Replies to post #143395 on Biotech Values

[mcbio]

Although he could conceivably be bluffing, VRTX’s CEO said on today’s GS webcast that there will flat-out be no new HCV acquisitions (#msg-76346572).

No new HCV acquisitions, but what about new HCV partnerships?

When pressed about what he would do if the Alios nukes failed to make the grade, Leiden said VRTX would maximize Incivek’s sales through 2014 and would simply “sit out the second wave” of HCV treatment (i.e. the all-oral phase).

Leiden doesn't sound like much of a fighter to me. Just going to give up? Leave all those potential dollars on the table? I think this is actually yet more VRTX spin. If the Alios nukes are at least active and safe enough to where there is a path forward with a PI or NS5A, but not alone in combo, I think it would be foolish to not at least pursue a partnership for a PI or NS5A. Of course, Leiden has an incentive to downplay VRTX's potential need for other agents down the road, lest he end up raising the asking price on such a deal.