-the-Shelf Cancer Antigen Therapies**: These therapies are designed for broader patient use and are currently in development, with lead programs mRNA-4106 and mRNA-4359 targeting specific tumor antigens and training the immune system [10][11] 5. **T Cell Engagers**: The company is developing multiplexed T cell engagers that can target multiple proteins on cancer cells, enhancing the immune response [16][17] 6. **In Vivo Cell Therapies**: Moderna is pursuing innovative approaches to enhance the efficacy of cell therapies, including engineered T cells that can be modified within the patient's body [20][24] Clinical Development and Data 1. **Phase 2 and Phase 3 Studies**: The company is preparing for Phase 3 trials based on encouraging Phase 2 data, with a focus on event-driven trial designs [34][40] 2. **Control Arm Performance**: The performance of the pembrolizumab control arm in Phase 2 is reported to be in line with historical data, addressing investor concerns about patient allocation [32][36] 3. **Safety and Tolerability**: The safety profile of mRNA-4359 and INT is favorable, with low-grade adverse events and no dose-limiting toxicities reported [15][62] Market and Competitive Landscape 1. **Partnerships and Collaborations**: Moderna is closely monitoring competitive developments, including BioNTech's recent acquisition of CareVac and their oncology programs [78] 2. **Regulatory Environment**: The company is navigating a changing political landscape that affects vaccine development and approval processes, particularly in the context of COVID-19 and RSV vaccines [82][86] Financial Guidance and Market Outlook 1. **Revenue Guidance**: Moderna has provided a broad revenue guidance range of $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion for the year, considering potential declines in vaccination rates and other market factors [96] 2. **Future Approvals**: The company is optimistic about upcoming FDA approvals and the potential for expanded indications for its vaccines, particularly for high-risk populations [85][89] Additional Insights 1. **Combination Therapies**: The company is exploring combination therapies with checkpoint inhibitors and other agents, aiming to enhance overall response rates and progression-free survival (PFS) [65][66] 2. **Clinical Trial Design**: The design of clinical trials is being carefully considered, with a focus on achieving statistically significant outcomes that can support regulatory filings [50][52] This summary captures the essential points discussed during the call, highlighting Moderna's strategic focus on oncology, clinical development progress, market positioning, and financial outlook.
PFE's New & Acquired Drugs Hold Key to Revenue Growth Amid Headwinds
ZACKS· 2025-06-12 15:26
Core Insights - Pfizer's COVID product sales have declined post-pandemic, but non-COVID operational revenues have improved in 2024 and early 2025, driven by key products and acquisitions [1][4][8] Group 1: Product Performance - Pfizer had a record year in 2023 with nine new drug approvals contributing to revenue growth [2] - The acquisition of Seagen in December 2023 added four antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) to Pfizer's oncology portfolio, significantly boosting revenues in 2024 and early 2025 [3][8] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Major competitors in the oncology space include AstraZeneca, Merck, and Bristol-Myers, with AstraZeneca's oncology sales comprising about 41% of total revenues and growing by 13% in Q1 2025 [5] - Merck's Keytruda accounts for approximately 50% of its pharmaceutical sales, while Bristol-Myers' Opdivo represents around 20% of its total revenues [6] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - Pfizer's stock has declined by 4.4% in 2023, contrasting with a 3.1% increase in the industry [7] - The company's shares are trading at a forward P/E of 7.97, below the industry average of 15.54 and its 5-year historical mean of 10.91 [8][9] - Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has increased from $2.98 to $3.06 per share over the past 60 days [11]
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD) Presents at Goldman Sachs 46th Annual Global Healthcare Conference Transcript
Seeking Alpha· 2025-06-10 17:15
Core Insights - Gilead Sciences is focusing on executing its strategy across core franchises, particularly in HIV and oncology, while also diversifying into inflammation [2][3] - The company has developed a strategy over the past 5 to 6 years to maintain leadership in virology and expand into other therapeutic areas [3] - Gilead currently has three growing franchises: virology and HIV, oncology, and inflammation, with promising data from recent presentations at ASCO [4] Financial Position - Gilead has a strong balance sheet and robust cash flows, positioning the company well for future growth opportunities [4]
Can New Cancer Drug Emrelis Drive AbbVie's Oncology Franchise?
ZACKS· 2025-06-06 14:15
Core Insights - AbbVie has received FDA approval for Emrelis, marking a significant advancement in its oncology franchise, specifically for treating non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with high c-Met overexpression [1][2] Group 1: Product Development and Market Position - Emrelis is AbbVie's first internally developed solid tumor drug and its first lung cancer therapy, providing a unique advantage as the only approved treatment for this patient population [2][8] - c-Met overexpression is present in 25% of advanced EGFR wild-type NSCLC patients, with approximately half of these patients exhibiting high c-Met overexpression, which is associated with poor prognosis [2] - AbbVie anticipates starting to record sales for Emrelis in Q3 2025, with estimated sales of $28 million for the current year [3] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - While AbbVie has a first-mover advantage with Emrelis, competitors like AstraZeneca and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals are also developing drugs targeting similar indications [4][8] - Regeneron is conducting mid-stage studies for its investigational ADC, davutamig, which targets two distinct MET epitopes [5] - AstraZeneca is in phase I studies for its investigational ADC, AZD9592, aimed at c-MET-driven solid tumors, although it currently lags behind AbbVie in this specific indication [6] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - AbbVie shares have outperformed the industry year to date, reflecting positive market sentiment [7] - The company's shares trade at a price/earnings (P/E) ratio of 14.37, slightly below the industry average of 14.95, but higher than many other large drugmakers [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AbbVie's 2025 earnings has slightly decreased from $12.30 to $12.28 per share, while the estimate for 2026 has increased from $13.97 to $14.05 [11]
Exelixis Stock Surges 28% YTD: Should You Buy Now or Sell?
ZACKS· 2025-06-04 15:21
Core Viewpoint - Exelixis (EXEL) has shown strong performance in 2023, with shares increasing by 28.1% year-to-date, outperforming the industry and the S&P 500 Index, which declined by 3.5% [1][2]. Group 1: Company Performance - The positive performance of Exelixis is attributed to strong quarterly results, raised guidance, label expansion of its lead drug Cabometyx, and efforts to enhance shareholder returns [4]. - The FDA expanded Cabometyx's label for patients with previously treated advanced neuroendocrine tumors (NET), which is expected to further drive sales [6][7]. Group 2: Product Strengths - Cabometyx remains the leading tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and is also approved for use in combination with Bristol Myers' Opdivo, contributing to strong sales [5][6]. - The recent label expansion for Cabometyx makes it the first and only systemic treatment FDA-approved for previously treated NET, regardless of tumor site or grade [7]. Group 3: Pipeline Development - Exelixis is advancing its oncology pipeline, focusing on zanzalintinib, a next-generation oral TKI, with promising results from studies in metastatic colorectal cancer [8][9]. - Collaboration with Merck to evaluate zanzalintinib in combination with Keytruda for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is also underway [10]. Group 4: Shareholder Value Initiatives - The company has authorized stock repurchase programs totaling $1 billion to enhance shareholder value, with significant repurchases already completed [12]. - These efforts are expected to boost returns for shareholders [17]. Group 5: Valuation and Estimates - Exelixis shares are currently trading at a price/sales ratio of 4.75x forward sales, which is higher than the biotech industry's average of 1.69x [13]. - Earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 have increased, indicating positive growth expectations [15][16].
Exelixis (EXEL) 2025 Conference Transcript
2025-06-04 12:37
Summary of Exelixis Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Exelixis - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically oncology Key Points and Arguments 1. **Recent Developments**: Exelixis has recently presented promising data for its lead pipeline program, zanzalutinib, at the ASCO conference, marking a significant period for the company [2][3] 2. **Pipeline Progress**: The company is currently running six pivotal studies for zanzalutinib, with two expected to read out later this year, indicating strong momentum in their clinical development [3][4] 3. **Market Opportunity**: The colorectal cancer (CRC) market opportunity is estimated at around $1 billion, split evenly between patients with liver metastases and those without [12] 4. **Clinical Strategy**: Exelixis is focused on maximizing the probability of success in their trials by adjusting study designs based on emerging clinical data, particularly regarding the differences in patient populations [10][12] 5. **Partnership with Merck**: The collaboration with Merck is strategic, allowing Exelixis to leverage Merck's expertise while sharing costs and risks in clinical studies [18][48] 6. **Differentiation of Zanzalutinib**: Zanzalutinib is designed to have a shorter half-life than cabozantinib (Cabo), which may allow for better patient adherence and management of adverse events [24][26] 7. **Market Share and Growth**: Exelixis has seen an increase in market share in the first-line RCC (renal cell carcinoma) treatment, contrary to previous expectations of plateauing [51][53] 8. **Future Studies**: The company plans to explore additional studies in head and neck cancers and other tumor types, indicating a broad ambition for zanzalutinib as a backbone therapy [46][47] Important but Overlooked Content 1. **Patient Management**: The focus on how adverse events are managed with zanzalutinib compared to Cabo highlights the importance of patient experience in treatment adherence [25][26] 2. **Conservative Market Projections**: Exelixis aims to set realistic market expectations, suggesting a cautious approach to growth projections in the head and neck cancer market [39][41] 3. **Familiarity with Cabo**: The familiarity of physicians with Cabo is seen as a positive indicator for the adoption of Cabo in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), despite the late-line treatment setting [56] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the Exelixis conference call, focusing on the company's strategic direction, clinical developments, and market positioning within the oncology sector.