Shire Launches Cuvitru In U.S. For Primary Immunodeficiency

Shire plc (NASDAQ:SHPG) announced the launch of Cuvitru in the U.S. Cuvitru, an immune globulin subcutaneous 20% solution, gained FDA approval for primary humoral immunodeficiency in adult and pediatric patients aged two years and older in Sep 2016.

According to the press release issued by Shire, primary immunodeficiencies comprise a group of more than 300 genetic disorders in which a portion of the body's immune system is missing or does not function properly. The disease is estimated to affect as many as six million children and adults across the world.

We note that commercial availability of Cuvitru has expanded Shire’s immunoglobulin product portfolio with intravenous, conventional and subcutaneous treatment options.

We remind investors that Cuvitru became part of Shire’s portfolio following its Jun 2016 merger with Baxalta.

In Europe, Cuvitru has gained a regulatory approval earlier this year. Shire expects to initiate additional regulatory submissions for the drug in other countries in late 2016 and 2017.

Shire currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).

SHIRE PLC-ADR Price

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Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked stocks in the healthcare sector include Incyte Corporation (NASDAQ:INCY) , Anika Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ANIK) and Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ:EXEL) . Anika sports a Zacks Rank #1 while Incyte and Exelixis carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Incyte’s earnings estimates increased from 20 cents to 68 cents for 2016 and from $1.42 to $1.69 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted a positive average beat of 431.43% over the last four quarters.

Anika’s earnings estimates increased from $1.96 to $2.06 for 2016 and from $2.03 to $2.09 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted a positive surprise in all of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 33.14%. Its share price has gained 17.1% year to date.

Exelixis’ loss estimates narrowed from 65 cents to 51 cents for 2016 and from 7 cents to earnings of 4 cents for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company posted a positive surprise thrice in the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 38.52%. Its share price has skyrocketed above 150% year to date.

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