With the U.S. election fast approaching, some investors cannot help but question the outcome’s probable impact on the Healthcare sector. A post-election scenario may lead to potential drug-price reductions and amended policies. This morning, Stock-Callers.com issued research reports on four major companies in the drug manufacturers industry, namely: Pfizer Inc., AbbVie Inc., Merck & Co. Inc., and Johnson & Johnson.
Pfizer
On Monday, shares in Pfizer Inc. recorded a trading volume of 30.47 million shares, which was above their three-month average volume of 23.82 million shares. The stock ended the day at $34.93, which was a drop of 1.44%. The Company’s shares have gained 5.07% over the previous three months and 11.19% since the start of this year. The stock is trading above its 200-day moving average by 8.55%. Furthermore, shares of Pfizer, which discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells healthcare products worldwide, have a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 37.67.
On August 8th, 2016, Pfizer announced the publication of a new post-hoc analysis of data from three studies of VYNDAQEL in patients with mild transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy. The analysis, showed that treatment with VYNDAQEL initiated during the early stage of the disease resulted in minimal neurological disease progression and in preservation of body weight, which often declines as the disease progresses. VYNDAQEL was well tolerated with no new safety signals observed.
AbbVie
North Chicago, Illinois-based AbbVie Inc.’s stock finished yesterday’s session 0.30% lower at $66.34 and with a total volume of 5.29 million shares traded. The Company’s shares have gained 4.31% in the last one month, 5.06% over the previous three months, and 15.25% on an YTD basis. The stock is trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages by 5.96% and 14.07%, respectively. Furthermore, shares of AbbVie, which discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceutical products worldwide, have an RSI of 65.20.
On July 25th, 2016, AbbVie announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a New Drug Application for VIEKIRA XR™ (dasabuvir, ombitasvir, paritaprevir and ritonavir) extended-release tablets. VIEKIRA XR is used for the treatment of patients with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infection, including those with compensated cirrhosis.
Merck
At the closing bell on Monday, shares in Kenilworth, New Jersey headquartered Merck & Co. Inc. saw a decline of 1.57%, ending the day at $62.86. The stock recorded a trading volume of 25.02 million shares, which was above its three-month average volume of 9.62 million shares. The Company’s shares have advanced 5.91% in the last one month, 17.14% over the previous three months, and 21.03% since the start of this year. The stock is trading 8.98% above its 50-day moving average and 17.28% above its 200-day moving average. Moreover, shares of Merck & Co., which provides health care solutions worldwide, have an RSI of 69.78.
On August 8th, 2016, Merck announced that the FDA has approved KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), the company’s anti-PD-1 therapy, for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with disease progression on or after platinum-containing chemotherapy. Under the FDA’s accelerated approval regulations, this indication for KEYTRUDA is approved based on tumor response rate and durability of response.
On August 08th, 2016, research firm Credit Suisse upgraded the Company’s stock rating from ‘Neutral’ to ‘Outperform’, issuing a target price of $73 per share.
Johnson & Johnson
New Brunswick, New Jersey-based Johnson & Johnson’s stock ended the day 0.47% lower at $123.65 and with a total volume of 5.22 million shares traded. The Company’s shares have gained 0.65% in the last month, 9.51% over the previous three months, and 22.11% on an YTD basis. The stock is trading 3.06% above its 50-day moving average and 14.50% above its 200-day moving average. Additionally, shares of Johnson & Johnson, which together with its subsidiaries, researches and develops, manufactures, and sells various products in the health care field worldwide, have an RSI of 53.54.
On July 18th, 2016, the company announced that Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. has successfully completed the acquisition of Vogue International LLC, a privately-held company focused on the marketing, development and distribution of salon-influenced and nature inspired hair care and other personal care products, for $3.3 billion in cash.
On July 21st, 2016, research firm Deutsche Bank reiterated its ‘Hold’ rating on the Company’s stock with an increase of the target price from $125 a share to $142 a share.
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Filed Under: Drug Discovery
