The HealthCare segment at Bayer (BAYRY) announced the commencement of the patient enrolment process for a phase III study (COAST; n~75) on Stivarga.
The study is evaluating Stivarga for the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) subsequent to curative resection of liver metastases and completion of all planned chemotherapy. Bayer will evaluate whether treatment with Stivarga increases disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The study will also assess the safety and tolerability of the drug.
We note that the drug is co-promoted by Bayer and Amgen Inc. (AMGN) in the U.S. Amgen receives royalty payments from Bayer on all global net sales of Stivarga as per the agreement. Stivarga is already approved for the gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GlST) and metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) indications in several countries. The drug contributed €51 million to the HealthCare segment’s revenues in the third quarter of 2013.
We are encouraged by Bayer’s progress with its newly launched products. These products are expected to drive growth at the HealthCare segment in the coming quarters. Bayer also had made significant progress with its pipeline.
Earlier in the week, the HealthCare segment at Bayer announced positive results from the PROTECT VIII (PROphylaxis in hemophilia A patienTs via directly pEgylated long-aCTing rFVIII) study on BAY94-9027. The study is evaluating the candidate for the treatment of patients suffering from severe hemophilia A.
Bayer stated that the study met its primary endpoint of protection from bleeds with fewer infusions. BAY94-9027 was also successful in treating acute and breakthrough bleeds with 91% cases resolved with one or two infusions. The candidate also proved to be safe during the study.
Bayer currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks include Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALXN) and Actelion Ltd. (ALIOF). While Alexion holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Actelion carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
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