Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

VPHM +11%, IDIX -1%

Piper Jaffray’s Rachel McMinn says that VPHM’s HCV-796 is better than IDIX’s NM283. Both are HCV polymerase inhibitors, although not from exactly the same class.

McMinn is the analyst who made the stellar call in April that IDIX would go to $9 when it was then trading around $12; (#msg-10540032); she has been extremely bearish on IDIX since the NM283 dose change in March.

My own view of VPHM’s latest HCV data is more cautious (#msg-12968748). The efficacy looks pretty good, although it’s not better than NM283 based on the phase-1b data released to date. Moreover, VPHM’s PR leaves unanswered questions about viral rebound and safety. I think it’s too early to say how good this drug will be.