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Biotech / Medical : PFE (Pfizer) How high will it go? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Spunky Beaver who wrote (2071)	5/5/1998 4:25:00 PM
From: Anthony Wong	Respond to of 9523

Vivus Shares Gain 10% as Doctors Warn Against Viagra May 05, 1998 3:03 PM NEW YORK (Dow Jones)--A warning from eye doctors that Pfizer Inc.'s (PFE) Viagra may prove dangerous to some patients with eye problems is giving a boost to Vivus Inc. (VVUS), which has its own answer to male impotence. The warning energized Vivus's Nasdaq shares, which were recently up 15/16, or 10.1%, to 10 3/16 on volume of 2.5 million shares. When Pfizer's Viagra blasted onto the impotence treatment scene last month it quickly generated upward of 40,000 prescriptions a day. In contrast, Vivus' MUSE suppository treatment more quietly has been used to help men suffering from impotence. But Monday the American Academy of Opthamology, the largest organization of eye doctors, said high doses of Viagra can cause some eye problems, including retinal dysfunction, light sensitivity and bluish-tinged vision. The consortium urged patients with retina problems, including macular degeneration or retinitis pigmentosa, to use the lowest possible dosages of the drug. According to PaineWebber analyst Charles Olsziewski, Vivus stands to benefit from potential problems with Viagra as impotent men look elsewhere for help. "The product works very successfully," Olsziewski said, referring to Vivus' suppository. "And that is also true for patients who are not suited for the pill." A Vivus representative wasn't immediately available for comment. Pfizer shares were recently trading at 110, down 2 11/16, or 2.3%, on volume of 4.6 million shares. -Nancy Beiles; 201-938-5393