Roche-Genentech Profitability Linked to Oncology Portfolio

Convenience advantages of Roche’s (RHHBY-$65.84) new injectable version of Herceptin could outweigh the lower price advantage of a biosimilar trastuzmab, especially in a metastatic maintenance setting: The subcutaneous form of Herceptin is a ready-to-use liquid formulation that is administered as a 600 mg/5 ml fixed dose every three weeks, simplifying healthcare procedures by removing the need for reconstitution or dose calculation according to the body weight of the individual. Timesaving advantages cuts the treatment time down to just two to five minutes, from 30 to 90 minutes to administer the drug intravenously.

Read More at YCharts: Remember Blockbuster Drug Pipelines? See Here

Editor David J Phillips does not hold a financial interest in any stocks mentioned in this article. The 10Q Detective has a Full Disclosure Policy.

Is Pfizer's Pipeline Filled With Lemmings?

Between 2010 and 2012, Pfizer (PFE-$28.37) stumbled off the patent precipice, as branded drugs that made up 42% of annual pharmaceutical sales, including the $11 billion lipid-lowering drug Lipitor (atorvastatin), the antacid Protonix (pantoprazole), and its glaucoma drug Xalantan (latanoprost ophthalmic solution) lost patent protection.

Walking on the ledge out to 2015, the patent cliff looks just as daunting, as more than 17.5% in sales derived from the company’s existing branded portfolio is at-risk of losing market exclusivity, including two of its top-selling prescription drugs: Enbrel (etanercept) copies are already on the market in Asia and India, and the Novartis AG (NVS) subsidiary Sandoz is readying its own intrusion on Pfizer’s $3.7 billion auto-immune franchise with a biosimilar version for rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis; and, the original basic patent for the anti-inflammatory Celebrex (celecoxib) expires on May 30, 2014, which means cheaper copies to Pfizer’s $2.7 billion pain drug could be on U.S. pharmacy shelves no later than January 2015.

Read More at YCharts: Pfizer’sPipeline Story Begins to Unravel

Editor David J Phillips does not hold a financial interest in any stocks mentioned in this article. The 10Q Detective has a Full Disclosure Policy.

AMC - The Walking Dead Network?

Referencing the ratings success of AMC (AMCX-$62.40) cable shows like The Walking Dead and the western Hell on Wheels, chief executive officer Josh Sapan told analysts on the quarterly earnings’ call that the company was expanding original content on its three other channels, too: IFC, home to eclectic comedy shows and independent films; Sundance Channel, devoted to the airing of documentaries, award-winning film classics and scripted dramas; and, We tv, a women’s network showcasing “unscripted” reality shows celebrating everyday women and stars like Joan Rivers or singer Toni Braxton.

“We feel pretty good about the challenge and particularly good about the expansion of our programming initiatives,” said Sapan.

However, the success of several AMC channel shows, such as Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead – number one in the coveted 18 – 49 year-old demo group across all broadcast television – hasn’t pushed the ratings dial for all of AMC’s properties. AMC Network was the 11th most-watched cable channel during prime-time as of week-ending August 11, according to data compiled by Nielsen ratings.

Mad Men and Breaking Bad - both in their final seasons - combined with a limited international presence (an anemic $30 million in revenue), suggest near-term prospects for continued growth could be at risk. Initial ratings for new programs belie Sapan’s cozened optimism, too: A new cop drama on AMC, Low Winter Sun, which followed the season-5 return of Breaking Bad, lost close to 60% of its lead-in audience in its debut outing earlier this month.

Read More at YCharts: Off The Meth, AMC Finances Could Break Bad

Editor David J Phillips does not hold a financial interest in any stocks mentioned in this article. The 10Q Detective has a Full Disclosure Policy.