Zacks Equity Research Analysts Weigh in on Trimeris, Pfizer, and Merck

Strategic Insights -

Trimeris, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRMS), Pfizer (NYSE: PFE), and Merck (NYSE: MRK) have been featured in the Zacks Analyst Blog, with Zacks Equity Research analysts providing their insights on the companies. The analysts have expressed concerns about Trimeris' future, citing the decline in U.S. sales of Fuzeon and the withdrawal of the sNDA for Biojector 2000. Meanwhile, Pfizer's Selzentry and Merck's Isentress are seen as major competitors in the market. The analysts maintain a Sell rating on Trimeris with a target price of $5.50.

Key Takeaways:

  • Trimeris' U.S. sales of Fuzeon have declined, and the company faces competition from Pfizer's Selzentry and Merck's Isentress.
  • The withdrawal of the sNDA for Biojector 2000 and the recent collaboration amendment with Roche are additional concerns for Trimeris.
  • Trimeris' future is uncertain due to the management changes announced in March 2007 and the company's lack of a clinical pipeline.
  • Pfizer's Selzentry has been approved in both the U.S. and European markets, while Merck's Isentress received FDA approval in October 2007.
  • The Zacks Rank portfolios have provided a 3:1 margin of outperformance compared to the market.
  • Trimeris has announced its strategy to focus on Fuzeon and the development of the next generation fusion inhibitor.
  • The company's management change in March 2007 and the collaboration amendment with Roche have raised concerns about the company's future.

Statistics:

  • Trimeris' U.S. sales of Fuzeon have declined.
  • Pfizer's Selzentry has been approved in both the U.S. and European markets.
  • Merck's Isentress received FDA approval in October 2007.
  • The Zacks Rank portfolios have provided a 3:1 margin of outperformance compared to the market.
  • The Zacks Rank portfolios were created at the beginning of each month from Jan 1988 forward.
  • The portfolios created monthly from 1988 through September 2006 exclude ADRS.
  • 2007 returns are for the period of Jan 1 - Jun 30, 2007.

Sources:

  • [Trimeris, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRMS)]
  • [Pfizer (NYSE: PFE)]
  • [Merck (NYSE: MRK)]
  • [Zacks.com]
  • [Zacks Equity Research]
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