BioCryst’s (BCRX) Peramivir - A Lifesaver

Biocryst Pharmaceuticals’ (NASDAQ: BCRX) new drug, Peramivir has proved to be a life-saver against the dreaded H1N1 virus, according to a story reported from a hospital in Seattle.

Peramivir is still an intravenous, experimental drug, is still under clinical trials and is not yet approved by the FDA. But on October 23rd, the FDA had granted permission to use it on patients in case of emergency.

The question for both the pharma firm and investors is about how much of the drug it can really sell. Biocryst estimates a total of 120, 000 cases by the end of this year, and also large demand from outside the US.