UPDATE: MLV & Co Reiterates On Keryx Biopharmaceuticals On Increased Risk

In a report published Monday, MLV & Co analyst Graig C. Suvannavejh reiterated a Buy rating on

, but lowered the price target from $27.00 to $21.00. In the report, MLV & Co noted, “KERX reported 1Q results last week, but the main focus was mgmt's comments on the call surrounding outstanding CMC issues with the NDA for lead asset Zerenex (hyperphosphatemia). We hadn't previously been aware of CMC issues, and while KERX has provided add'l data on this (as well as drug-drug interactions, with info on both recently requested by FDA), we were disappointed to hear of this latest update. With the Zerenex PDUFA just one month away (June 7) and mgmt on multiple occasions citing ‘there are no guarantees' (yes, we applaud the transparency), we're feeling a bit less confident in an on-time approval. "We don't model a delay for Zerenex at this time, but given the increased risk in a potential on-time FDA approval, we now increase the discount rate in our DCF from 17.5% to 20%, and as a result, lower our 1-yr PT to $21 (vs. prior $27, but still 73% upside).” Keryx Biopharmaceuticals closed on Friday at $12.11.