UPDATE: JP Morgan Cut PT to $22 on VIVUS Following Q4 Report

JP Morgan maintained VIVUS

with an Overweight rating and lowered the price target from $25.00 to $22.00. JP Morgan commented, "We are maintaining our OW rating on VVUS following yesterday's 4Q report. Updated launch metrics for the obesity drug Qsymia were generally inline with our expectations, and the bottom line is that nothing really changed our overall view. At this stage VVUS is a waiting game. Our prevailing stance is that accessibility (modifying the REMS and improving the reimbursement landscape) and patient/physician experience (through Feb 15, Qsymia had been prescribed to >27K unique pts and the prescriber base is now up to almost 12K providers) will be key to building this market. While we're still optimistic this can and will all come together, we anticipate the jury could remain out until more clear cut evidence is available." VIVUS closed at $12.41 on Monday.