Abbott Laboratories
(
ABT
) recently announced that it is collaborating with Astellas Pharma
Global Development for a phase III study being conducted with
ASP0113 (TransVax). TransVax, a vaccine in-licensed by Astellas
from
Vical Inc.
(
VICL
), is being developed for the prevention of cytomegalovirus (CMV)
reactivation in transplant patients.
Under the collaboration, patients will be monitored for CMV
viral load using Abbott Labs' RealTime CMV assay, which is
performed on the Abbott m2000 System. This will help evaluate the
vaccine's efficacy.
CMV, which infects 50% of all adults by the time they reach age
40, is the most common viral infection in transplant
recipients.
Another company that is working on the development of a CMV
infection treatment is
ViroPharma Inc.
(
VPHM
). ViroPharma is currently conducting a phase II program to
evaluate maribavir for the treatment of CMV infections in
transplant recipients.
Maribavir will be studied in two independent phase II trials
that will be conducted in patients who have asymptomatic CMV and
patients who have failed therapy with other anti-CMV agents.
Abbott Labs' partnership with Astellas is its fourth
collaboration with a large pharma company in the last one year.
Other agreements include Abbott Labs' collaborations with
Pfizer
(
PFE
),
Merck
(
MRK
) and
GlaxoSmithKline
(
GSK
) for the development of companion diagnostic tests that can be
used to select patients suitable for certain oncology products.
Neutral on Abbott Labs
We currently have a Neutral recommendation on Abbott Labs, which
carries a Zacks #3 Rank (short-term Hold rating). Abbott Labs
remains on track to split into two separate publicly traded
companies by the end of 2012.
While one company will deal in diversified medical products, the
other (AbbVie) will focus on research-based pharmaceuticals. We are
positive on the split which should allow the two separate entities
to perform in a more focused manner. Humira continues to perform
well and this should reduce concerns regarding AbbVie's growth
prospects.
ABBOTT LABS (ABT): Free Stock Analysis Report
GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK): Free Stock Analysis
Report
MERCK & CO INC (MRK): Free Stock Analysis
Report
PFIZER INC (PFE): Free Stock Analysis Report
VICAL INC (VICL): Free Stock Analysis Report
VIROPHARMA (VPHM): Free Stock Analysis Report
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