Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Biotech / Medical : Agouron Pharmaceuticals (AGPH) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Steve Fancy who wrote (3073)	12/2/1997 4:06:00 PM
From: Joe E.	Respond to of 6136

<<PW seems to feel the bottom will be around 29, give or take a point or two.>> I think that Viracept alone makes Agouron worth 25. Plus add on whatever you think their research effort is worth. I get $47-48 total, even without Roche.

To: Steve Fancy who wrote (3073)	12/2/1997 5:56:00 PM
From: billkirn	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 6136

Hard to believe only a few weeks ago we were at 55+. It has reached my low estimate projection for the next 12 months. The real question is, Is it time to buy this baby at this lower price. I say yes, but I'm doing it with call options. We may be a few weeks early here but now is the time I think. Bill

To: Steve Fancy who wrote (3073)	12/2/1997 10:44:00 PM
From: Oliver & Co	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 6136

Whomever is predicting strong competition for 1998, ie:Senor Crosson, again. Is wrong, the only drug (PI) that is expected to be probably released by the end of 1998 is the Vertex/Glaxo drug. And all the studies I have seen so far show it to be good in combo with other PIs. As of Oct 1997, only 22% of HIV infected patients in the US are on PIs. I guarantee you that new patients are mostly being started with Viracept, not the other PIs, and I do not see any changes in the recommendations for the next 12-24 months. I think that some interests are just taking the opprtunity to get AGPH down, for whatever reason. Mr. Crosson does not know more than me about HIV, and believe me there will be no significant new competition for Viracept for the next 18-24 months. And then it will still take another 12-24 months to have a significant impact on Viracept. I mean look at this from David Crossen and tell me where is he getting it from? ====================================================================== But Montgomery Securities analyst David Crosson predicted additional problems for Agouron, including competion in the AIDS drug arena. Agouron's Viracept has consistently surpassed sales projections since it came on the market last year. The drug is one of a number of protease inhibitors, powerful agents that have helped sick AIDS patients return to relative health. Viracept has been touted for being easier to use than many of the competitor drugs. But Crosson said that could change next year, when three companies -- Abbott Laboratories Inc ABT , Glaxo Wellcome Plc , and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc VRTX -- are expected to introduce new protease inhibitors with fewer side effects. "I think it will get harder for Agouron," said Crosson. "Because resistance is going to grow with patients on combination therapy, more of them will be switching to new drugs." ((-Andrea Orr, Los Angeles News Desk 213 380-2014)) REUTERS JLL