May 1, 2008
Knobias Clip Report (4-30-2008)
By admin
Submitted By Knobias ClipReport
ViroPharma Inc. (VPHM) announced today that first-quarter earnings fell to $17.4 million, or 22 cents a share, from $22.1 million, 31 cents, a year ago. Revenue increased to $50.9 million from $49.0 million. Analysts had expected EPS of 23 cents.
The President and CEO of Viropharma, Vincent J. Milano, stated in a conference call today, “The first quarter of 2008 represents our 13th consecutive quarter of profitability and positive cash flows. We ended the quarter with $600 million in cash, and we continue to invest our cash wisely and safely to withstand the current macro-economic enviroment.”
“We expect our very good start for 2008 to continue through the rest of the year. We are well-positioned to meet our full-year guidance of $210 million to $235 million in net sales.”
ViroPharma currently commercializes Vancocin(R), which is the only antibiotic approved to treat two significant bacterial infections of the lower digestive tract. The product is administered orally and is indicated for the treatment of enterocolitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus (including methicillin-resistant strains) and antibiotic-associated pseudomembranous colitis caused by Clostridium difficile.
The Company is also conducting research on non-toxigenic C. difficile (NTCD) with the goals of preventing the recurrence of disease following effective therapy for acute C. difficile infection (CDI) and preventing CDI in patients who are susceptible to colonization with toxigenic strains due to prior use of antibiotics. ViroPharma is also researching next generation antiviral compounds intended to target hepatitis C.
Camvia(TM) (maribavir) is an orally-administered antiviral Phase 3 drug in development for prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease in transplant patients. CMV is a member of the herpesvirus family and is found in body fluids, including urine, saliva, breast milk, blood, tears, semen, and vaginal fluids. Once CMV is in a person’s body, it stays there for life. CMV is the most frequent viral illness post transplant and is the most common cause of viral illness-related death in transplant patients. Prophylaxis (preventative treatment) against CMV disease is currently underutilized due to toxicity of current treatments.
Mr. Milano added, “We look forward to a number of significant events throughout 2008, starting in May with the completion of enrollment in our stem cell transplant study of maribavir. In the coming months, we anticipate the publication of the IDSA/SHEA CDI treatment guidelines which highlight the recommendation of Vancocin for treating patients with severe disease based upon compelling clinical trial data that demonstrated the superiority of Vancocin in this patient population.”
He concluded, “With our strong programs and balance sheet, we remain a very compelling investment option for biotech investors. We believe the work that we are doing today can provide opportunities for additional growth.”
Topics: Uncategorized |
Comments
« Stock Picks and Trade Ideas for Wednesday | Home | Stock Picks and Trades Ideas For Thursday »
