Best Idea Vertex Pharma Outperforming in 2022

Image Shown: Shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc, an idea included in our Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio, have performed incredibly well year-to-date through October 2022. By Callum Turcan Through the end of normal trading hours on October 7, shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX) are up ~34% year-to-date on a price-only basis. We include shares of Vertex Pharma as an idea in the simulated Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio and remain huge fans of the name. Vertex Pharma’s commercialized drug portfolio consists of various treatments for cystic fibrosis (‘CF’) and the cash flows generated from sales of these therapeutics are used to invest in the biotech company’s robust drug development pipeline. Earnings and Guidance Update On August 4, Vertex Pharma reported second … Read more

Galapagos’ Filgotinib Scores Major Win for Gilead Sciences

Image source: Gilead second quarter earnings presentation Filgotinib posted stellar data in a recent phase 3 trial for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. In light of the data, we feel Galapagos and, by extension of their commercial partnership, Gilead Sciences possess a best in class molecule in immunology. By Alexander J. Poulos Key Takeaways Galapagos, which is ~15%-owned by Gilead Sciences, released stellar data of its lead compound Filgotinib.  Filgotinib again demonstrated a lack of clotting, which has torpedoed other competing promising molecules. In our opinion, Filgotinib is well on its way to a best in class profile which augurs well for Galapagos and its commercial partner Gilead Sciences. Though we continue to be cautious about any pharmaceutical/biotech idea, we … Read more