8 Healthcare Names Cowen & Co Are Talking About

Following a meeting with big cap pharma companies at its 35th Annual Health Care Conference, Cowen & Co published a report Tuesday detailing its key findings. 1.

, rated Outperform: "Key IO milestones delivered and many others upcoming... IDO/TDO and TGF Beta work on the tumor microenvironment and can have a synergistic effect in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors." "Bristol's recent acquisition of these early -stage assets from Flexus and Rigel strengthen the IO portfolio…BMY submitted 50 abstracts to ASCO, 75% in IO and more than 50% of these on Opdivo," the analysts wrote. 2.

, rated Outperform: "Ixekizumab may have efficacy and dosing advantages over some competitors in IL-17 race…Data from RA -BEAM (baracitinib versus Humira) are due in H2 and may be particularly important because it appears to be a well -designed trial allowing use of methotrexate and doses Humira at 40mg every 2 weeks…solanezumab Phase III could come sooner than we expected." "Open -label cross -over data from EXPEDITION I and II which could illustrate disease modification will be published later this year…evacetrapib (CETPi) Phase III designed to enroll quickly, stroke endpoint key for EU adoption," the analysts added. 3.

, rated Market Perform: "Broad biosimilars effort detailed including near-term filings; MRK not revealing population for which Keytruda will be filed in lung in mid 2015, but we assume both PD-1 + and - patients regardless of histology." "MRK held launch meetings for Zerbaxa (antibiotic) and Belsomra (insomnia) recently. MRK states that there has been good formulary activity for Zerbaxa , and Belsomra had 1000 prescriptions in the first week…From the commercial standpoint, when asked what products in development were most exciting, MRK noted anacetrapib (lipid modulation) and MK -8931, the BACE inhibitor (Alzheimer's). Both products will generate first data in 2017," the report said. 4.

, rated Outperform: "Sandoz attributes its outperformance to focus on top three distributers accounting for 70% of generic scrips, supply disruptions at competitors, and benefits from new product launches (30 launches in 2013, and 28 in 2014); NVS portfolio includes 1,100+ compounds and 800+ in the pipeline. No details were provided on filing timeline for biosimilars." 5.

, rated Market Perform: "Ibrance off to solid start in breast cancer with triple digit number of patients already having been treated and 52% awareness among prescribers; Prevnar 13 opportunity in adults very large." "PFE highlighted the strength of its IO effort with Merck/Serono. Multiple pivotal trials are underway, in areas including lung, gastric and ovarian, including many combinations. PFE is also developing an array of modalities, including CART cells, bi -functional antibodies, and cancer vaccines," the analysts commented. 6.

, rated Outperform: "Esbriet off to great start despite free drug for initial 45 days; evaluation of Crenezumab continues: higher doses explored, regulatory discussions continue; lampalizumab Phase III enrollment on track; lebrikizumab data in 2016; key catalysts upcoming, particularly at ASCO." 7.

, rated Market Perform: "Alirocumab offers flexibility advantage; Aubagio sales could be sustained into next decade; Lemtrada infusion centers increasing in number; novel IO strategy in the works; Dengue Vaccine well positioned versus competition." 8.

, rated Market Perform: "Uniquely positioned to compete; Apoquel poised for increased supply; growth promoting antibiotics small part of business; oral flea and tick opportunity not in company guidance; Q1 winter not as bad as last year."