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35900.0 | 2019-10-31 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Delivers Record Q3 Revenue, Fueled by Antipsychotic Drug Nuplazid | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-delivers-record-q3-revenue-fueled-by-antipsychotic-drug-nuplazid | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) has been a huge winner so far in 2019. The biotech's Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) medicine Nuplazid (pimavanserin) has picked up significant sales momentum, and it's reported some positive clinical results.
The company announced its third-quarter results after the market closed on Wednesday. And Acadia had even more good news. Here are the highlights from the drugmaker's Q3 update.
Image source: Getty Images.
By the numbers
Acadia reported that its revenue jumped 62% year over year in the third quarter to an all-time high of $94.6 million. This figure easily topped the Wall Street consensus revenue estimate of $88.5 million.
The company announced a net loss of $42 million, or $0.29 per share, based on generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This reflected an improvement from the GAAP net loss of $62.1 million, or $0.50 per share, recorded in the same period in 2018. It also came in better than the average analysts' net loss estimate of $0.40 per share.
Acadia ended the third quarter with cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $683.8 million. This represented an increase from the $473.5 million on hand as of Dec. 31, 2018.
Behind the numbers
Sales for Acadia's one approved drug, Nuplazid, continued to soar in the third quarter, generating all of the company's revenue. Acadia enjoyed a boost from a favorable Medicare accrual adjustment, which added $2.2 million to its Q3 net sales.
Thanks to the sizzling momentum for Nuplazid, Acadia's bottom line trended in the right direction despite another quarterly loss. The company's operating expenses increased as well. However, Acadia was able to keep its spending growth rate to around 17%, well below its revenue growth rate.
The drugmaker's significantly better cash position at the end of the third quarter stemmed mainly from a public stock offering completed in September that generated net proceeds of $271.5 million. Acadia also benefited from employee option exercises totaling $55.1 million.
In addition to its solid financial performance in Q3, Acadia has several key developments on other fronts, including:
Achieved the primary endpoint in Harmony phase 3 clinical study evaluating pimavanserin in dementia-related psychosis.
Presented positive initial data from a phase 2 study evaluating pimavanserin as a monotherapy or as an adjunct therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(SSRI) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) in treating depressive symptoms.
Kicked off the late-stage Lavendar clinical study evaluating trofinetide in treating Rett syndrome.
Looking ahead
After its strong performance in Q3, Acadia now anticipates full-year 2019 revenue will be between $330 million and $340 million. That's up from the company's previous guidance of full-year revenue between $320 million and $330 million.
Perhaps the most important thing for investors to watch is Acadia's progress in winning U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Nuplazid in treating dementia-related psychosis (DRP) after the stellar Harmony late-stage study results. Acadia CEO Steve Davis believes that Nuplazid "has the potential to be one of the first new treatments approved for people with dementia in over 15 years and the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for DRP."
However, biotech stocks tend to price in much of the potential for highly anticipated FDA approvals. That's the case with Acadia right now. This stock could move higher, though, and is one for investors to keep their eyes on.
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Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In addition to its solid financial performance in Q3, Acadia has several key developments on other fronts, including: Achieved the primary endpoint in Harmony phase 3 clinical study evaluating pimavanserin in dementia-related psychosis. Perhaps the most important thing for investors to watch is Acadia's progress in winning U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Nuplazid in treating dementia-related psychosis (DRP) after the stellar Harmony late-stage study results. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) has been a huge winner so far in 2019. | In addition to its solid financial performance in Q3, Acadia has several key developments on other fronts, including: Achieved the primary endpoint in Harmony phase 3 clinical study evaluating pimavanserin in dementia-related psychosis. Perhaps the most important thing for investors to watch is Acadia's progress in winning U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Nuplazid in treating dementia-related psychosis (DRP) after the stellar Harmony late-stage study results. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) has been a huge winner so far in 2019. | Looking ahead After its strong performance in Q3, Acadia now anticipates full-year 2019 revenue will be between $330 million and $340 million. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) has been a huge winner so far in 2019. | Perhaps the most important thing for investors to watch is Acadia's progress in winning U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for Nuplazid in treating dementia-related psychosis (DRP) after the stellar Harmony late-stage study results. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) has been a huge winner so far in 2019. And Acadia had even more good news. |
35901.0 | 2019-10-31 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Q3 2019 Earnings Call Transcript | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-q3-2019-earnings-call-transcript-2019-10-31 | nan | nan | Image source: The Motley Fool.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD)
Q3 2019 Earnings Call
Oct 30, 2019, 4:30 p.m. ET
Contents:
Prepared Remarks
Questions and Answers
Call Participants
Prepared Remarks:
Operator
Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals third-quarter 2019 financial results conference call. My name is Daniel, and I will be your coordinator for today. [Operator instructions] I would now like to turn the presentation over to Mark Johnson, vice president of investor relations at ACADIA. Please proceed.
Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations
Thank you, Daniel. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on today's call to discuss ACADIA's third-quarter 2019 financial results. Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will review our achievement this quarter; Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, who will provide updates on our commercial initiatives and plans; Serge Stankovic, our president, will discuss our pipeline progress; and Elena Ridloff, our chief financial officer, who will discuss our financial results, before turning it back over to Steve for his final remarks and the lead the call up for questions. I would also like to point out that we're using supplement slides which are available on the Events & Presentations section of our website.
Before we proceed, I would first like to remind you that during our call today, we'll be making a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including goals, expectations, plans, prospects, growth potential, timing of events or future results are based on current information, assumptions and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These factors and other risks associated with our business can be found in our filings made with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of today's date.
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I will now turn the call over to Steve Davis, our chief executive officer.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Mark. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. I am extremely pleased by the high quality of execution our team has delivered this quarter. In the past few months, our team has made great strides in helping us fulfill our promise to improve the lives of patients and caregivers with new and innovative medicines for neurological disorders.
Today, more people are receiving treatment with Nuplazid for their Parkinson's disease psychosis than ever before. The number of patients being treated continues to grow, as well as the number of physicians who are prescribing this important treatment option. The stories we hear from patients, caregivers and physicians are incredibly rewarding and reinforce our passion to continue to educate the community on PDP and the potential of Nuplazid. This unwavering commitment and execution from our team is reflected in our strong financial performance this quarter.
We delivered third-quarter net sales of $94.6 million, a 62% increase year over year. As a result, we raised our full-year 2019 net sales guidance to $330 million to $340 million. This represents a 50% increase year over year at the midpoint of the range. Over the past 12 months, our R&D team has reported significant and impactful results from a number of late-stage trials, helping us to more completely understand the potential clinical utilities of pimavanserin.
Based on the robustly positive Phase 3 HARMONY results, we believe that pimavanserin has the potential to be one of the first new treatments approved for people with dementia in over 15 years and the first-ever FDA-approved treatment for dementia-related psychosis. The positive results announced for dementia-related psychosis and depression in the third quarter have only increased our confidence that pimavanserin may become a very important new treatment option beyond PDP. In addition, we look forward to announcing results from the Phase 2 advanced study evaluating pimavanserin for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia this quarter. Finally, I'm very pleased to announce that we've initiated the pivotal Phase 3 LAVENDER study evaluating trofinetide as potential treatment for Rett syndrome.
Rett is a devastating neurological disease with no approved treatments. Trofinetide is a key new program helping us achieve our mission to new medicines to address significant unmet needs in CNS disorders. I'll now turn it over to Michael to discuss in greater detail our strong commercial performance.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Thank you, Steve, and good afternoon to everyone on the call. Please turn to Slide 7. This is an exciting time at ACADIA, and I'm proud to report that the commercial team's efforts led to net sales of $94.6 million, representing sequential volume growth of approximately 6% and year-over-year volume growth of approximately 38%. As shown on the graph on Slide 7, we have now delivered two strong quarters of revenue and volume growth, a direct result of the commercial initiatives we've been executing on.
I'm extremely proud that we have caught back up to the growth strategy we anticipated at launch. This is a testament to the benefits of Nuplazid, and we are confident in the future growth opportunity in PDP. Our focus on core commercial initiatives and strong execution in the third quarter expanded our reach, continuing to add new PD Psychosis patients starting on Nuplazid treatment. From a prescriber perspective, we saw an increase in demand from both new prescribers, as well as prescribers expanding use within their practice.
We continue to increase demand for Nuplazid in both specialty pharmacy and specialty distribution channels. And continuing from the second quarter, we again observed a high sustained rate of compliance and fulfillment for established patients in this quarter. We believe this is related to a better brand experience with a single 34-milligram capsule, compared to the previous dosing of two 17-milligram tablets. Turning to Slide 8.
We see continued opportunity to provide future growth of Nuplazid for patients with PD Psychosis. Currently, we're in the mid- to high-teens in terms of market penetration, which provides a lot of opportunity to continue to grow. Our growth strategies are focused on the high need for continued disease awareness and a dynamic patient population. The key element is to build on and gain market share improvement, educating physicians on the recently updated evidence-based guidelines from the Movement Disorder Society, recognizing Nuplazid as both efficacious and clinically useful for PDP; continuing to close the awareness gaps for PDP and Nuplazid with our integrated direct-to-consumer strategy, which includes digital trend and in-office assets, and our recently deployed television commercials.
Alongside these efforts, ACADIA is sponsoring the Michael J. Fox foundation, Parkinson's IQ + You education series, which recently held its first event. These events are designed to educate and empower patients with PD and their caregivers. We are dedicated to serving patients and educate healthcare practitioners about PD Psychosis and Nuplazid.
We look forward to building on our success and carrying this positive momentum into 2020. As Steve mentioned, we are very excited about the recent clinical results in the HARMONY study and a potential FDA approval for DRP. First, let's review the potential DRP opportunity on Slide 9. Of the approximately 2.4 million patients suffering from DRP in the United States, about half are being treated for it.
Roughly two-thirds of the patients receiving treatment are on off-label antipsychotics. As we contemplate the potential of becoming the first FDA-approved treatment for DRP and leveraging our learnings for the PDP launch, we believe it's critical to implement disease education and awareness efforts early in our prelaunch preparation. On Slide 10, we outlined some of our disease awareness and education initiatives already in place. We launched a new disease awareness and education microsite called MoreThanCognition.com, which is dedicated to educating healthcare professionals on the neurobiology and prevalence of the disease, symptoms, as well as providing background on the large unmet need.
In addition, we are sponsoring symposiums at major medical congresses. One recent example is the disease awareness symposium we sponsored in conjunction with Alzheimer's Association International Conference in July. This event provided an overview of DRP with a focus on the impact and consequences of the delusions and hallucinations. Joining the KOLs on the panel was a caregiver providing her experiences and difficulties caring for a loved one with DRP.
I'll now turn it over to Serge to provide R&D updates on our pipeline.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thank you, Michael. This quarter, our clinical development for pimavanserin took a major step forward. We reported positive results in the dementia-related psychosis pivotal HARMONY study. These results opened up a potentially significant opportunity for pimavanserin to address a large unmet need.
Slide 12 highlights all of our pipeline programs. In total, we have four programs in late-stage clinical development that could lead to potentially four new drug application over the next few years. Starting with DRP on Slide 13. There is no FDA-approved treatment for DRP.
In fact, there have been no treatments approved in the dementia space since 2003. Psychosis is among the major problems for dementia patients and their caregivers. Serious consequences have been associated with severe or persistent psychosis in patients with dementia such as repeated hospital admissions, increased likelihood of nursing home placement, progression of dementia and increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Turning to Slide 14.
We were very excited to announce last month that the Phase 3 HARMONY study was stopped for positive efficacy. The study achieved the primary endpoint with one-sided p-value less than 0.0033. We will be presenting additional top-line results from the HARMONY study during a late-breaking oral presentation at the Clinical Trials On Alzheimer's Disease meeting, or CTAD, on December 4. In addition, we plan to host an investor event with key opinion leaders and management to review and discuss these results following the data presentation.
Please turn to Slide 15. At our end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, we confirmed that statistically and clinically persuasive results from the Phase 3 HARMONY study would support supplemental NDA submission. In the first half of 2020, we plan to meet with the FDA to discuss our submission. For this SNDA, we plan to include not only our HARMONY study data, but also results from the two previous acute efficacy studies in Alzheimer disease psychosis and Parkinson's disease psychosis, and additional safety data from our completed placebo-controlled studies, as well as our ongoing placebo-controlled post-marketing commitment study in frail and elderly subjects.
Turning to our major depressive disorder or MDD program on Slide 16. There remains significant unmet need in depression, and based on the positive and robust study results from our Phase 2 CLARITY study, we believe pimavanserin may represent an important new adjunctive therapy for patients struggling with MDD who have an inadequate response to their SSRI or SNRI therapy. Slide 17 highlights important recent presentations and publication from our depression program. Our positive Phase 2 CLARITY results were recently published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
Second, we presented additional positive data from the CLARITY study at the 2019 Psychiatry Congress, which showed that pimavanserin significantly improved symptoms of sexual dysfunction when compared to placebo in patients taking SSRI or SNRI therapy for major depressive disorder. And third, we presented positive exploratory data with pimavanserin at the 2019 Movement Disorder Society Congress, showing improvement of depressive symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients struggling with depression. In this open-label study, we observed the response rate of 60% and remission rate of 44%. Turning to Slide 18.
Our U.S. Phase 3 study, CLARITY-2, continues to enroll well, as does our international Phase 3 study, CLARITY-3, which started more recently. If we are successful, our Phase 2 CLARITY study, combined with at least one of the Phase 3 trials, would be the basis of a supplemental NDA submission for MDD indication. Turning to our schizophrenia program on Slide 19.
There are no FDA-approved drugs specifically indicated for the treatment of negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Currently available antipsychotics treat primarily positive symptoms. On Slide 20, we have a high-level illustration of the ADVANCE study. This is a 26-week Phase 2 study evaluating pimavanserin as a treatment for schizophrenia patients with predominant negative symptoms while controlling for their positive symptoms on a stable antipsychotic background therapy.
The primary endpoint is the change from baseline on the negative symptom assessment 16-item scale. We have fully enrolled the ADVANCE study and expect to announce results before the end of the year. We are also excited about our trofinetide program for Rett syndrome starting on Slide 21. Rett syndrome is a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs predominantly in females following apparently normal development for the first six to 18 months of life.
Currently, there are no approved medicines for this rare disease. Today, we announced that we have initiated LAVENDER, our pivotal Phase 3 study for trofinetide in Rett syndrome. This 12-week study will evaluate approximately 180 female patients with Rett syndrome, age five to 20. There are co-primary endpoints for this study: the Rett syndrome behavior questionnaire; a caregiver assessment; and the Clinical Global Impression scale for improvement, a physician assessment.
Both of these endpoints were positive in the previous Phase 2 study. Based on the end of Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, positive results from LAVENDER and the extension study will be the basis of the NDA submission. Slide 23 highlights our clinical milestones for the year. We have made an excellent progress.
For the remainder of the year, we look forward to presenting top-line results from the Phase 3 HARMONY at CTAD, as well as announcing results improve our Phase 2 ADVANCE study later this year. I'll now turn the call over to Elena to discuss our financial performance.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Thank you, Serge. Today, I'll discuss our third-quarter 2019 results and our updated 2019 financial outlook. Please turn to Slide 25. In the third quarter of 2019, we reported $94.6 million in net sales, an increase of approximately 62%, compared to the $58.3 million of net sales in the third quarter of 2018.
This is driven by approximately 38% volume growth year over year in Q3. Gross to net in Q3 was 11% as compared to approximately 13% in Q3 of 2018. The improvement in gross to net was primarily due to an adjustment for change in estimate of our Medicare accrual for the first half of 2019, resulting in increasing net sales by approximately $2.2 million in the third quarter. Excluding this benefit to net sales, Q3 gross to net would have been approximately 13%.
Recent inventory in the channel at the end of the third quarter were consistent with previous quarters. Moving down the P&L. GAAP R&D expenses increased to $62.6 million in Q3 2019 from $53.1 million in Q3 2018. The increase was primarily due to development costs for trofinetide and additional clinical study costs for pimavanserin.
GAAP SG&A expenses the increased to $72.7 million in Q3 2019 from $61.1 million in the third quarter of last year. This increase was largely due to higher direct-to-consumer advertising expense, charitable contribution and personnel costs. Noncash stock-based compensation expense during the quarter was $22 millio, compared to $20.2 million in the same period in 2018. Cash used in operations during the quarter was $18.9 million, compared to $42.3 million for the third quarter of 2018.
The end of the quarter was $683.8 million in cash and investments on our balance sheet, compared to $473.5 million at year-end 2018. This increase reflects our successful equity offering with net proceeds of $271.5 million, and proceeds from employee option exercises of $55.1 million. Please turn to our 2019 guidance on Slide 26. We are increasing our net sales guidance to be between $330 million and $340 million from the previous range of $320 million to $330 million.
As the midpoint of this new guidance range, this represents approximately 50% growth in revenue year over year and approximately 32% volume growth year over year. The midpoint also represents a similar sequential volume growth in Q4 as we observed in Q3. Given the favorable gross to net year to date, we now anticipate the full-year gross to net to be in a range of 15% to 16% versus prior expectations of 17% to 18%. This favorability is due to changes in payer mix and a greater proportion of bottles from continuing patients as a result of the higher compliance and fulfillment rates we're observing.
For Q4, we forecast gross to net to be in the mid-teens. As a reminder, gross to net in the fourth quarter is typically higher than Q3 as a result of accruing for the donut hole obligation associated with year-end inventory in the channel. Turning to expenses, we now forecast GAAP R&D expense to be between $240 million and $250 million, from the previous range of $250 million to $265 million. The decrease is related to savings associated with the early stopping of the HARMONY trial for positive efficacy and timing of MDD in trofinetide clinical study cost.
We now forecast GAAP SG&A expense to be between $315 million and $325 million, from the previous range of $300 million to $315 million. The increase is related to accelerating investments in preparation of a potential DRP launch. We continue to expect noncash stock-based compensation expense to be between $80 million and $90 million. Inclusive of our 2019 equity offering, we ended Q3 with approximately 153.5 million shares outstanding.
And with that, I'll turn the call back over to Steve.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Elena. Please turn to Slide 28. We're very pleased with our strong quarterly financial performance and outlook for the remainder of the year. We're also very excited and motivated by the positive clinical results we announced this past quarter and the future potential of our development pipeline.
Please turn to Slide 29. Looking ahead, we will continue to execute on all three of our strategic pillars: Grow the sales of Nuplazid in PDP; leverage the potential of our pipeline programs; and expand our pipeline through focused business development. I'd like thank our employees whose dedication and hard work are driving our company's continued success and execution of our three-pillar strategy. I'll now open the call up for questions.
Operator?
Questions & Answers:
Operator
[Operator instructions] Your first question comes from Ritu Baral with Cowen. Your line is now open.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Hey, guys. Thanks for taking the question. My question's on the DRP commercial opportunity. As you have indicated to ramping up SG&A, how is your, I guess, your commercial efforts going to change specifically? Is there more call points? Are there different types of call points that you're already teeing up with the sales force? Are you anticipating expansion? And further, just as you think of how the label will translate into the commercial opportunity, how do you think you'll reconcile the Alzheimer's mortality black box with the indication that you'll be going after with DRP?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thanks for the question, Ritu. I think there's two parts to that question. I'm going to ask Michael to answer the first part. And Serge, after Michael's done, if you could answer the second part.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Great, yes. Thanks for the question. We're very excited about the potential of A DRP indication, and it represents a very large opportunity. I think it's important to understand that we'll be able to leverage our existing approach with PDP, and that is to say that we currently call on neurology, psychiatry and long-term care, and all of those are important channels and call points for us for DRP.
However, as you could expect, the number of targets and the number of patients are substantially larger, which makes it a very exciting opportunity. So in terms of the approach and the planning for our commercial buildout, it's obvious that we will need to build out and expand our footprint. And you could expect a kind of a standard approach appropriate size CNS specialty sales force and field force to just to give you some grounding on that, the benchmarks. And when you look at others CNS specialty field forces, you're typically in the range of about 400 to 500 people.
So that would be the expansion kind of framework that we're looking to kind of optimize as we look into DRP.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Thanks, Michael. Serge?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Ritu, we -- in the context of our application, we intend to discuss with the FDA the existing class box warning as it relates to our targeting DRP indication, and in context, obviously, of the extensive clinical trial safety data with pimavanserin, as well as post-marketing experience with pimavanserin. Just as to remind you in the wording of the box -- class warning, there is a DRP mentioned. So we will obviously -- we feel very comfortable and confident with the safety data and risk benefit based on the number of placebo-controlled trial, as well as our post-marketing safety trials, to be able to provide sufficient information for FDA to evaluate potential modification or even removal of the box.
But obviously, we cannot make any assumptions in that respect until we get to those discussion and the process.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Thanks, guys.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Cory Kasimov with JP Morgan. Your line is now open.
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
Good afternoon, guys. Thanks for taking my question. So I guess, look, acknowledging upfront, this is all very recent. But in a month or so since you've had the DRP top-line results, I'm curious whether you've seen any noticeable shift in physician desire or intent to prescribe for PDP.
In other words, how much do the top-line data sort of validate the product, if at all, in the eyes of physicians? Or do you think you need CTAD or even the actual approval label to kind of take that to the next level?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thanks for the question, Cory. Michael, you want to take that?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yes. Thanks, Cory. I think it's worth noting that we don't communicate in a commercial field, anything to do with the DRP results. So any acknowledge that a physician or customer would have, would have to be on their own through the media and other awareness avenues.
And as such, we don't -- I don't think it's a thing that the physicians bring up to us in the field. So I think as the data unfolds and more is known about that that may be something that has a positive halo on the brand in total. But in terms of our current PDP approach, it's all basically what we're communicating with the physician within the existing label and the risk benefits that we communicate with the physicians.
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
OK. Thank you.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Marc Goodman with SVB Leerink. Your line is now open.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Yes. Two things. One is, can you give us a sense of coverage at all? If there's any changes? Any contract? Anything that's going on that we just need to be thinking about from a managed care perspective that would impact the gross to net as we move into next year? How you're thinking about that. And then second of all, just give us a sense of the spend on DTC and how that's evolved? I know we're in our, I guess, you want to call it a second program.
Is this a higher level of DTC than what was before on a quarterly basis? Just trying to get a sense of that, and if you're committed to that throughout 2020. And just to confirm, you were saying that you're going to add an additional 400 to 500 reps on top of the reps you already have today.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Marc, let me just clarify the last one, and then I'm going to ask Elena to take other two questions. No, that's not what Michael was saying. When you look at other sales forces of similar nature, they usually are a total of about 500.
So we're just trying to give you, I guess, a little bit of directional guidance there in terms of how we're thinking about the --
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Just wanted to make sure. Thank you.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes, yes. No, thanks for asking. Elena, you want to take the other two questions?
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Sure. So on your first question with regards to coverage and gross to net. We have broad and very good coverage for Nuplazid in PDP, and that has been consistent over time. With regards to gross to net and looking into next year, as I mentioned, there's two variables that have benefited gross to net.
One being the payer mix shift where we've seen a reduction in the proportion of patients who are on Medicare and eligible and subject to the donut hole. That's been a recent shift, so it would be premature to comment at this point if that will be sustained long term. The second element is we've seen continued growth in the base of established patients. We continue to grow new patients as well.
But the proportion of established patients grow, that is a benefit to gross to net and should be sustained. One point, I would just mention though is when we get to additional indication, they are in the payer mix and the proportion of new patients versus continuing patients will pay an important role. With regard to DTC spend, we don't break that out specifically. We've had an effort this year, which has been supported by a very positive ROI, and so we will continue to assess those investments and invest appropriately in DTC, but we haven't broken out the specific dollars.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
You don't have to break out the dollars. I was just asking for a sense of -- is the number going up as the year progress? Are we assuming -- should we assume into 2020, we're also going to have the same level?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Marc, this is Steve. I think as is typically the case with any DTC campaign, we have a number of components that we -- that make up the entire program. The television portion is just one of those components. In the television portion, it would be uncommon for a company to run that 24/7 year-round.
And so on the television portion of it, which I think is where you're really trying to get at, we try to make strategic investments to produce a very nice ROI. And so far, we're very happy with the results. But it's -- I don't think we can draw a frontline for you to give you crisp guidance on what to expect quarter to quarter because it really depends on what we're seeing in the field.
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
OK. Thanks.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Tazeen Ahmad with Bank of America. Your line is now open.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Hi. Good afternoon. Thanks for taking my question. This is either for Serge or for Steve.
We're looking forward to seeing your data set presented at CTAD on the 4th of December. And ahead of that, I'm just wondering if you could give us an idea, of what additional details from the study you plan on showing? So should we expect to see a breakout of the different subsets of patients that were studied as part of the DRP indication? And I guess related to that, is your expectation that you would get a label just simply saying DRP? Or would it be specific to maybe the subgroups that seem to be most responsive, if there were subgroups that were more responsive than others?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Thanks for the question, Tazeen. It's a two-part question, Serge, and we're going to let you take both of them.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes, sure. Let me first tackle the -- what data we will plan to present at CTAD. We will be sharing all material top-line results from the study, meaning efficacy data from the open-label portion of the trial, primary and key secondary endpoint details in the trial, particularly obviously, in the randomized withdrawal portion, as well as overall safety data. So as part of that to -- specifically to your question, we will be presenting the data related to different subtypes of dementia as well. To your second question, all discussions that we had with the FDA and our initial intention were related to us pursuing indication of the treatment of hallucinations and delusions in dementia-related psychosis.
So yes, indeed, that is what we are pursuing, and that is what we had discussed with the FDA.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
OK. Perfect. Thanks for that.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Salveen Richter with Goldman Sachs. Your line is now open.
Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Great. Thanks for taking our questions. This is Andrea on for Salveen. Maybe our first one.
While it is still early days for your second DTC campaign, are you seeing any trends or similarities to the first one? And in particular, if you expect a similar benefit for your long-term care. I think you mentioned that was a bit unexpected from the first one.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Thanks, Andrea. Michael, you want to take that?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yes, thanks. Thanks for the question. So on the current campaign, we are seeing very strong and similar set of early indicators, specifically website traffic, expressions of interest and physician enthusiasm from what we hear from the patients in the offices. A little early yet to talk about LTC just yet.
So we haven't had enough time to kind of -- to see that yet, if that's a replicant benefit yet. So I can't comment just yet on the long-term care models.
Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Got it. And then maybe just one more question on the prior Phase 3 ENHANCE study. Just if have any color that could provide additional clarity on whether you've looked at that post-hoc analysis yet, and if you see a potential correlation between your negative symptom patients and the study responders there?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, you want to take that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes, of course. We, of course, have been looking at analyzing data to -- and conducting a number of post-hoc analysis. As we previously reported, we did see better efficacy outcomes on the negative symptom scale and in the patients that have this more prominent negative symptoms. However, it is very difficult to make any correlation to our ADVANCE study because there are substantive differences in this patient population, that's number one.
In ENHANCE study, we have people that have positive symptoms and moderate-to-severe positive symptoms, while in our ADVANCE study, in the negative symptom study, those positive symptoms are controlled with their current antipsychotic medications. So from that perspective, these are two different population. Another element in interpreting and reading through the data from ENHANCE to ADVANCE is that ENHANCE is a six-week study while ADVANCE is a six-month study. So duration of treatment plays an important role here.
So in short, I would say while we -- what we see in terms of the response on negative subscale in ENHANCE study, we find that encouraging, we certainly are not reading through from those data to our ADVANCE study.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Charles Duncan with Cantor Fitzgerald. Your line is now open.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Thanks, guys, for taking the questions, and congrats on a good quarter. Congrats on a good quarter. I wanted to ask a quick question of -- Michael, appreciate the mid-teens penetration rate within patients. But I'm wondering if you could characterize or provide any color on breadth versus depth in terms of prescribers.
And then I had a quick follow-up for Serge.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Sure. Thanks, Charles, for the question. So obviously, at this juncture, we're focused on both. We have a good cohort of physicians that have what I would call [Inaudible] product robustly, and we would want to try and drive greater depth with them.
But we're also trying to drive or build greater loyalty among the broader set of physicians that we have. So I think we're focused on both. But I think a big focus in the coming quarters will be to drive more physicians with a deeper loyalty. We've acquired a lot of new physicians recently as a result of DTC and the new data that -- the information we have with the guidelines, I think there's an opportunity to broaden or enhance, build more depth with our physician base.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
OK. That's helpful. And quickly for Serge, the Phase 2 ADVANCE study yet to read out this year. I'm wondering, as you look at NSA-16, if you could provide a little bit of thought on the hurdle for clinical value that you'd like to see? And then you're probably tracking on a blinded basis, the dropout rate.
And is that consistent with your expectations, better, or worse, than when you designed the study?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Let me take the second question first and then I'll go to the first one, Charles. And thanks for the question. We continue to see quite a good retention rate in the ADVANCE trial even if this trial is six months long. So in terms of the lower dropout rates that we saw in the ENHANCE trial continue for us, continue in this longer trial.
Usually, in schizophrenia trials, over the half year duration of trial, you tend to lose quite a bit of the patients in 40% to 50%. And we are not seeing those attrition rates, which is very good for -- in terms of preserving the power in the trial. So we are very pleased with that trend and continue the overall trend of quite a good retention that we see with pimavanserin across clinical trials. Now in regard to what -- clinical meaningfulness of the results. We obviously, first, let me just remind everybody, there is nothing approved for treatment of negative symptoms in schizophrenia.
And there are not very many successful studies in negative symptoms of schizophrenia, so -- to be able to draw some historical precedents from that. We will be looking for the results that are statistically significant and meaningful in terms of the percent reduction on the NSA, on the primary endpoint scale, as well as the consistency across different scale. And based on that, we will be evaluating the overall consistency of response in the benefit/risk assessment.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Paul Matteis with Stifel. Your line is now open.
Unknown speaker
This is Alex on for Paul. Just one from us today. Could you remind us how you're thinking about pricing as you think about the potential expansion from PDP to DRP and even beyond toward depression, schizophrenia?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Thanks so much for the question. Michael?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yes, thanks. Thanks for the question. I think it's a little too early to talk about our approach for the payers. We don't have the entire DRP data package just yet.
But as we've discussed, and Serge outlined, there's a significant unmet need. I'm speaking specifically of DRP since that's the next indication we'll have potentially conversations with the payers for. I think it's important to note that today, as Elena outlined, we already enjoy very broad access and coverage with PDP. The type of patient that is in DRP is very similar in that perspective to PDP.
And I think it's important to note that a significant delay in relapses of psychosis is a very significant outcome, and there is evidence that show that patients with dementia-related psychosis are 2 times more likely to progress to severe dementia. They have a 1.5 times more higher mortality rate. And there's a significant unmet -- significant burden, caregiver burden, and a large part of that is to do to unresolved or relapsing psychosis. So we'll make that argument, I think, to the payers.
I think it will be persuasive. And in terms of the value proposition, we'll wait for the data to see how we can position that with the payers.
Unknown speaker
Great. Thanks.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Jason Butler with JMP Securities. Your line is now open.
Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
It's Roy for Jason. Thanks for taking our question. Just a quick one. The Phase 3 for trofinetide, how many sites are you guys planning, and how quickly do you think you might enroll that trial?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you [Inaudible] question, Serge?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. In that trial, we plan to enroll about 180 girls. So the number of sites is correspondent to that, and it's not much bigger than what was done in the Phase 2 trial. We plan initially to have about 16 sites or thereabout, and we will be evaluating as we move forward in terms of the number of sites.
But that's where we see it. In terms of the recruitment period, obviously, we will be assessing the base of recruitment as we progress in the trial. We just initiated the trial. But initially, we anticipated it may take between 12 and 18 months to complete enrollment in the trial.
Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
OK. Thank you.
Operator
Thank you. And our next question comes from Danielle Brill from Piper Jaffray. Your line is now open.
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Hi, guys. Thanks for the question. You said you've caught back up to the growth trajectory you expected at launch. So I'm curious, is growth now more balanced across channels? And what was the sequential volume growth in 3Q? And then quickly on DRP, I see you're sponsoring quite a few disease awareness initiatives and engaging with KOLs.
Curious what their initial feedback has been, particularly pertaining to the relapse prevention study design.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael? Do you want to take that?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Right. So as we outlined on that graph, you can see the revenues as we are contacting the last couple of quarters where we kind of got back to that same curve that we established early in the launch. We think that's a great reflection, as I mentioned, to the benefit that Nuplazid brings to patients, and a response to the kind of messages both that we and the FDA have given to consumers and physicians on confidence in Nuplazid. We had 38% volume growth, so that it gives you context to what we saw in the third quarter.
And I think we are, again, I've said, in the mid- to high teens in terms of penetration, so we have a lot of opportunity to grow the brand.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Just to add, I think [Inaudible] sequential volume growth, which was 6% in the quarter. And we did see growth in both channels, the SP and SD channel.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
And then, Danielle, as to your second question regarding DRP and the medical education work we're doing there, just to be completely clear, of course, we're only approved an Parkinson's disease psychosis today, so that's the only thing that the commercial organization is engaged on. And having said that, our medical affairs group and broader organization is doing a fair amount of work already on medical education for DRP. That's really important work to do. There's a significant opportunity there and a significant gap that we need to fill, so we're beginning to lay that foundation today.
I would just simply say that the interactions that we've had very much support our view that we think there's a very significant unmet need and a great opportunity if we're successful in getting approval in DRP.
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Thank you.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Alan Carr with Needham. Your line is now open.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Hi, Thanks for taking my questions. I guess to follow-up on Danielle's. You mentioned that there was growth in both those channels, but is one growing any more faster -- or growing any more than the other? And then a couple other questions around how traditional antipsychotics are being used in DRP. Can you -- in off-label use.
Can you tell us a little bit about that, how they're being used? Is it more intermittent? Or is their compliance any better? That sort of thing versus on-label uses like in schizophrenia? And then do you have any more resolution on NDA submission timing for DRP or for the Phase 3 CLARITY trials?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Great. So Alan, thanks for the question. On the channel question, we saw growth both in the SD and SP channels. They're both growing consistent with our expectations.
So not really seeing any dramatic shifts or deltas between one versus the other. So I think that's a good thing for the total franchise. In regards -- I think your question was how does the market currently treat DRP with off-label psychotics, and I think we elucidated that a little bit more going forward. But just quantitative or qualitatively, the challenge is that there is different channels and different prescribers that have different behaviors.
And so the neurologists do things a little differently than the psychiatrists, and they do things a little differently than they do in long-term care. So each channel and each kind of specialty has their own kind of a flavor. But in general, I think one thing I just want to say for all of them, the off-label antipsychotic presents a therapeutic challenge for physicians because they carry compromises so they're trying to fix the psychosis, but there are also warnings against using them in the LOV patients for a wide variety of reasons. So we think that the promise of Nuplazid in that opportunity is a more precise targeting in terms of its neurobiology effects will be a benefit to physicians and allows them to treat them without that compromise.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
And Alan gave a question on submission. Serge, do you want to take that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Absolutely. Let me start with the DRP. As we mentioned earlier, we plan to meet with the FDA in the first half of 2020 to discuss the format and context of our supplemental NDA submission.
And once we have that under our belt, we will be in a position to more precisely guide on the timing of submission, because there are certain dependency in that respect. But that's where we stand right now. In regard to depression. As you know, we initiated our Phase 3 program.
U.S. study started I believe some time in May, and international study started some time in August. We currently guide that it will take approximately around two years to complete enrollment and get the top-line results of this study. And obviously, once we have a little bit more time with recruitment, we will be able, some time in the beginning of next year or first half of next year, to guide more precisely on the timing of completion of these studies, as well as the timing of supplemental NDA submission.
I do want to say that recruitment is going very well and we are quite pleased how it is going. But it's to develop some more trends -- more trends with more confidence, we would like to put a few months under our belt again.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
With respect to the SNDA, it sounds like it's possible that it might be in 2H '20?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Which one are you referring to?
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
The SNDA for DRP. It sounds like it's being open to the whole year.
Serge Stankovic -- President
At this point, like I said, it's hard to say. But we're -- we will be able, later in the 2020, in the first half after the meeting, to be more precise about that.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
All right. Thanks for taking my questions.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Beau Miller with RBC Capital Markets. Your line is now open.
Beau Miller -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Hey, everyone. Thanks for taking my questions. I have one quick one on the CTAD data, and then one on LAVENDER. I guess first on CTAD.
When you speak about some of the secondary measures you're going to be presenting, I guess, how important is showing efficacy on those, like agitation and caregiver burden, in contextualizing the value proposition and potential commercial opportunity?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Thanks for the question, Beau. Serge, I'm going to let you speak to this, if you don't mind.
Serge Stankovic -- President
No, absolutely. Well, first of all, let me just make sure that we don't have a misunderstanding. In our DRP study, we did not measure agitation. The outcomes are measured on the hallucinations and delusions.
So in terms of secondary outcome measure, I would say the most important outcome, and if you will, is the -- in this study will be a hazard ratio, because that directly tells us how much treatment with pimavanserin reduces probability that somebody will experience exacerbation of psychotic symptoms. Let's say, if a drug, its hazard ratio is 0.55, that means that taking the drug, you would reduce the chances of experiencing psychotic symptoms for about 45% and so on. In addition to that, obviously, we will be measuring the severity of symptoms in the course, both at the open-label study, as well as -- open-label portion of the study, as well as randomized withdrawal portion of the study. And severity of overall hallucinations and delusions, as well as other indicators of sleep, quality of life, would be information that is -- will be valuable to both patients and prescribers.
Beau Miller -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
OK. That's really helpful.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Beau, I'm sorry -- Beau, I'm sorry, just to follow-up on the second part of your question a little bit. You're asking the importance of education or caregiver burden in the context of how meaningful this would be to physicians. And just to be clear, the work that we've done -- and we've done a lot of market research, to really clearly understand the need in the medical community. And it's very clear from that market research, psychosis is a significant issue that impacts these patients in a very profound way.
And so -- and much like PDP, many of these patients are cared for by a spouse or a family member, and so it creates a very significant burden on them as well. So we're very confident with -- based upon the results that we've seen in our Phase 3 program, that pimavanserin can have a very significant impact on them. And the -- and can be an important tool in addressing that very significant unmet need. Agitation is a different dynamic that these patients deal with.
And of course, as Serge described, we're not seeking an indication in agitation. However, what we have seen is when -- and based on the clinical trials that we've done, is when we resolve agitation in a dementia patient -- excuse me, when we resolve psychosis in a dementia patient, we also possibly affect agitation there. So it's long-winded way of saying we're very excited about the profile that we're seeing and the ability to address what we think is a very significant unmet need.
Beau Miller -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
OK, yes. And then, I guess, quickly on trofinetide. Can you just remind us of the co-primary endpoints and whether or not both of those are required for approval? Or how the statistical hierarchy works there? And I guess, overall, how do you kind of plan to manage the patient heterogeneity in this population just given it encompasses five year olds to 20 year olds, and it can be quite variable inter-patient?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. The first part, we have a co-primary endpoints. One is Rett Syndrome Behaviour Questionnaire, which is a caregiver assessment. And then the second is Clinical Global Impression of Improvement, which is a physician assessment.
So we need to win on both in order for our trial to be positive as being a co-primary measure. To your second part of your question in terms of heterogeneity, both measures, I mean, Rett Syndrome Behavioral Questionnaire, is a fairly broad assessment of the variety of symptoms that occur within the Rett syndrome. So it's a -- it capture -- because there are certainly a number of individual differences in each particular patient. This scale capture a fairly wide range of these symptoms and it will be able to assess patients on the individual basis, vis-a-vis their baseline.
Similarly with Clinical Global Impression, obviously, it's a physician assessment of the totality of symptoms. So we believe that with those two scales, we will be able to account for the variability of symptom, inter-subject variability, so to speak, measuring individual changes on the patients.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Sumant Kulkarni from Canaccord. Your line is open.
Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst
Thanks for taking my questions. I have two quick ones. So as you're almost exactly six months out from first generics potentially filing Paragraph IV challenges on Nuplazid, what life cycle management plans, if any, are you contemplating on the product? And secondly, given no products have been approved yet for negative symptoms of schizophrenia, what have you said about the potential for the ADVANCE trial is positive to be considered sufficient to support an SNDA filing in that indication?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, did you hear those questions?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Yes.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
OK, great. You go ahead.
Serge Stankovic -- President
OK. Let me start with the second part of the question related to negative symptoms. Where we are right now, obviously, we are looking at a number -- a variety of scenarios depending on what outcome of our ADVANCE trial will be. Regulatory requirements for approval in schizophrenia in different indication, including negative symptoms schizophrenia, has been two well-controlled trials.
Obviously, based on the data that we see and the strength of the data that we see in our ADVANCE trial, we will evaluate what's the best regulatory pathway for us and approach FDA to discuss those. So at this point, we are not commenting further on that. There are precedents for a single study approval, obviously, in a variety of indications, but regulatory requirement, as I said, is two well-controlled trial. And once we have the data, top-line results and evaluate our data, we will formulate our regulatory pathway and approach FDA to discuss that.
In terms of the life cycle and pimavanserin exclusivity, we have obviously -- throughout development process of pimavanserin, we have been defining variety of life cycle opportunities. And as we accumulate data and as we accumulate knowledge about pimavanserin, we have been building our estate in that respect. So that's -- at this point, that's as far as I can comment on that.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
And just to add to that, the composition of matter coverage with Hatch-Waxman exclusivity -- Hatch-Waxman extension and pediatric exclusivity, we expect pimavanserin to be covered into 2030.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
We always say when this topic comes up that there's no litigation in the industry that doesn't involve us that could have the potential of moving it back to as early as first half of 2028. But the Hatch-Waxman extension we have on composition matter takes it to 2030. And then we have other patents that Serge was alluding to regarding utility, in certain cases, formulations, etc., that go well beyond 2030.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question comes from Jay Olson with Oppenheimer. Your line is now open.
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst
Oh, hey. Congrats on the quarter, and thanks for taking my questions. I had two quick ones. My first question is about the DRP patient segments that you described.
Can you compare the opportunity to switch DR patients from -- I'm sorry, switch DRP patients from atypical antipsychotics to Nuplazid versus capturing some of the 1.2 million DRP patients who are currently untreated? And then my second question is a financial question with regards to capital allocation priorities and whether or not you're actively considering any new business development opportunities.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael, I'll ask you to take the first part. I'll take the second.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Right, good. Great question. So with regards to the untreated population, there could be a wide variety of reasons why folks are untreated. It could be lack of awareness.
We see that a lot with PDP, and I would expect the same to be somewhat -- somewhat the same in DRP. So our efforts there, I think, could grow, if you will, the treated population. So penetrating the untreated population. And those will be kind of, I'd say, therapeutically naïve patients.
In regards to the antipsychotics that are being used off label, as I mentioned earlier, these are patients where physicians are making compromises in some respect because of the nature of the disease and then the data and the side effects that potentially could be occurring with the off-label antipsychotic. So I think the data that we will generate and the label that will be granted if we get it from the FDA will be powerful, educational opportunities for us to change and shift that behavior. And I would expect us to win both new patient and switch patients in the future with that data.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Thanks, Michael. And in terms of the second part of your question, business development is one of our three strategic pillars, and we've publicly discussed for some time our focus on building our pipeline through focused transactions. An example of that is our deal to acquire to North American rights to trofinetide, and we're beginning to see some of the fruits of that as we commence our Phase III program there.
That kind of deal is an ideal strategic fit for us. It leverages both our development and commercial capabilities. So we'll continue to pursue those kinds of opportunities as we progress.
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst
Great. Thank you very much.
Operator
Mr. Davis, please proceed to closing remarks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, operator. And thanks to everyone for your time and questions. We look forward to updating you on our progress.
Operator
[Operator signoff]
Duration: 68 minutes
Call participants:
Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Serge Stankovic -- President
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Unknown speaker
Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Beau Miller -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst
Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst
Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst
More ACAD analysis
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q3 2019 Earnings Call Oct 30, 2019, 4:30 p.m. Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals third-quarter 2019 financial results conference call. [Operator instructions] I would now like to turn the presentation over to Mark Johnson, vice president of investor relations at ACADIA. | Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will review our achievement this quarter; Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, who will provide updates on our commercial initiatives and plans; Serge Stankovic, our president, will discuss our pipeline progress; and Elena Ridloff, our chief financial officer, who will discuss our financial results, before turning it back over to Steve for his final remarks and the lead the call up for questions. Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 68 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Unknown speaker Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Beau Miller -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q3 2019 Earnings Call Oct 30, 2019, 4:30 p.m. | Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will review our achievement this quarter; Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, who will provide updates on our commercial initiatives and plans; Serge Stankovic, our president, will discuss our pipeline progress; and Elena Ridloff, our chief financial officer, who will discuss our financial results, before turning it back over to Steve for his final remarks and the lead the call up for questions. Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 68 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Unknown speaker Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Beau Miller -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q3 2019 Earnings Call Oct 30, 2019, 4:30 p.m. | Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will review our achievement this quarter; Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, who will provide updates on our commercial initiatives and plans; Serge Stankovic, our president, will discuss our pipeline progress; and Elena Ridloff, our chief financial officer, who will discuss our financial results, before turning it back over to Steve for his final remarks and the lead the call up for questions. Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 68 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- SVB Leerink -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Andrea Tan -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Unknown speaker Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Beau Miller -- RBC Capital Markets -- Analyst Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst Jay Olson -- Oppenheimer and Company -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q3 2019 Earnings Call Oct 30, 2019, 4:30 p.m. |
35902.0 | 2019-10-31 00:00:00 UTC | Is Acadia Pharmaceuticals Stock Now a Buy? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-acadia-pharmaceuticals-stock-now-a-buy-2019-10-31 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), a mid-cap biopharma, reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings after the closing bell yesterday. Specifically, the company topped FactSet's Q3 consensus estimate for quarterly revenue ($94.6 million vs. $88.5 million), and it also posted a considerably lower net loss per share (-$0.29 vs. -$0.40).
Even so, the biopharma's stellar Q3 numbers failed to excite investors. Acadia's shares, in fact, dipped by a modest 0.46% in after-hours trading yesterday immediately following this earnings release. Should investors change their tune toward Acadia's stock after this standout quarter, or is yesterday's muted reaction appropriate in light of the company's near-term outlook? Let's dig deeper to find out.
Image source: Getty Images.
The high and low lights from Acadia's Q3 report
On the positive side of the ledger, there's now no doubt about the tremendous commercial potential in regards to the company's Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) medicine Nuplazid. Over the course of the third quarter, Nuplazid raked in an astounding $94.6 million, representing a 62% rise in sales compared to the same period a year ago. That's a stellar quarterly haul for a non-oncology or rare disease asset.
Next up, Acadia's management highlighted Nuplazid's recent late-stage hit as a potential treatment for dementia-related psychosis during yesterday's conference call. The most important development of note is the company's plan to sit down with the FDA in the first half of 2020 to discuss a regulatory pathway for Nuplazid in dementia-related psychosis. While estimates vary, most industry insiders think this second indication has the potential to push Nuplazid into blockbuster sales territory perhaps toward the middle of the next decade.
Another bright spot is Acadia's financial position. Thanks to a hefty capital raise, the company exited the third quarter with $683.8 million in cash and investments. That amount should be sufficient to see Acadia through its remaining years as a cash flow negative operation -- that is, assuming Nuplazid's supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for dementia-related psychosis goes smoothly.
On the flip side of the coin, Acadia's Q3 report did contain two sour notes. First off, the company is still losing tons of cash ($182.2 million during the first nine months of 2019), despite Nuplazid's strong commercial performance this year. While a good chunk of this cash burn can be directly attributed to the company's clinical activities, Acadia's exorbitant selling, general, and administrative expenses certainly haven't helped matters. In Q3, for example, the company reported a whopping $72.7 million in SG&A expenses.
Next up, there's the problem of Acadia's valuation. Although the company raised its annual revenue guidance to $330 million to $340 million in yesterday's earnings release -- up from the previous range of $320 million to $330 million, Acadia's shares are still trading at an astronomical 19.2 times its 2019 high-end revenue estimate.
Making matters worse, the company probably won't see a significant financial bump from Nuplazid's dementia-related psychosis indication for upwards of two full years. So under a best case scenario, this biopharma stock is probably trading at somewhere along the lines of 6.5 times 2024 revenue, which isn't exactly cheap for a mid-cap biopharma stock.
Is Acadia's stock a buy?
While Nuplazid's sales growth is definitely encouraging, the company's rather stretched valuation simply isn't attractive. The long and short of it is that investors are clearly betting that Acadia will attract a buyout offer soon. Unfortunately, there's no particularly good reason to believe that a suitor is waiting in the wings at this juncture.
To acquire Acadia at this point, a suitor would have to be willing to pay an enormous premium. And that's a highly unlikely development until Nuplazid has multiple approved indications under its belt. In other words, Acadia could take two to perhaps three more years to turn into a red-hot takeover target. Meanwhile, there's no guarantee the market will remain patient with the company's sky-high valuation.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The high and low lights from Acadia's Q3 report On the positive side of the ledger, there's now no doubt about the tremendous commercial potential in regards to the company's Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) medicine Nuplazid. That amount should be sufficient to see Acadia through its remaining years as a cash flow negative operation -- that is, assuming Nuplazid's supplemental new drug application (sNDA) for dementia-related psychosis goes smoothly. While a good chunk of this cash burn can be directly attributed to the company's clinical activities, Acadia's exorbitant selling, general, and administrative expenses certainly haven't helped matters. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), a mid-cap biopharma, reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings after the closing bell yesterday. Although the company raised its annual revenue guidance to $330 million to $340 million in yesterday's earnings release -- up from the previous range of $320 million to $330 million, Acadia's shares are still trading at an astronomical 19.2 times its 2019 high-end revenue estimate. Acadia's shares, in fact, dipped by a modest 0.46% in after-hours trading yesterday immediately following this earnings release. | Should investors change their tune toward Acadia's stock after this standout quarter, or is yesterday's muted reaction appropriate in light of the company's near-term outlook? The high and low lights from Acadia's Q3 report On the positive side of the ledger, there's now no doubt about the tremendous commercial potential in regards to the company's Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) medicine Nuplazid. Although the company raised its annual revenue guidance to $330 million to $340 million in yesterday's earnings release -- up from the previous range of $320 million to $330 million, Acadia's shares are still trading at an astronomical 19.2 times its 2019 high-end revenue estimate. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), a mid-cap biopharma, reported stronger-than-expected third-quarter earnings after the closing bell yesterday. Acadia's shares, in fact, dipped by a modest 0.46% in after-hours trading yesterday immediately following this earnings release. Should investors change their tune toward Acadia's stock after this standout quarter, or is yesterday's muted reaction appropriate in light of the company's near-term outlook? |
35903.0 | 2019-10-04 00:00:00 UTC | 3 Mid-Cap Biotech Stocks To Consider Buying Now | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-mid-cap-biotech-stocks-to-consider-buying-now-2019-10-04 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Amarin (NASDAQ: AMRN) and Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL) check the boxes for what investors should look for in a promising biotech company: compelling drugs, increasing sales, near-term catalysts, and the possibility of being acquired. Like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, these companies are not too big, not too small, but just right.
All three companies market drugs, albeit in different therapeutic areas. Acadia's Nuplazid is approved to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Amarin's Vascepa lowers a type of fat called triglycerides, and Exelixis's cabozantinib franchise treats advanced kidney and liver cancers.
Compelling revenues with room to grow
Each company has generated meaningful revenues over the past 12 months, ending in the second quarter. Exelixis led the pack with $909.9 million in revenues. Acadia's $264.1 million and Amarin's $292 million are nothing to scoff at either.
Exelixis' revenue growth was 12% higher than the previous quarter. Revenues at Acadia and Amarin grew more than 30% from first to second quarters of 2019. Third-quarter results will be released in a few weeks and then investors will be able to determine if the trajectory is sustainable
Source: Getty Images
Is there something special about a $5 billion valuation?
Amarin's market cap is just over $5 billion while Acadia and Exelixis are closer to $5.5 billion. With similar market caps, it is interesting to look at their price-to-sales ratios side by side. Acadia trades at 21 times its trailing 12-month revenues while Amarin's is 17 times. Exelixis's P/S ratio of six appears to be a considerably greater value than the others.
The size of the addressable patient populations could be a cause for differing multiples on revenues. Exelixis' cabozantinib treats patients with advanced kidney and liver cancers. The American Cancer Society states that in 2019 nearly 74,000 patients will be diagnosed with kidney cancer and more than 42,000 with liver cancer.
Nuplazid by Acadia treats a symptom that impacts roughly 50% of Parkinson's disease patients. Nearly one million people in the U.S. live with this disease, according to the Parkinson's Foundation. Lastly, Amarin's Vascepa can be taken by as many of 50 million Americans who have elevated triglycerides. The American Diabetes Association added Vascepa to its recommended treatment guidelines earlier this year.
Why should you consider these biotechs now?
The stock prices for Amarin and Exelixis dropped more than 30% in the last six months against the backdrop of growing revenues fueled by increased patients receiving either Vascepa or cabozantinib. Acadia, on the other hand, rocketed 40% during the same period. A pivotal Phase 3 trial with Nuplazid was stopped early due to overwhelming positive efficacy in patients with dementia-related psychosis. The company plans to seek expanded approval with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, opening the door to another 2.4 million potential Nuplazid users, according to the company.
Amarin faces an FDA Advisory Committee meeting on Nov. 14 to discuss expanding Vascepa's approval. Data from the company's REDUCE-IT trial demonstrated that Vascepa can lower cardiovascular events in high-risk patients. If the advisory committee votes favorably, the FDA generally follows suit.
In January, Exelixis received approval for cabozantinib in advanced liver cancer. The launch into this indication is still early making it difficult to gauge how well it will do. However, take comfort in the fact that the company boasts cabozantinib is the leading tyrosine kinase inhibitor prescribed for advanced kidney cancer. To gain that position, Exelixis must be doing something right on the commercial front.
These companies have plenty of room to grow and boast healthy balance sheets. Exelixis is profitable and has more than $1 billion in cash on hand. Acadia and Amarin recently completed secondary financings to strengthen their finances. Additionally, because each company has an approved product and established sales force, these are attractive targets for bigger pharmaceutical companies to acquire. For all of these reasons, it makes sense to spend some time evaluating if Acadia, Amarin, and Exelixis are right for your portfolio.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Amarin (NASDAQ: AMRN) and Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL) check the boxes for what investors should look for in a promising biotech company: compelling drugs, increasing sales, near-term catalysts, and the possibility of being acquired. Acadia's Nuplazid is approved to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Acadia's $264.1 million and Amarin's $292 million are nothing to scoff at either. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Amarin (NASDAQ: AMRN) and Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL) check the boxes for what investors should look for in a promising biotech company: compelling drugs, increasing sales, near-term catalysts, and the possibility of being acquired. Acadia's Nuplazid is approved to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Acadia's $264.1 million and Amarin's $292 million are nothing to scoff at either. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Amarin (NASDAQ: AMRN) and Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL) check the boxes for what investors should look for in a promising biotech company: compelling drugs, increasing sales, near-term catalysts, and the possibility of being acquired. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of June 1, 2019 David Haen owns shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals, Amarin, and Exelixis. Acadia's Nuplazid is approved to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), Amarin (NASDAQ: AMRN) and Exelixis (NASDAQ: EXEL) check the boxes for what investors should look for in a promising biotech company: compelling drugs, increasing sales, near-term catalysts, and the possibility of being acquired. Amarin's market cap is just over $5 billion while Acadia and Exelixis are closer to $5.5 billion. Acadia's Nuplazid is approved to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. |
35904.0 | 2019-10-04 00:00:00 UTC | Here's Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Jumped 30.1% in September | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/heres-why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-jumped-30.1-in-september-2019-10-04 | nan | nan | What happened
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) jumped 30.1% in September, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, after the company reported positive results for the phase 3 Harmony clinical trial testing its antipsychotic Nuplazid in patients with dementia.
Part of the large jump in the stock price comes from a lack of confidence in Nuplazid after the drug failed a late-stage clinical trial in schizophrenia patients who weren't getting an adequate response to their current therapy. The success in the Harmony study could be the different patient population or it could have to do with the study design since psychiatric drugs have notoriously high placebo effects.
Image source: Getty Images.
So what
Nuplazid is already approved to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis, but the new clinical trial results should expand the market for the drug into psychotic patients with dementia.
An interim peek at the data by the independent data monitoring committee showed that Nuplazid increased the time to relapse of psychosis compared to placebo. Acadia Pharmaceuticals didn't release the actual difference, but since it was an interim analysis, the statistical threshold is more demanding, requiring the P value to be less than 0.0033 instead of the usual less than 0.05. Given the large statistical significance, the time to relapse for patients who remained on Nuplazid is likely substantially longer than it is for the patients who were switched to placebo.
Now what
After a biotech skyrockets higher, it'll often take the opportunity to raise additional capital through a secondary offering, and Acadia was no exception. The company raised $250 million by selling shares at $40 per share, only slightly lower than the $41.22 that shares closed at after the Harmony results were released.
Shares are trading even lower now, offering an opportunity to pick up Acadia cheaper than the institutional investors who bought the secondary offering. Just keep in mind it'll take about a year to get the data submitted to and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Even then, dementia is a large market, so it may take some time for Acadia to ramp up sales.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What happened Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) jumped 30.1% in September, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, after the company reported positive results for the phase 3 Harmony clinical trial testing its antipsychotic Nuplazid in patients with dementia. Acadia Pharmaceuticals didn't release the actual difference, but since it was an interim analysis, the statistical threshold is more demanding, requiring the P value to be less than 0.0033 instead of the usual less than 0.05. Now what After a biotech skyrockets higher, it'll often take the opportunity to raise additional capital through a secondary offering, and Acadia was no exception. | What happened Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) jumped 30.1% in September, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, after the company reported positive results for the phase 3 Harmony clinical trial testing its antipsychotic Nuplazid in patients with dementia. Acadia Pharmaceuticals didn't release the actual difference, but since it was an interim analysis, the statistical threshold is more demanding, requiring the P value to be less than 0.0033 instead of the usual less than 0.05. Now what After a biotech skyrockets higher, it'll often take the opportunity to raise additional capital through a secondary offering, and Acadia was no exception. | What happened Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) jumped 30.1% in September, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, after the company reported positive results for the phase 3 Harmony clinical trial testing its antipsychotic Nuplazid in patients with dementia. Acadia Pharmaceuticals didn't release the actual difference, but since it was an interim analysis, the statistical threshold is more demanding, requiring the P value to be less than 0.0033 instead of the usual less than 0.05. Now what After a biotech skyrockets higher, it'll often take the opportunity to raise additional capital through a secondary offering, and Acadia was no exception. | What happened Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) jumped 30.1% in September, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence, after the company reported positive results for the phase 3 Harmony clinical trial testing its antipsychotic Nuplazid in patients with dementia. Shares are trading even lower now, offering an opportunity to pick up Acadia cheaper than the institutional investors who bought the secondary offering. * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! |
35905.0 | 2019-09-26 00:00:00 UTC | FBT, ACAD, UTHR, NBIX: ETF Outflow Alert | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/fbt-acad-uthr-nbix%3A-etf-outflow-alert-2019-09-26 | nan | nan | Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (Symbol: FBT) where we have detected an approximate $381.9 million dollar outflow -- that's a 17.6% decrease week over week (from 17,050,002 to 14,050,002). Among the largest underlying components of FBT, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 1.6%, United Therapeutics Corp (Symbol: UTHR) is off about 2.1%, and Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Symbol: NBIX) is lower by about 0.7%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the FBT Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of FBT, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, FBT's low point in its 52 week range is $113.43 per share, with $159.85 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $126.77. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Click here to find out which 9 other ETFs experienced notable outflows »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among the largest underlying components of FBT, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 1.6%, United Therapeutics Corp (Symbol: UTHR) is off about 2.1%, and Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Symbol: NBIX) is lower by about 0.7%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (Symbol: FBT) where we have detected an approximate $381.9 million dollar outflow -- that's a 17.6% decrease week over week (from 17,050,002 to 14,050,002). These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. | Among the largest underlying components of FBT, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 1.6%, United Therapeutics Corp (Symbol: UTHR) is off about 2.1%, and Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Symbol: NBIX) is lower by about 0.7%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the FBT Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of FBT, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, FBT's low point in its 52 week range is $113.43 per share, with $159.85 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $126.77. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). | Among the largest underlying components of FBT, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 1.6%, United Therapeutics Corp (Symbol: UTHR) is off about 2.1%, and Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Symbol: NBIX) is lower by about 0.7%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (Symbol: FBT) where we have detected an approximate $381.9 million dollar outflow -- that's a 17.6% decrease week over week (from 17,050,002 to 14,050,002). For a complete list of holdings, visit the FBT Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of FBT, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, FBT's low point in its 52 week range is $113.43 per share, with $159.85 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $126.77. | Among the largest underlying components of FBT, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 1.6%, United Therapeutics Corp (Symbol: UTHR) is off about 2.1%, and Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (Symbol: NBIX) is lower by about 0.7%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the FBT Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of FBT, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, FBT's low point in its 52 week range is $113.43 per share, with $159.85 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $126.77. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. |
35906.0 | 2019-09-23 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 09/23/2019: ACAD,AKCA,PSTV,CMD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-09-23-2019%3A-acadakcapstvcmd-2019-09-23 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ +0.19%
PFE -0.91%
ABT -0.38%
MRK -0.64%
AMGN +0.66%
Health care stocks still were falling this afternoon, including a nearly 0.4% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were down just over 0.4% as a group. The Nasdaq Biotechnology index was sinking more than 0.8%.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) rose 2.5% after Monday presenting positive data from phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate in patients with Parkinson's disease and depressive symptoms, showing significant improvement in symptoms as soon as two weeks after treatment began. Sixty percent of the patients treated with pimavanserin demonstrated an improvement of 50% or more on the 17-point Hamilton Depression Rating Scale after eight weeks while 44% of the patients reached remission, which was measured as having seven or fewer of the rating scale criteria.
In other sector news:
(-) Cantel Medical (CMD) declined over 5%. The infection-control products seller reported better-than-expected Q4 financial results, including non-GAAP net income of $0.63 per share, up from an adjusted profit of $0.62 per share during the same quarter last year and beating the Capital IQ consensus for the three months ended July 31 by $0.02 per share. Net sales grew 4.6% over year-ago levels to $239.5 million, also topping the $238.1 million Street view.
(-) Akcea Therapeutics (AKCA) dropped 19% after saying Paula Soteropoulos has resigned as chief executive at the biopharmaceuticals company along with company president Sarah Boyce and chief operating officer Jeff Goldberg. Board member Damien McDevitt was selected to be interim CEO during the search for a permanent replacement.
(-) Plus Therapeutics (PSTV) fell 50% after the specialty drugmaker priced a $15 million public offering of 3 million units comprised of one share of common stock and a five-year warrant to buy another common share also at $5 apiece. The company also said the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority will repay around $4.6 million for work the company performed for the federal agency over the past seven years.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) rose 2.5% after Monday presenting positive data from phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate in patients with Parkinson's disease and depressive symptoms, showing significant improvement in symptoms as soon as two weeks after treatment began. Board member Damien McDevitt was selected to be interim CEO during the search for a permanent replacement. (-) Plus Therapeutics (PSTV) fell 50% after the specialty drugmaker priced a $15 million public offering of 3 million units comprised of one share of common stock and a five-year warrant to buy another common share also at $5 apiece. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) rose 2.5% after Monday presenting positive data from phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate in patients with Parkinson's disease and depressive symptoms, showing significant improvement in symptoms as soon as two weeks after treatment began. Top Health Care Stocks Health care stocks still were falling this afternoon, including a nearly 0.4% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were down just over 0.4% as a group. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) rose 2.5% after Monday presenting positive data from phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate in patients with Parkinson's disease and depressive symptoms, showing significant improvement in symptoms as soon as two weeks after treatment began. Health care stocks still were falling this afternoon, including a nearly 0.4% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were down just over 0.4% as a group. (-) Plus Therapeutics (PSTV) fell 50% after the specialty drugmaker priced a $15 million public offering of 3 million units comprised of one share of common stock and a five-year warrant to buy another common share also at $5 apiece. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) rose 2.5% after Monday presenting positive data from phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate in patients with Parkinson's disease and depressive symptoms, showing significant improvement in symptoms as soon as two weeks after treatment began. Net sales grew 4.6% over year-ago levels to $239.5 million, also topping the $238.1 million Street view. (-) Plus Therapeutics (PSTV) fell 50% after the specialty drugmaker priced a $15 million public offering of 3 million units comprised of one share of common stock and a five-year warrant to buy another common share also at $5 apiece. |
35907.0 | 2019-09-17 00:00:00 UTC | How Doctors Treat Dementia and Lung Cancer Could Be About to Change | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/how-doctors-treat-dementia-and-lung-cancer-could-be-about-to-change-2019-09-18 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ACAD) Nuplazid is already helping thousands of Parkinson's disease patients who are suffering from hallucinations and delusions, and soon it may also win use in Alzheimer's disease and other indications associated with dementia. In this episode of The Motley Fool's Industry Focus: Healthcare, host Shannon Jones and Motley Fool contributor Todd Campbell discuss Acadia's latest trial results and why an eventual approval could cause sales to soar. The duo also discusses remarkable results for a precision cancer drug being developed by Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) for non-small cell lung cancer.
To catch full episodes of all The Motley Fool's free podcasts, check out our podcast center. To get started investing, check out our quick-start guide to investing in stocks. A full transcript follows the video.
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This video was recorded on Sept. 11, 2019.
Shannon Jones: Welcome to Industry Focus, the podcast that dives into a different sector of the stock market every single day. Today is Wednesday, September the 11th, and we're talking Healthcare. Todd Campbell, healthcare guru, joining us via Skype. Todd, how are you doing over there?
Todd Campbell: It's good this is a healthcare show because I think I need some healthcare. I'm battling a cold, listeners. I apologize! I'll do my best here to get us through some interesting subject matter. Just bear with me a little bit.
Jones: Actually, Todd, I know you're under the weather today, but I'm hoping you'll feel better because we've got lots of good news for you to digest this week. In the biotech space, often, we're talking about pipeline blowups, bad study results, all kinds of craziness in the Healthcare sector. It's always nice to have a show where we've got some really good positive data coming out of this space. With that, let's kick it off. I want to start with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, ticker ACAD. It's a commercial-stage biotech that specializes in CNS, central nervous system disorders. Currently supports a market cap of about $5.9 billion. Stock is up 156% year to date this year, Todd. Pretty amazing. That's really thanks to strong sales related to its bread-and-butter product, Nuplazid.
Campbell: Is that all, Shannon? Is that all? It's only up 156%?
Jones: [laughs] That's it. Just slightly. There's been a lot of focus on Acadia Pharmaceuticals. The question has been, can they expand beyond the one approval that they have for this drug, which is psychosis related to Parkinson's disease? It's really been a roller coaster ride. Even though the stock is up quite a bit this year, it's been a roller coaster. This week, the market opportunity ahead for Acadia Pharmaceuticals really started to clear, a little bit at least, thanks to some positive interim study results. The stock jumped 63% on the news surrounding what could be the next approval for Nuplazid.
Todd, before we get into those study results, though, let's just start about what this drug means for Acadia Pharmaceuticals and what we saw with that strong second quarter.
Campbell: We did $83 million roughly in revenue in the second quarter. That was up 46% year over year. The company is now guiding for $320 million to $330 million in sales this year. That would be up 45% at the midpoint. I think it's important to realize that following that second quarter performance, that upped guidance, the prior guidance was $280 million to $300 million. That's a substantial increase in guidance. I think the reason that you saw so many investors embrace the stock following this latest data is that you're talking about a massive expansion of the total addressable market. You mentioned the Parkinson's disease psychosis indication that it's already approved for. That represents 400,000 to 500,000 patients, roughly. 40% to 50% of patients with Parkinson's disease. Data they just reported, that caused shares to soar, that total addressable market for dementia related psychosis -- that would include things like Alzheimer's disease -- that is 1.2 million. So right there, you're going from an addressable market of 400,000 patients to 1.6 million, 1.7 million.
Jones: Yeah. Pretty large market opportunity ahead. I think what's really interesting about these study results is that they had a fail, I believe it was in adult schizophrenia, back in July. I think for a lot of investors, a lot of people who've been watching this company, there wasn't a tremendous amount of hope in them being able to pull off any positive news with this particular study. So, for the most part, this was pretty much a surprise. This was the HARMONY trial. It actually sounds like they stopped it early because of the positive results. One of the things that they were looking at was defining what is called relapse in patients that have this psychosis. It's really looking at hospitalization due to dementia related psychosis. Did their symptoms deteriorate? Withdrawing from the study due to lack of efficacy? And did they have to use any sort of anti-psychotic medications? For this larger market opportunity that they do have ahead, just one thing to note -- granted, it's a larger market opportunity, but you do have a lot of these anti-psychotics, many of which are generic. So, even though it's a bigger market opportunity, it's also still somewhat of a competitive, crowded market space, too.
Campbell: Yeah. $36,000 to $40,000 a year is roughly what Nuplazid's list price is. Obviously, with discounts and stuff, it's probably not costing that much. Some of these anti-psychotics are more of a value, I suppose. And if they're working for a patient, sure, keep them on that. But for many patients, it doesn't work well. And sometimes it can increase the cognitive decline of these dementia patients. My assumption would be, we're going to get more data later in the year at a conference. Once we look through all that data, my assumption would be, if it looks good, and they get approval, that, yes, you're going to see sales of this drug take off from 2020 through 2021 just from having the label expand to include this indication.
You mentioned the schizophrenia headwind, the trial that failed earlier this year. It didn't improve the good symptoms, if you will, but they still have some hope that maybe it would improve bad symptoms, make them less worse, I suppose. There's a phase 2 trial that'll read out later this year in that indication. Investors should realize there's some more data coming later in the year that could also move the stock up or down.
Jones: Exactly. That particular trial, I think that's set to read out potentially in December. They're looking at specifically negative symptoms, as you were alluding to, Todd. Things like loss of interest, emotional withdrawal, cognitive impairment, things like that. Studies do show that about 40% to 50% of schizophrenia patients do experience these negative symptoms. This is an opportunity to watch.
Another one that I'm watching. They're not trying to be a one-trick pony with Nuplazid. There's another late-stage study of a drug called Trofinetide in treating Rett syndrome. Rett syndrome is basically a rare disease, neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs predominantly in females. Right now there are no approved treatments in this particular patient class. But that's another market opportunity of another 6,000 to 9,000 patients. They've also got late-stage testing as a supplemental treatment for Nuplazid in patients with major depressive disorder as well.
All in all, you've got a lot to look forward to. There's some estimates now that Acadia could hit a billion dollars in sales by 2023. I think a lot of the people that have either been on the sidelines or have turned a blind eye, all of a sudden, there's this renewed focus in a company that could have some really, really interesting market opportunities ahead.
Campbell: I think there was a lot of short covering that drove a lot of that big jump. A lot of people were betting against the ability to expand this into other indications, and they were proven wrong. I think that one of the things, as investors, we have to think about is, you mentioned the $6 billion market cap. And then, you also said 2023, sales estimates of about $1 billion. So, you're already trading at roughly six times 2023 sales. This is not a cheap stock. I think investors might want to sit back, see how these other trials play out, especially in the depressive disorder. That's a 2.5 million patient population.
Jones: Yeah, totally agree, Todd. I think another thing in the near term to be watching out for, Acadia did and the most recent quarter with $382 million in cash, but they burned through about $140 million just in the first half of this year. So I do anticipate they'll be tapping secondary markets here pretty soon. But I think, all in all, this is one that I'll be watching, especially for some of these late-stage trials heading into the latter part of this year.
Let's talk about the other big pharma player making news, and that is Eli Lilly, ticker LLY, which recently acquired Loxo Oncology for about $8 billion earlier this year, the largest deal the biopharma player has made to date. The most recent study reported out of the World Conference on Lung Cancer in Barcelona seems to be pointing toward Lilly making the right call on Loxo, although that price tag is still to be debated. The drug that's turning heads, mine included, is oral drug LOXO-292, now referred to as Selpercatinib -- we'll just call it LOXO-292.
Campbell: [laughs] Yeah, please!
Jones: [laughs] Todd, this is a drug and a company we've talked about on the show before. I was impressed the last time we were diving into their study results, and honestly continue to be more and more impressed with this company, especially as we're headed into this age of precision medicine and gene-targeted cancer drugs. Can you give us just a quick brief overview? What exactly is LOXO-292, and what did we see?
Campbell: Lilly wants to expand into oncology. Oncology is obviously a very big market, and it's growing because of an aging, larger population. Loxo is very intriguing because it's one of the first to have come out with precision medicines that specifically go after genetic mutations and those kinds of targets. So, not really thinking about cancer as far as "where did it originate," such as in the lung, but thinking more, "What is the genetic mutation that is actually driving that cancer to form?" And what's interesting about Loxo, and probably why Lilly paid so much money for it, is that it already got its first drug across the finish line. Last November, the FDA approved Vitrakvi, which is a TRK fusion gene drug that targets 12 different cancers. Sales aren't big yet. They only collect royalties because Bayer licensed the rights to that drug. But, it obviously proved that their platform was strong, and would be able to generate other, theoretically, of these precision medicines. Now, we're starting to see that bear fruit with LOXO-292, which targets the RET gene mutation. RET gene mutations aren't very common. They do occur in about 2% of non-small cell lung cancer cases, and in a slightly higher proportion of thyroid cancer patients. I broke out the math on that. It's about, I want to say, 4,000 to 5,000 patients per year in lung cancer, and 1,000 to 2,000 per year in thyroid cancer.
Jones: Yeah. This particular study, it's named LIBRETTO-001. It's the largest trial ever reported in RET altered cancer patients thus far. Just from a high level, basically, RET fusion drives what's called oncogenesis, where basically healthy cells become transformed into cancer cells. So, just taking a look at the results, pretty impressive. To start, 68% of 105 patients, all of whom had actually failed previous treatments, including chemo, saw a response after taking the drug. That basically meant that their tumors decreased in size by at least 30%. That was certainly a check. But then it got better, Todd. In the 34 patients who had not been previously treated, the response rate was actually 85%. But it didn't stop there. In those patients whose cancer had actually spread to their brains or their central nervous system, the response rate was 91%. On top of all of that, the responses were actually durable. They lasted for a median of 20.3 months, with progression-free survival of 18.4 months. And that is something we should see continue to improve because the majority of the patients continued to respond to treatment or are progression-free as of the cut-off, which I believe was in June. Across the board, we saw some really impressive response rates for this drug.
Campbell: Absolutely. This is theoretically game-changing and life-saving for patients with this particular mutation. The data supports the idea that Lilly can go out and file for FDA approval of this. The big question in my mind that I'm wondering is whether or not it'll get approved for later line therapy, so you'll have to go through the platinum containing chemotherapy first; or, if you'll be able to get an approval based on this trial in the treatment-naive. I don't know whether or not there were enough patients in treatment-naive to be able to justify an approval in that. We didn't have progression-free survival as a primary endpoint. We don't have overall survival as a primary endpoint. But, yeah, overall response rates that high? Very, very encouraging. And also encouraging is the fact that on the safety profile, this drug looks very good. I think that they said the discontinuation rate was only 1.7%.
Jones: Yeah, very small. And even when it came to side effects, you're talking about dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation. Very much at the lower end of the severity range when it comes to side effects. Another notch for them. Right now Lilly plans to file for approval by the end of the year. This certainly gives Eli Lilly a chance to offset some of the revenue due to patent expirations and competition. Needless to say, all eyes will be on this drug. They are also, of course, looking at this drug in thyroid cancer. We should get results in that indication, updates at the end of the year. Basically 10% to 20% of papillary and other thyroid cancers have this same type of mutation as well.
As impressive as that is, though, they are not the only players in this space. You've also got Blueprint Medicines, ticker BPMC. Todd, you and I have talked about this on the show. Their drug, BLU-667, had a 60% response rate in the same indication. They're going to be reading out soon. Granted, I think for Lilly and Loxo, first to market, first with this type of mechanism of action. But, Blueprint is going to be right on their heels.
Campbell: Yeah. Obviously, investors are going to have to bear that in mind, especially when you're looking at Blueprint. This isn't going to move the needle for Lilly. Lilly's a huge company. I don't know if this is necessarily a blockbuster drug. I mean, it'll be a high priced drug, but I don't know if it'll be a blockbuster. The data on the surface does appear to give Loxo/Lilly an advantage over Blueprint. But when you're talking about this size of patient population, I'm not going to quibble too much between a 60% overall response rate and a 68% overall response rate. We'll have to see how the safety comes out. It looked like maybe more patients discontinued treatment in the Blueprint trial as of the last update, but too early to call on that one.
Jones: Exactly, too early to call. They do plan to do a randomized study comparing the drug to standard chemo as a first treatment in lung cancer. I can tell you, all eyes will be on that.
Another thing that I think is worth watching, we did get some updates recently -- because this occurs in such a small percentage of the population, I think you said 1% to 2%, Todd, the challenge then becomes for Eli Lilly being able to identify these patients that will be able to respond. Thermo Fisher did recently announce that it's going to have a companion diagnostic tool to go along with this. I think that will certainly help, but that's another area that I'll be keeping a close eye on as well.
Campbell: Absolutely agree with you!
Jones: That will close us out, but I do want to let you know, a company that we've talked about before, one that I know many of you are watching, Aimmune Therapeutics, they just had FDA briefing talks for their peanut allergy drug just drop today. They're going to have an FDA advisory committee meeting on Friday the 13th. Dun-dun-dun! We'll see how that goes. Overall, briefing talks look very benign. Nothing too outrageous. But as we know as biotech investors, anything can happen in those FDA advisory committee meetings. Todd, I don't know about you, I plan to watch this only because it's the first of what will hopefully be many.
Campbell: Absolutely going to watch this, pay attention to it, and hopefully talk about it soon on the show, right, Shannon?
Jones: That's right, you got it! So, be sure to check us out next week because we will keep you up to date on all the latest happenings with that particular company and more. As for us, that'll do it for Industry Focus: Healthcare. We want to thank you for tuning in! As always, people on the program may have interest in the companies discussed on the show, and The Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against, so don't buy or sell anything based solely on what you hear. Thanks to Dan Boyd for his work behind the glass today! For Todd Campbell, I'm Shannon Jones. Thanks for listening and Fool on!
Shannon Jones has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Todd Campbell owns shares of Blueprint Medicines. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ACAD) Nuplazid is already helping thousands of Parkinson's disease patients who are suffering from hallucinations and delusions, and soon it may also win use in Alzheimer's disease and other indications associated with dementia. In this episode of The Motley Fool's Industry Focus: Healthcare, host Shannon Jones and Motley Fool contributor Todd Campbell discuss Acadia's latest trial results and why an eventual approval could cause sales to soar. I want to start with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, ticker ACAD. | In this episode of The Motley Fool's Industry Focus: Healthcare, host Shannon Jones and Motley Fool contributor Todd Campbell discuss Acadia's latest trial results and why an eventual approval could cause sales to soar. Acadia Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ACAD) Nuplazid is already helping thousands of Parkinson's disease patients who are suffering from hallucinations and delusions, and soon it may also win use in Alzheimer's disease and other indications associated with dementia. I want to start with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, ticker ACAD. | In this episode of The Motley Fool's Industry Focus: Healthcare, host Shannon Jones and Motley Fool contributor Todd Campbell discuss Acadia's latest trial results and why an eventual approval could cause sales to soar. Acadia Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ACAD) Nuplazid is already helping thousands of Parkinson's disease patients who are suffering from hallucinations and delusions, and soon it may also win use in Alzheimer's disease and other indications associated with dementia. I want to start with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, ticker ACAD. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ACAD) Nuplazid is already helping thousands of Parkinson's disease patients who are suffering from hallucinations and delusions, and soon it may also win use in Alzheimer's disease and other indications associated with dementia. In this episode of The Motley Fool's Industry Focus: Healthcare, host Shannon Jones and Motley Fool contributor Todd Campbell discuss Acadia's latest trial results and why an eventual approval could cause sales to soar. I want to start with Acadia Pharmaceuticals, ticker ACAD. |
35908.0 | 2019-09-17 00:00:00 UTC | 5 Top Stock Trades for Wednesday: BA, ACB, PINS | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/5-top-stock-trades-for-wednesday%3A-ba-acb-pins-2019-09-17 | nan | nan | The stock market was relatively calm on Tuesday as investors await a rate decision from the Federal Reserve on Wednesday. There were still some big movers on the day though, so let’s look at a few top stock trades.
Top Stock Trades for Tomorrow #1: Boeing
As investors grow optimistic about getting the MAX 737 back in action, Boeing (NYSE:) stock is coiling and looking to move higher.
Shares have been consolidating between $375 and $385. In order to trigger a move higher, BA stock needs to clear $385. Just overhead — near $387 — is the 38.2% retracement. If Boeing can clear both marks, a rally into the $390s is possible. Above the March high and BA may even fill the gap back up over $410.
If shares resolve lower, see that recent uptrend support (blue line) buoys the name.
Top Stock Trades for Tomorrow #2: Aurora Cannabis
I hate to say it, but investors should have seen the decline coming in Aurora Cannabis (NYSE:) stock. InvestorPlace readers have been leery of ACB for months now, and our recent call that shares may fall again only reiterated that cautious stance.
Now breaking below the August lows, let’s see if ACB draws in buyers near $5. We can’t trust the name on the long side while it’s below $5.40 — at least in the short term. Even if it does reclaim this mark, it’s only good for a short-term bounce.
Below $5 and the December lows are possible, but let’s take it one step at a time and see if it hits $5 to begin with.
Top Stock Trades for Tomorrow #3: Pinterest
Pinterest (NYSE:) wants to begin rallying again, but it faces a tough road with high-growth tech stocks under pressure recently. On the charts, there’s a lot of overhead, too.
$30 is a significant mark, while the 50-day moving average is up at $30.57 and the declining 20-day moving average is at $31.05. $32 has also proven significant. Not to pummel you with numbers, but making matters even more complicated, the 50% retracement is at $29.94 and the 38.2% is at $31.57.
So let’s simplify it.
PINS has a lot of marks between $30 and $32. Above $32 and it has mostly blue skies. Below $30 and it has the 100-day moving average at $29 and uptrend support at $28.
Even simpler? Above $32 is bullish, below $28 is bearish.
Top Stock Trades for Tomorrow #4: Corning
Corning (NYSE:) is getting hit hard on Tuesday, down more than 7%. On the weekly chart above, we can see shares being rejected by the 100-week moving average.
It puts a key support zone on watch just below current levels. The ~$27 mark has been notable over the last three years, while the 200-week moving average stepped up as big-time support last month. That’s currently at $26.50.
Below that mark and GLW is in trouble. If we get a dip down into the $27 area, aggressive investors have a better risk/reward there than here, but GLW isn’t my cup of tea.
Top Stock Trades for Tomorrow #5: Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) has been a beast lately, gapping from $23.77 to almost $39 in a single move.
ACAD stock consolidated that move beautifully in a narrowing range, before resolving higher on Monday. It tried to breakout over $44 again on Tuesday — which has been multi-day resistance — but was rejected.
Over $44 puts the $44.85 highs on the table and over that, ACAD can regain upside momentum. A break below $40 signals that Acadia needs more time to consolidate.
Bret Kenwell is the manager and author of and is on Twitter @BretKenwell. As of this writing, Bret Kenwell is long PINS.
The post appeared first on InvestorPlace.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | ACAD stock consolidated that move beautifully in a narrowing range, before resolving higher on Monday. Top Stock Trades for Tomorrow #5: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) has been a beast lately, gapping from $23.77 to almost $39 in a single move. Over $44 puts the $44.85 highs on the table and over that, ACAD can regain upside momentum. | Top Stock Trades for Tomorrow #5: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) has been a beast lately, gapping from $23.77 to almost $39 in a single move. ACAD stock consolidated that move beautifully in a narrowing range, before resolving higher on Monday. Over $44 puts the $44.85 highs on the table and over that, ACAD can regain upside momentum. | Top Stock Trades for Tomorrow #5: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) has been a beast lately, gapping from $23.77 to almost $39 in a single move. ACAD stock consolidated that move beautifully in a narrowing range, before resolving higher on Monday. Over $44 puts the $44.85 highs on the table and over that, ACAD can regain upside momentum. | Top Stock Trades for Tomorrow #5: Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:) has been a beast lately, gapping from $23.77 to almost $39 in a single move. ACAD stock consolidated that move beautifully in a narrowing range, before resolving higher on Monday. Over $44 puts the $44.85 highs on the table and over that, ACAD can regain upside momentum. |
35909.0 | 2019-09-15 00:00:00 UTC | 3 Biotech Stocks That Soared Last Week | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-biotech-stocks-that-soared-last-week-2019-09-15 | nan | nan | The biotech industry's summer doldrums are finally over and a handful of stocks recently posted some big gains for different reasons.
Should we expect more gains ahead from these drugmakers or have they reached a peak? Let's look at what drove these biotech stocks higher during the week ended Friday, Sept. 13 to see if they can continue climbing in the weeks and years ahead.
Data source: Yahoo! Finance.
1. Acadia Pharmaceuticals: A big expansion
This biotech stock has been rocketing higher since announcing better-than-expected second-quarter sales of its atypical antipsychotic drug, Nuplazid. Last week, the stock rocketed 70% higher in response to a pivotal trial success that could expand Nuplazid's addressable patient population many times over.
At the moment, Nuplazid is approved to treat a small population of patients experiencing debilitating delusions and hallucinations caused by Parkinson's disease-driven dementia. The recently successful Harmony trial included patients with several forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
If the FDA expands Nuplazid's label to treat all forms of dementia-related psychosis, sales could explode higher because there are around 1.2 million patients in the U.S. who fit the description. Before getting too excited, though, it's important to understand that Acadia's a $5.8 billion company that lost $140 million during the first half of 2019.
With near-term commercial success for a larger patient population already represented in the company's market cap, the stock will fall hard if anything threatens to delay Nuplazid's expansion. We haven't seen results from the Harmony trial, and neither has the FDA, which means there's still a lot that can go wrong for Acadia.
Image source: Getty Images.
2. Mesoblast: Stem cells for back pain
Shares of this drugmaker shot up thanks to a generous offer from Grunenthal, a privately held German pharmaceutical company. Grunenthal and Mesoblast are now partners in the development and potential sale of MPC-06-ID, a vertebral injection for low back pain caused by degenerative discs.
In return for rights to market MPC-06-ID in Europe and Latin America, Grunenthal handed Mesoblast $15 million up front and promises for $135 million more if MPC-06-ID passes certain milestones. Mesoblast is also entitled to a tiered royalty percentage in the double digits, and additional milestone payments if the drug succeeds during phase 3 studies.
The MPC-06-ID program targets millions of potential patients with low back pain caused by deteriorating disks between lumbar vertebrae. During phase 2, 46.6% of patients injected with MPC-06-ID reported a pain relief response after 12 months, compared to just 15% of the group injected with a saline placebo.
Mesoblast is already running a phase 3 trial with MPC-06-ID and low-back pain patients in the U.S., and 24-month results should be ready in the middle of 2020. The company is also developing bone marrow stem cells for patients with graft versus host disease and heart failure patients.
Nobody's exactly sure why Mesoblast's cells seem to work for a variety of different conditions, but it's the data that matters. If Mesoblast's candidates continue producing evidence of a benefit, this stock could more than double in 2020.
Image source: Getty Images.
3. Kodiak Sciences: No longer a concept
Kodiak Sciences is built around a neat idea for developing better drugs to prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other causes of vision loss in older adults. This clinical-stage biotech made its stock market debut last October, and the company is moving its lead candidate through development stages at top speed.
Vision loss prevention is a hotly contested niche dominated by anti-VEGF drugs that restrict the formation of new blood vessels responsible for the disease's progression. The leading anti-VEGF used to halt AMD progression, Regeneron's Eylea, is on pace to generate at least $7 billion in annual sales.
Kodiak is developing an anti-VEGF antibody called KSI-301 that's attached to long chains of phosphorylcholine, the same biopolymer used to coat thousands of stents that have been inserted into clogged coronary arteries around the world.
Many patients continue to lose their vision because of spotty treatment schedules that leave them exposed to the progression of AMD. Kodiak is betting that KSI-301's sheer girth will allow it to remain active longer than the market-leading anti-VEGF therapies.
The stock recently soared thanks to human proof-of-concept data that suggests Kodiak's really on to something. Patients with AMD and two other causes of vision loss showed significant improvements during an ongoing trial.
It's going to take time for Kodiak to show just how durable its treatment is, but that won't stop the company from beginning a pivotal study with about 400 treatment-naive AMD patients in the third quarter. Patients enrolled in the pivotal study, named Dazzle, will receive injections of Eylea or KSI-301 for a year.
It will be another year before we know if Kodiak has a giant slayer in its pipeline. If we find out it does, this could be the best-performing biotech in 2020.
Image source: Getty Images.
Most likely to succeed?
While there's a chance for Acadia and Mesoblast to continue climbing, I'd feel best about placing a bet on Kodiak Sciences. The stock may be a lot younger, but there isn't a lot of success already baked into its recent price. That gives it plenty of room to grow.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals: A big expansion This biotech stock has been rocketing higher since announcing better-than-expected second-quarter sales of its atypical antipsychotic drug, Nuplazid. Before getting too excited, though, it's important to understand that Acadia's a $5.8 billion company that lost $140 million during the first half of 2019. We haven't seen results from the Harmony trial, and neither has the FDA, which means there's still a lot that can go wrong for Acadia. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals: A big expansion This biotech stock has been rocketing higher since announcing better-than-expected second-quarter sales of its atypical antipsychotic drug, Nuplazid. Before getting too excited, though, it's important to understand that Acadia's a $5.8 billion company that lost $140 million during the first half of 2019. We haven't seen results from the Harmony trial, and neither has the FDA, which means there's still a lot that can go wrong for Acadia. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals: A big expansion This biotech stock has been rocketing higher since announcing better-than-expected second-quarter sales of its atypical antipsychotic drug, Nuplazid. Before getting too excited, though, it's important to understand that Acadia's a $5.8 billion company that lost $140 million during the first half of 2019. We haven't seen results from the Harmony trial, and neither has the FDA, which means there's still a lot that can go wrong for Acadia. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals: A big expansion This biotech stock has been rocketing higher since announcing better-than-expected second-quarter sales of its atypical antipsychotic drug, Nuplazid. Before getting too excited, though, it's important to understand that Acadia's a $5.8 billion company that lost $140 million during the first half of 2019. We haven't seen results from the Harmony trial, and neither has the FDA, which means there's still a lot that can go wrong for Acadia. |
35910.0 | 2019-09-11 00:00:00 UTC | Does Acadia Pharmaceuticals Have More Room to Run? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/does-acadia-pharmaceuticals-have-more-room-to-run-2019-09-11 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) stock has been on absolute fire in 2019. Thanks to improving sales for its Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP) medicine Nuplazid and a recent late-stage readout in the dementia-driven psychosis setting, the drugmaker's shares have shot up by an astounding 141% so far this year.
Does Acadia's stock have even more room to run or should investors take profits after this monstrous rally? Let's take a look at the bull and bear case for this red-hot biotech stock to find out.
Image source: Getty Images.
The bull case
Not surprisingly, Acadia's stock was immediately blessed with several analyst upgrades following Nuplazid's positive late-stage readout for dementia-related psychosis. H.C. Wainwright & Co. and Canaccord Genuity, for example, both raised their respective price targets on Acadia's shares yesterday. Wall Street, in turn, seems convinced that Acadia's stock can indeed continue to tick higher.
Why are analysts so bullish? They key reason is that Nuplazid is staring down a potential $2 billion commercial opportunity with a future label that would include both PDP and dementia-related psychosis. Equally as important, Acadia may end up fetching a high-dollar buyout offer with a successful label expansion for Nuplazid. There are no FDA approved drugs for dementia-related psychosis after all.
Keeping with this theme, Amgen recently doled out $13.4 billion to get its hands on Celgene's plaque psoriasis medication Otezla. That transaction is important to bear in mind in this case for two reasons. First off, Otezla is expected to peak at around $2.5 billion in annual sales. Secondly, this anti-inflammatory drug competes in a rather crowded market.
Nuplazid, by contrast, is projected to post similar peak sales to Otezla but with little to no competition for the foreseeable future -- that is, assuming the FDA grants this key label expansion. Put simply, a revenue-hungry big pharma may indeed be willing to pay up to acquire Acadia if Nuplazid lives up to the hype.
The bear case
There are three clear-cut reasons to doubt that Acadia's stock can maintain this momentum. Firstly, the biotech's shares are now trading at close to 3.5 times Nuplazid's peak sales projection as a treatment for both PDP and dementia-related psychosis. That's not a totally unreasonable valuation, but it also isn't cheap for a company facing a critical regulatory decision, either.
Secondly, the FDA could delay or even reject Nuplazid's label expansion. This year, the FDA has taken a surprising stance on more than a few drugs with compelling late-stage data. Thus, there's no way to predict how Nuplazid's forthcoming regulatory process may play out with this seemingly more strict version of the FDA.
Thirdly, Acadia has a serious cash burn problem. Despite Nuplazid's improving sales in the PDP arena, the company has already burned through a cool $140.2 million during the first six months of 2019. Although Acadia still sports a cash runway of more than two years, the company would obviously be wise to raise capital after this latest spike in its share price. Acadia's rally, in turn, may stall if the company chooses to roll out a particularly large secondary offering.
Verdict
There is a lot to like about this mid-cap biotech stock. Nuplazid has a real shot at becoming a bona fide franchise-level drug following these impressive late-stage results. The downside is that most of this good news appears to be baked into the company's valuation at this point.
Bottom line: Acadia's shares will probably have trouble pushing much higher in the near term due to the company's premium valuation and the strong likelihood of a hefty capital raise. Investors, therefore, may want to wait for a more compelling entry point.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The bull case Not surprisingly, Acadia's stock was immediately blessed with several analyst upgrades following Nuplazid's positive late-stage readout for dementia-related psychosis. Bottom line: Acadia's shares will probably have trouble pushing much higher in the near term due to the company's premium valuation and the strong likelihood of a hefty capital raise. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) stock has been on absolute fire in 2019. | The bull case Not surprisingly, Acadia's stock was immediately blessed with several analyst upgrades following Nuplazid's positive late-stage readout for dementia-related psychosis. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) stock has been on absolute fire in 2019. Does Acadia's stock have even more room to run or should investors take profits after this monstrous rally? | The bull case Not surprisingly, Acadia's stock was immediately blessed with several analyst upgrades following Nuplazid's positive late-stage readout for dementia-related psychosis. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) stock has been on absolute fire in 2019. | The bull case Not surprisingly, Acadia's stock was immediately blessed with several analyst upgrades following Nuplazid's positive late-stage readout for dementia-related psychosis. * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) stock has been on absolute fire in 2019. |
35911.0 | 2019-09-10 00:00:00 UTC | Is Acadia Pharmaceuticals a Good Biotech Stock to Buy Now? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-acadia-pharmaceuticals-a-good-biotech-stock-to-buy-now-2019-09-10 | nan | nan | After years of dismay, Acadia Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ACAD) long-term shareholders have a new reason to cheer for the company's only drug, Nuplazid. Successful results from a dementia-driven psychosis study recently added to gains fueled by better-than-expected Nuplazid sales in the second quarter.
From the day the FDA gave Nuplazid a green light to treat Parkinson's disease-associated psychosis in 2016 until the day before Acadia announced success with dementia-driven psychosis, the stock had fallen 26%. Thanks to a surprise success in a pivotal study with different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, the stock shot up 63% in a single day.
Image source: Getty Images.
Nuplazid's latest pivotal trial success will probably lead to a huge expansion of its addressable patient population in 2020 and send sales rocketing higher.
Can Nuplazid perform well enough to drive Acadia's recent $5.6 billion market cap even higher? Let's have a closer look to find out.
A much larger population
Around 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year, and 50% to 80% of them experience dementia at some point during their disease. Around half of the people with dementia caused by Parkinson's will be hobbled by debilitating delusions and hallucinations during the course of their disease. In other words, there just aren't a lot of patients out there capable of getting Medicare to pay for Acadia's only drug.
Each year in the U.S., a whopping 485,000 older adults develop Alzheimer's disease, and up to 70% of this group eventually develop delusions, such as a sudden belief that their house isn't theirs or that their caregiver is a clever imposter.
The Harmony study enrolled patients with Alzheimer's and four other types of dementia. Although Alzheimer's is responsible most of the time, it isn't the only type of dementia that can detach people from reality. For example, around 80% of people with Lewey body dementia experience visual hallucinations. At the moment there are already around 1.2 million patients in the U.S. diagnosed with dementia-related psychosis.
Image source: Getty Images.
Winners quit early
Physicians have known for a long time that atypical antipsychotic drugs are generally more effective and more easily tolerated than typical antipsychotics, but none have been approved to treat psychosis caused by any form of dementia except Parkinson's disease.
In late 2017, Acadia began a pivotal study named Harmony that independent data monitors halted early. If you're new to the world of biotech stocks, stopping early might seem like a disaster, but it's really the opposite. That's because independent data monitors know which patients received Nuplazid and which ones were getting a placebo. During a planned observation partway through the trial, the monitors measured a benefit strong enough to be nearly certain that it wasn't random chance.
A label upgrade?
Atypical antipsychotics have been used to treat patients with dementia-driven psychosis for years, but they're also known to disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart. Nuplazid's prescribing label contains a dreaded black box warning that tells physicians that elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis were 1.6 to 1.7 times more likely to die during clinical trials with atypical antipsychotics than patients in different placebo groups.
Immediately below the increased risk of death warning is a clear reminder that Nuplazid is not approved to treat psychosis caused by anything but Parkinson's. Physicians can prescribe Nuplazid to patients with psychosis related to any dementia they want, but ignoring a black box warning usually isn't a great career move.
If the FDA grants a label expansion to treat the larger population of older adults with dementia-driven psychosis, Nuplazid's not-approved warning should disappear -- giving sales the boost they need.
Image source: Getty Images.
Reasons to wait
While it looks like annual Nuplazid sales have a chance to grow from $224 million last year to more than $1 billion by 2023, that success has already been baked into the price. That means Acadia shares will plummet if attempts to expand Nuplazid's patient population are stalled for any reason.
Acadia finished June with $382 million in cash and securities after burning through $140 million during the first half of the year. At this rate, Acadia will probably need to hold another dilutive share offering before the FDA officially begins a months-long review.
Stay patient a little longer
There's still a lot that can get in the way of Nuplazid before it has a chance with a larger population, and it's probably best to wait for more information or a more reasonable valuation. Acadia hasn't shared any details from its latest clinical victory, so investors should at least wait for the company to present the results at an upcoming scientific conference.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia hasn't shared any details from its latest clinical victory, so investors should at least wait for the company to present the results at an upcoming scientific conference. After years of dismay, Acadia Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ACAD) long-term shareholders have a new reason to cheer for the company's only drug, Nuplazid. From the day the FDA gave Nuplazid a green light to treat Parkinson's disease-associated psychosis in 2016 until the day before Acadia announced success with dementia-driven psychosis, the stock had fallen 26%. | After years of dismay, Acadia Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ACAD) long-term shareholders have a new reason to cheer for the company's only drug, Nuplazid. From the day the FDA gave Nuplazid a green light to treat Parkinson's disease-associated psychosis in 2016 until the day before Acadia announced success with dementia-driven psychosis, the stock had fallen 26%. Can Nuplazid perform well enough to drive Acadia's recent $5.6 billion market cap even higher? | From the day the FDA gave Nuplazid a green light to treat Parkinson's disease-associated psychosis in 2016 until the day before Acadia announced success with dementia-driven psychosis, the stock had fallen 26%. After years of dismay, Acadia Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ACAD) long-term shareholders have a new reason to cheer for the company's only drug, Nuplazid. Can Nuplazid perform well enough to drive Acadia's recent $5.6 billion market cap even higher? | After years of dismay, Acadia Pharmaceuticals' (NASDAQ: ACAD) long-term shareholders have a new reason to cheer for the company's only drug, Nuplazid. From the day the FDA gave Nuplazid a green light to treat Parkinson's disease-associated psychosis in 2016 until the day before Acadia announced success with dementia-driven psychosis, the stock had fallen 26%. Can Nuplazid perform well enough to drive Acadia's recent $5.6 billion market cap even higher? |
35912.0 | 2019-09-09 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 09/09/2019: ACAD, AXNX, AMGN, JNJ, PFE, ABT, MRK | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-09-09-2019%3A-acad-axnx-amgn-jnj-pfe-abt-mrk-2019-09-09 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks:
JNJ: -0.17%
PFE: +0.14%
ABT: Flat
MRK: +0.02%
AMGN: -2.75%
Top health care stocks were mixed in Monday's pre-bell trading.
Stocks moving on news include:
(+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), which was jumping more than 77% after the company said its phase 3 study of pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis met its primary endpoint and would be stopped earlier than expected.
(+) Axonics Modulation Technologies (AXNX) was more than 3% higher as it said the Food & Drug Administration has approved its r-SNM system, an implantable, rechargeable sacral neuromodulation device for the treatment of urinary and bowel dysfunction.
(-) Amgen (AMGN) was declining by more than 2% as new data from its ongoing phase 1 trial of AMG-510 in patients with previously treated KRAS G12C-mutated solid tumors continued to show anti-tumor activity with no dose-limiting toxicities.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Stocks moving on news include: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), which was jumping more than 77% after the company said its phase 3 study of pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis met its primary endpoint and would be stopped earlier than expected. (+) Axonics Modulation Technologies (AXNX) was more than 3% higher as it said the Food & Drug Administration has approved its r-SNM system, an implantable, rechargeable sacral neuromodulation device for the treatment of urinary and bowel dysfunction. (-) Amgen (AMGN) was declining by more than 2% as new data from its ongoing phase 1 trial of AMG-510 in patients with previously treated KRAS G12C-mutated solid tumors continued to show anti-tumor activity with no dose-limiting toxicities. | Stocks moving on news include: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), which was jumping more than 77% after the company said its phase 3 study of pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis met its primary endpoint and would be stopped earlier than expected. Top Health Care Stocks: Top health care stocks were mixed in Monday's pre-bell trading. | Stocks moving on news include: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), which was jumping more than 77% after the company said its phase 3 study of pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis met its primary endpoint and would be stopped earlier than expected. Top health care stocks were mixed in Monday's pre-bell trading. The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Stocks moving on news include: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), which was jumping more than 77% after the company said its phase 3 study of pimavanserin for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis met its primary endpoint and would be stopped earlier than expected. Top Health Care Stocks: ABT: Flat |
35913.0 | 2019-09-09 00:00:00 UTC | What Happened in the Stock Market Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/what-happened-in-the-stock-market-today-2019-09-09 | nan | nan | Major benchmarks initially climbed on Monday following a report over the weekend that China offered to purchase a "modest" amount of agricultural products from the United States (after suspending such purchases in early August).
But the market gave up those gains as the day wore on and investors noted the offer would likely be contingent upon the United States both delaying planned tariff increases and easing its own restrictions on Chinese tech giant Huawei. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) closed up slightly, while the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) ended just barely in the red.
Today's stock market
Data source: Yahoo! Finance.
As for individual stocks, AT&T (NYSE: T) climbed after a notable activist investor took a large stake in the telecommunications giant, while ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) skyrocketed on good news regarding a key new drug study.
Image source: Getty Images.
Could AT&T go to $60?
Shares of AT&T surged more than 4% early today, then pulled back to close up 1.4% after activist investor firm Elliott Management disclosed a new $3.2 billion stake in the telecom leader. In a letter to AT&T's board of directors, Elliott Management said the enormous purchase "reflects our deep conviction in the extraordinary value opportunity realizable at AT&T today."
The firm further argued that AT&T stock could surge to at least $60 per share -- representing a more than 60% premium from Friday's closing price -- if the company is willing to consider Elliott's suggestions to divest certain noncore assets, improve its operational efficiency, expand its board (with candidates suggested by Elliott), and deleverage its balance sheet while opportunistically repurchasing shares.
It seems likely AT&T will push back on a number of those proposals, particularly the divestments and expansion of its board. But with shares trading roughly flat over the past five years (albeit excluding its healthy dividend, which yields 5.5% at today's prices), it's no surprise to see the stock rallying as investors cheer this renewed pressure by Elliott for AT&T to more aggressively generate shareholder value.
ACADIA's perfect reason to end a drug study early
Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals popped 63.2% today after the biopharmaceuticals leader announced it has stopped a key late-stage drug study early after the drug demonstrated its efficacy.
At the recommendation of the study's independent data-monitoring committee, ACADIA said it decided to stop the phase 3 Harmony trial of its pimavanserin treatment for dementia-related psychosis after the drug met the study's endpoint of "demonstrating a highly statistically significant longer time to relapse" compared with a placebo.
Pimavanserin was previously approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis under the name Nuplazid. But now ACADIA is planning to meet with the FDA for a supplemental New Drug Application in 2020 that could make it the first FDA-approved drug for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.
"We are very excited that today's results bring us one step closer to the potential of offering patients with dementia-related psychosis a critically needed treatment option," said ACADIA president Serge Stankovic.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | As for individual stocks, AT&T (NYSE: T) climbed after a notable activist investor took a large stake in the telecommunications giant, while ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) skyrocketed on good news regarding a key new drug study. ACADIA's perfect reason to end a drug study early Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals popped 63.2% today after the biopharmaceuticals leader announced it has stopped a key late-stage drug study early after the drug demonstrated its efficacy. At the recommendation of the study's independent data-monitoring committee, ACADIA said it decided to stop the phase 3 Harmony trial of its pimavanserin treatment for dementia-related psychosis after the drug met the study's endpoint of "demonstrating a highly statistically significant longer time to relapse" compared with a placebo. | ACADIA's perfect reason to end a drug study early Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals popped 63.2% today after the biopharmaceuticals leader announced it has stopped a key late-stage drug study early after the drug demonstrated its efficacy. As for individual stocks, AT&T (NYSE: T) climbed after a notable activist investor took a large stake in the telecommunications giant, while ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) skyrocketed on good news regarding a key new drug study. At the recommendation of the study's independent data-monitoring committee, ACADIA said it decided to stop the phase 3 Harmony trial of its pimavanserin treatment for dementia-related psychosis after the drug met the study's endpoint of "demonstrating a highly statistically significant longer time to relapse" compared with a placebo. | ACADIA's perfect reason to end a drug study early Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals popped 63.2% today after the biopharmaceuticals leader announced it has stopped a key late-stage drug study early after the drug demonstrated its efficacy. As for individual stocks, AT&T (NYSE: T) climbed after a notable activist investor took a large stake in the telecommunications giant, while ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) skyrocketed on good news regarding a key new drug study. At the recommendation of the study's independent data-monitoring committee, ACADIA said it decided to stop the phase 3 Harmony trial of its pimavanserin treatment for dementia-related psychosis after the drug met the study's endpoint of "demonstrating a highly statistically significant longer time to relapse" compared with a placebo. | But now ACADIA is planning to meet with the FDA for a supplemental New Drug Application in 2020 that could make it the first FDA-approved drug for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis. As for individual stocks, AT&T (NYSE: T) climbed after a notable activist investor took a large stake in the telecommunications giant, while ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) skyrocketed on good news regarding a key new drug study. ACADIA's perfect reason to end a drug study early Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals popped 63.2% today after the biopharmaceuticals leader announced it has stopped a key late-stage drug study early after the drug demonstrated its efficacy. |
35914.0 | 2019-09-09 00:00:00 UTC | Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Stock Skyrocketed Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-stock-skyrocketed-today-2019-09-09 | nan | nan | What happened
Shares of the mid-cap biotech Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) gained an astounding 63.2% today on nearly 17 times the average daily volume. The spark?
Acadia's shares perked up today in response to the news that pimavanserin (aka Nuplazid) hit its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial known as Harmony. The Harmony trial was designed to evaluate pimavanserin as a treatment for dementia-related psychosis. The trial was reportedly stopped early upon the recommendation of the study's independent data monitoring committee.
Image Source: Getty Images.
So what
After this same drug flamed out in another late-stage trial as an adjunctive therapy for adult schizophrenia earlier this year, Wall Street wasn't particularly optimistic about its chances in dementia-related psychosis. This late-stage win nonetheless gives pimavanserin a good shot at tacking on another high-value indication to its label -- one that could push the drug's sales into megablockbuster territory within a few short years. As such, it's easy to see why Acadia's shareholders cheered this somewhat surprising late-stage win today.
Now what
With these exceptionally strong late-stage results in hand, Acadia now plans to approach the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding pimavanserin's regulatory pathway for dementia-related psychosis. In brief, Acadia should have the drug's supplemental New Drug Application for this indication submitted to the FDA before the end of the first half of 2020. That projected timeline sets the stage for a possible launch in either late 2020 or early 2021 -- that is, if the FDA does indeed grant this high-value label expansion.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has quadrupled the market.*
David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Now what With these exceptionally strong late-stage results in hand, Acadia now plans to approach the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding pimavanserin's regulatory pathway for dementia-related psychosis. What happened Shares of the mid-cap biotech Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) gained an astounding 63.2% today on nearly 17 times the average daily volume. Acadia's shares perked up today in response to the news that pimavanserin (aka Nuplazid) hit its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial known as Harmony. | What happened Shares of the mid-cap biotech Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) gained an astounding 63.2% today on nearly 17 times the average daily volume. As such, it's easy to see why Acadia's shareholders cheered this somewhat surprising late-stage win today. Acadia's shares perked up today in response to the news that pimavanserin (aka Nuplazid) hit its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial known as Harmony. | Now what With these exceptionally strong late-stage results in hand, Acadia now plans to approach the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding pimavanserin's regulatory pathway for dementia-related psychosis. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. What happened Shares of the mid-cap biotech Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) gained an astounding 63.2% today on nearly 17 times the average daily volume. | What happened Shares of the mid-cap biotech Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) gained an astounding 63.2% today on nearly 17 times the average daily volume. Acadia's shares perked up today in response to the news that pimavanserin (aka Nuplazid) hit its primary endpoint in a Phase 3 trial known as Harmony. As such, it's easy to see why Acadia's shareholders cheered this somewhat surprising late-stage win today. |
35915.0 | 2019-09-09 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 09/09/2019: ACHC,ACAD,RGEN | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-09-09-2019%3A-achcacadrgen-2019-09-09 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ -0.90%
PFE -0.49%
ABT -2.37%
MRK -3.73%
AMGN -3.46%
Health care stocks retreated Monday, with the NYSE Health Care Index dropping 0.9% this afternoon while shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were down 0.7% as a group. The Nasdaq Biotechnology index was falling more than 0.2%.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(+) Acadia Healthcare Co (ACHC) was 4% higher in Monday trade after a new regulatory filing showed CEO Debra Osteen last Thursday bought another 20,000 shares of the inpatient psychiatric services company's common stock last Thursday at an average price of $26.53 a share. Following her $530,660 purchase last week, Osteen now directly owns 117,178 Acadia shares.
In other sector news:
(+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) raced as much as 85% higher to $43.98 a share after the company Monday said its pimavanserin drug candidate met its primary endpoint during phase III testing, with patients with dementia-related psychosis who were treated with the drug demonstrating a "highly statistically significant" longer time to relapse compared with patients treated with a placebo.
(-) Repligen Corp (RGEN) declined 11% on Monday. S&P Dow Jones Indices late Friday said the biotechnology company will move up from the S&P SmallCap 600 indices to the S&P MidCap 400, effective with the start of regular trading on Monday, Sept. 23.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Acadia Healthcare Co (ACHC) was 4% higher in Monday trade after a new regulatory filing showed CEO Debra Osteen last Thursday bought another 20,000 shares of the inpatient psychiatric services company's common stock last Thursday at an average price of $26.53 a share. Following her $530,660 purchase last week, Osteen now directly owns 117,178 Acadia shares. In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) raced as much as 85% higher to $43.98 a share after the company Monday said its pimavanserin drug candidate met its primary endpoint during phase III testing, with patients with dementia-related psychosis who were treated with the drug demonstrating a "highly statistically significant" longer time to relapse compared with patients treated with a placebo. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Acadia Healthcare Co (ACHC) was 4% higher in Monday trade after a new regulatory filing showed CEO Debra Osteen last Thursday bought another 20,000 shares of the inpatient psychiatric services company's common stock last Thursday at an average price of $26.53 a share. Following her $530,660 purchase last week, Osteen now directly owns 117,178 Acadia shares. In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) raced as much as 85% higher to $43.98 a share after the company Monday said its pimavanserin drug candidate met its primary endpoint during phase III testing, with patients with dementia-related psychosis who were treated with the drug demonstrating a "highly statistically significant" longer time to relapse compared with patients treated with a placebo. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Acadia Healthcare Co (ACHC) was 4% higher in Monday trade after a new regulatory filing showed CEO Debra Osteen last Thursday bought another 20,000 shares of the inpatient psychiatric services company's common stock last Thursday at an average price of $26.53 a share. In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) raced as much as 85% higher to $43.98 a share after the company Monday said its pimavanserin drug candidate met its primary endpoint during phase III testing, with patients with dementia-related psychosis who were treated with the drug demonstrating a "highly statistically significant" longer time to relapse compared with patients treated with a placebo. Following her $530,660 purchase last week, Osteen now directly owns 117,178 Acadia shares. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Acadia Healthcare Co (ACHC) was 4% higher in Monday trade after a new regulatory filing showed CEO Debra Osteen last Thursday bought another 20,000 shares of the inpatient psychiatric services company's common stock last Thursday at an average price of $26.53 a share. In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) raced as much as 85% higher to $43.98 a share after the company Monday said its pimavanserin drug candidate met its primary endpoint during phase III testing, with patients with dementia-related psychosis who were treated with the drug demonstrating a "highly statistically significant" longer time to relapse compared with patients treated with a placebo. Following her $530,660 purchase last week, Osteen now directly owns 117,178 Acadia shares. |
35916.0 | 2019-09-09 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 09/09/2019: TLRY,ACHC,ACAD,RGEN | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-09-09-2019%3A-tlryachcacadrgen-2019-09-09 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ -0.60%
PFE +0.6%
ABT -2.00%
MRK -3.73%
AMGN -2.9%
Health care stocks retreated Monday, with the NYSE Health Care Index (^NYP) dropping nearly 1.0% this afternoon while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 (XLV) also were down just 1.0% as a group. The Nasdaq Biotechnology index (^NBI) was falling more than 0.7%.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(-) Tilray (TLRY) fell over 5% after the Canadian cannabis company Monday said it has signed a definitive agreement with 77% shareholder Privateer Holdings extending the lock-up period and establishing an orderly process for the distribution of 75 million Tilray shares now held by Privateer to its individual stakeholders. The companies June 10 announced a non-binding letter of intent for the proposed transaction.
In other sector news:
(+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) raced as much as 85% higher to $43.98 a share after the company Monday said its pimavanserin drug candidate met its primary endpoint during phase III testing, with patients with dementia-related psychosis who were treated with the drug demonstrating a "highly statistically significant" longer time to relapse compared with patients treated with a placebo.
(+) Acadia Healthcare Co (ACHC) was 6% higher in Monday trade after a new regulatory filing showed CEO Debra Osteen last Thursday bought another 20,000 shares of the inpatient psychiatric services company's common stock last Thursday at an average price of $26.53 a share. Following her $530,660 purchase last week, Osteen now directly owns 117,178 Acadia shares.
(-) Repligen Corp (RGEN) declined 12.5% on Monday. S&P Dow Jones Indices late Friday said the biotechnology company will move up from the S&P SmallCap 600 indices to the S&P MidCap 400, effective with the start of regular trading on Monday, Sept. 23.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) raced as much as 85% higher to $43.98 a share after the company Monday said its pimavanserin drug candidate met its primary endpoint during phase III testing, with patients with dementia-related psychosis who were treated with the drug demonstrating a "highly statistically significant" longer time to relapse compared with patients treated with a placebo. (+) Acadia Healthcare Co (ACHC) was 6% higher in Monday trade after a new regulatory filing showed CEO Debra Osteen last Thursday bought another 20,000 shares of the inpatient psychiatric services company's common stock last Thursday at an average price of $26.53 a share. Following her $530,660 purchase last week, Osteen now directly owns 117,178 Acadia shares. | In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) raced as much as 85% higher to $43.98 a share after the company Monday said its pimavanserin drug candidate met its primary endpoint during phase III testing, with patients with dementia-related psychosis who were treated with the drug demonstrating a "highly statistically significant" longer time to relapse compared with patients treated with a placebo. (+) Acadia Healthcare Co (ACHC) was 6% higher in Monday trade after a new regulatory filing showed CEO Debra Osteen last Thursday bought another 20,000 shares of the inpatient psychiatric services company's common stock last Thursday at an average price of $26.53 a share. Following her $530,660 purchase last week, Osteen now directly owns 117,178 Acadia shares. | (+) Acadia Healthcare Co (ACHC) was 6% higher in Monday trade after a new regulatory filing showed CEO Debra Osteen last Thursday bought another 20,000 shares of the inpatient psychiatric services company's common stock last Thursday at an average price of $26.53 a share. In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) raced as much as 85% higher to $43.98 a share after the company Monday said its pimavanserin drug candidate met its primary endpoint during phase III testing, with patients with dementia-related psychosis who were treated with the drug demonstrating a "highly statistically significant" longer time to relapse compared with patients treated with a placebo. Following her $530,660 purchase last week, Osteen now directly owns 117,178 Acadia shares. | In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) raced as much as 85% higher to $43.98 a share after the company Monday said its pimavanserin drug candidate met its primary endpoint during phase III testing, with patients with dementia-related psychosis who were treated with the drug demonstrating a "highly statistically significant" longer time to relapse compared with patients treated with a placebo. (+) Acadia Healthcare Co (ACHC) was 6% higher in Monday trade after a new regulatory filing showed CEO Debra Osteen last Thursday bought another 20,000 shares of the inpatient psychiatric services company's common stock last Thursday at an average price of $26.53 a share. Following her $530,660 purchase last week, Osteen now directly owns 117,178 Acadia shares. |
35917.0 | 2019-09-06 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Shares Cross Below 200 DMA | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-shares-cross-below-200-dma-2019-09-06 | nan | nan | In trading on Friday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $24.11, changing hands as low as $23.77 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading off about 2.9% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $13.17 per share, with $30.38 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $23.80.
Click here to find out which 9 other stocks recently crossed below their 200 day moving average »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Friday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $24.11, changing hands as low as $23.77 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $13.17 per share, with $30.38 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $23.80. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading off about 2.9% on the day. | In trading on Friday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $24.11, changing hands as low as $23.77 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $13.17 per share, with $30.38 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $23.80. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading off about 2.9% on the day. | In trading on Friday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $24.11, changing hands as low as $23.77 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $13.17 per share, with $30.38 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $23.80. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading off about 2.9% on the day. | In trading on Friday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $24.11, changing hands as low as $23.77 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading off about 2.9% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $13.17 per share, with $30.38 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $23.80. |
35918.0 | 2019-09-06 00:00:00 UTC | October 25th Options Now Available For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/october-25th-options-now-available-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2019-09-06 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the October 25th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 25th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $24.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.45. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $24.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $22.55 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $24.71/share today.
Because the $24.00 strike represents an approximate 3% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 60%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 6.04% return on the cash commitment, or 45.00% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $24.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $25.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.75. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $24.71/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $25.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 8.26% if the stock gets called away at the October 25th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 46%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 7.08% boost of extra return to the investor, or 52.75% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 73%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 67%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 251 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $24.71) to be 67%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the October 25th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the October 25th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 25th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $24.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $25.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.75. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the October 25th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 25th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $25.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the October 25th expiration. |
35919.0 | 2019-09-03 00:00:00 UTC | October 11th Options Now Available For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/october-11th-options-now-available-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2019-09-03 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the October 11th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 11th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $25.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.10. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $25.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $23.90 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $25.85/share today.
Because the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 3% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 61%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.40% return on the cash commitment, or 42.26% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $25.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $26.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.45. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $25.85/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $26.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 6.19% if the stock gets called away at the October 11th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 46%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 5.61% boost of extra return to the investor, or 53.88% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 67%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 75%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 250 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $25.85) to be 67%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the October 11th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the October 11th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 11th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $25.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $26.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.45. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the October 11th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 11th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the October 11th expiration. |
35920.0 | 2019-08-26 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD October 4th Options Begin Trading | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-october-4th-options-begin-trading-2019-08-26 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the October 4th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 4th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $26.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.00. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $26.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $25.00 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $27.90/share today.
Because the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 7% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 67%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.85% return on the cash commitment, or 36.00% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $26.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $29.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.35. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $27.90/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $29.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 8.78% if the stock gets called away at the October 4th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $29.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $29.00 strike represents an approximate 4% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 52%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.84% boost of extra return to the investor, or 45.29% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example, as well as the call contract example, are both approximately 67%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 250 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $27.90) to be 66%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $29.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $29.00 strike represents an approximate 4% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the October 4th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $29.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $29.00 strike represents an approximate 4% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the October 4th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 4th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $26.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $29.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.35. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $29.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $29.00 strike represents an approximate 4% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the October 4th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $29.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $29.00 strike represents an approximate 4% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the October 4th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 4th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. |
35921.0 | 2019-08-22 00:00:00 UTC | First Week of October 18th Options Trading For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/first-week-of-october-18th-options-trading-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2019-08-22 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the October 18th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 18th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $29.00 strike price has a current bid of $1.40. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $29.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $27.60 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $29.50/share today.
Because the $29.00 strike represents an approximate 2% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 58%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 4.83% return on the cash commitment, or 30.91% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $29.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $33.00 strike price has a current bid of 95 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $29.50/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $33.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 15.08% if the stock gets called away at the October 18th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $33.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $33.00 strike represents an approximate 12% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 61%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.22% boost of extra return to the investor, or 20.62% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 69%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 81%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 251 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $29.50) to be 66%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $33.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $33.00 strike represents an approximate 12% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the October 18th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $33.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $33.00 strike represents an approximate 12% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the October 18th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 18th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $29.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $33.00 strike price has a current bid of 95 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $33.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $33.00 strike represents an approximate 12% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the October 18th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new October 18th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $33.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $33.00 strike represents an approximate 12% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the October 18th expiration. |
35922.0 | 2019-08-19 00:00:00 UTC | First Week of March 2020 Options Trading For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/first-week-of-march-2020-options-trading-for-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2019-08-19 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the March 2020 expiration. One of the key inputs that goes into the price an option buyer is willing to pay, is the time value, so with 214 days until expiration the newly trading contracts represent a potential opportunity for sellers of puts or calls to achieve a higher premium than would be available for the contracts with a closer expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 2020 contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $29.00 strike price has a current bid of $3.90. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $29.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $25.10 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $29.27/share today.
Because the $29.00 strike represents an approximate 1% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 61%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 13.45% return on the cash commitment, or 22.94% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $29.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $30.00 strike price has a current bid of $4.40. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $29.27/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $30.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 17.53% if the stock gets called away at the March 2020 expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $30.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $30.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 41%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 15.03% boost of extra return to the investor, or 25.64% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 71%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 75%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 250 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $29.27) to be 66%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $30.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $30.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the March 2020 expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $30.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $30.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the March 2020 expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 2020 contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $29.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $30.00 strike price has a current bid of $4.40. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $30.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $30.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the March 2020 expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new March 2020 contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $30.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $30.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading this week, for the March 2020 expiration. |
35923.0 | 2019-08-01 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 08/01/2019: SYRS,MYGN,ACAD,ABMD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-08-01-2019%3A-syrsmygnacadabmd-2019-08-01 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ -0.08%
PFE -0.64%
ABT -1.27%
MRK +0.77%
AMGN -0.34%
Health care stocks were hanging on for a narrow rise late Thursday with the NYSE Health Care Index climbing nearly 0.2% while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were up almost 0.2% as a group. The Nasdaq Biotechnology index was climbing 0.7% shortly before the closing bell this afternoon.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(+) Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS) rose 13% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker said its Q2 revenue rose to $462,000 compared with $375,00 during the same quarter last year, climbing 18.8% to beat the Capital IQ consensus expecting $430,000 in revenue for the three months ended June 30.
In other sector news:
(+) Myriad Genetics (MYGN) was trading 56% higher just before Thursday's closing bell after saying UnitedHealthcare (UNH) will cover the cost of the company's GeneSight multi-gene diagnostic test to determine what psychotropic drugs will likely best treat certain mental conditions. According to a new regulatory filing by Myriad, the health care insurer will now cover pharmacogenetic testing for patients diagnosed with a major depressive disorder or anxiety and who were previously treated at least once with a medication that failed to adequately address their conditions.
(+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 16% after reporting improved Q2 financial results and also raised its FY19 sales outlook. The specialty drugmaker recorded a $0.38 per share net loss compared with a $0.51 per share loss last year while net sales grew 46% over year-ago levels to $83.2 million. Analysts, on average, were expecting a $0.46 per share net loss on $72.5 million in Q2 sales.
(-) Abiomed (ABMD) fell almost 27% on Thursday after reporting fiscal Q1 revenue lagging Wall Street expectations and also cut its FY20 revenue outlook below the analyst mean. Fiscal Q1 revenue missed the Capital IQ consensus by $3.3 million. The medical device firm also sees revenue this year in a range of $885 million to $925 million, down from its prior forecast expecting between $900 million to $945 million and also trailing the $928.2 million average Street call.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 16% after reporting improved Q2 financial results and also raised its FY19 sales outlook. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS) rose 13% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker said its Q2 revenue rose to $462,000 compared with $375,00 during the same quarter last year, climbing 18.8% to beat the Capital IQ consensus expecting $430,000 in revenue for the three months ended June 30. In other sector news: (+) Myriad Genetics (MYGN) was trading 56% higher just before Thursday's closing bell after saying UnitedHealthcare (UNH) will cover the cost of the company's GeneSight multi-gene diagnostic test to determine what psychotropic drugs will likely best treat certain mental conditions. | (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 16% after reporting improved Q2 financial results and also raised its FY19 sales outlook. Health care stocks were hanging on for a narrow rise late Thursday with the NYSE Health Care Index climbing nearly 0.2% while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were up almost 0.2% as a group. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS) rose 13% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker said its Q2 revenue rose to $462,000 compared with $375,00 during the same quarter last year, climbing 18.8% to beat the Capital IQ consensus expecting $430,000 in revenue for the three months ended June 30. | (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 16% after reporting improved Q2 financial results and also raised its FY19 sales outlook. Health care stocks were hanging on for a narrow rise late Thursday with the NYSE Health Care Index climbing nearly 0.2% while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were up almost 0.2% as a group. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS) rose 13% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker said its Q2 revenue rose to $462,000 compared with $375,00 during the same quarter last year, climbing 18.8% to beat the Capital IQ consensus expecting $430,000 in revenue for the three months ended June 30. | (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 16% after reporting improved Q2 financial results and also raised its FY19 sales outlook. Health care stocks were hanging on for a narrow rise late Thursday with the NYSE Health Care Index climbing nearly 0.2% while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were up almost 0.2% as a group. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Syros Pharmaceuticals (SYRS) rose 13% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker said its Q2 revenue rose to $462,000 compared with $375,00 during the same quarter last year, climbing 18.8% to beat the Capital IQ consensus expecting $430,000 in revenue for the three months ended June 30. |
35924.0 | 2019-08-01 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 08/01/2019: MYGN,ACAD,ABMD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-08-01-2019%3A-mygnacadabmd-2019-08-01 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ -0.26%
PFE -1.49%
ABT -0.08%
MRK +0.54%
AMGN +0.32%
Health care stocks were rising, including a 0.9% gain for the NYSE Health Care Index while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were up 1% as a group. The Nasdaq Biotechnology index was climbing 1.2% this afternoon.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(+) Myriad Genetics (MYGN) was trading 52% higher after Thursday saying UnitedHealthcare (UNH) will cover the cost of the company's GeneSight multi-gene diagnostic test to determine what psychotropic drugs will likely best treat certain mental conditions. According to a new regulatory filing by Myriad, the health care insurer will now cover pharmacogenetic testing for patients diagnosed with a major depressive disorder or anxiety and who were previously treated at least once with a medication that failed to adequately address their conditions.
In other sector news:
(+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 11.5% after reporting improved Q2 financial results and also raised its FY19 sales outlook. The specialty drugmaker recorded a $0.38 per share net loss compared with a $0.51 per share loss last year while net sales grew 46% over year-ago levels to $83.2 million. Analysts, on average, were expecting a $0.46 per share net loss on $72.5 million in Q2 sales.
(-) Abiomed (ABMD) fell 28% on Thursday after reporting fiscal Q1 revenue lagging Wall Street expectations and also cut its FY20 revenue outlook below the analyst mean. Fiscal Q1 revenue missed the Capital IQ consensus by $3.3 million. The medical device firm also sees revenue this year in a range of $885 million to $925 million, down from its prior forecast expecting between $900 million to $945 million and also trailing the $928.2 million average Street call.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 11.5% after reporting improved Q2 financial results and also raised its FY19 sales outlook. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Myriad Genetics (MYGN) was trading 52% higher after Thursday saying UnitedHealthcare (UNH) will cover the cost of the company's GeneSight multi-gene diagnostic test to determine what psychotropic drugs will likely best treat certain mental conditions. According to a new regulatory filing by Myriad, the health care insurer will now cover pharmacogenetic testing for patients diagnosed with a major depressive disorder or anxiety and who were previously treated at least once with a medication that failed to adequately address their conditions. | In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 11.5% after reporting improved Q2 financial results and also raised its FY19 sales outlook. Health care stocks were rising, including a 0.9% gain for the NYSE Health Care Index while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were up 1% as a group. Analysts, on average, were expecting a $0.46 per share net loss on $72.5 million in Q2 sales. | In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 11.5% after reporting improved Q2 financial results and also raised its FY19 sales outlook. Health care stocks were rising, including a 0.9% gain for the NYSE Health Care Index while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were up 1% as a group. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Myriad Genetics (MYGN) was trading 52% higher after Thursday saying UnitedHealthcare (UNH) will cover the cost of the company's GeneSight multi-gene diagnostic test to determine what psychotropic drugs will likely best treat certain mental conditions. | In other sector news: (+) Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 11.5% after reporting improved Q2 financial results and also raised its FY19 sales outlook. Health care stocks were rising, including a 0.9% gain for the NYSE Health Care Index while the shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were up 1% as a group. (-) Abiomed (ABMD) fell 28% on Thursday after reporting fiscal Q1 revenue lagging Wall Street expectations and also cut its FY20 revenue outlook below the analyst mean. |
35925.0 | 2019-08-01 00:00:00 UTC | Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Stock Is Crushing It Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-stock-is-crushing-it-today-2019-08-01 | nan | nan | What happened
Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) are soaring today, up 17.8% as of 11:27 a.m. EDT, after the drugmaker announced strong second-quarter financial results.
So what
The main reason investors are so pumped up about Acadia is due to just how impressive the company's Q2 results were. Acadia reported that its revenue in the second quarter increased 46% year over year to $83.2 million, fueled by continued momentum for antipsychotic drug Nuplazid. This easily topped the consensus Wall Street estimate of a little over $72 million in revenue.
Image source: Getty Images.
While Acadia announced a net loss of $54.9 million, or $0.38 per share, its bottom line in Q2 was much better than the net loss of $63 million, or $0.51 per share, in the prior-year period. It also beat analysts' average estimate of a net loss of $0.45 per share.
One quarter of exceeding Wall Street's expectations doesn't change the investing thesis for Acadia, of course. However, the strength for Nuplazid is definitely impressive. And it shows that the company's commercial strategy is working quite well.
Michael Yang, Acadia's chief commercial officer, said in the Q2 conference call that the company's sales team is doing a great job in reaching new prescribers and long-term care pharmacies. He also thought that the transition to the 34 mg tablet and a successful direct-to-consumer campaign were key in Nuplazid's successful quarter.
Now what
Aside from watching how well Acadia continues to execute on its commercialization activities for Nuplazid, the primary things to look forward to for the company are several key pipeline developments. Acadia should begin a late-stage study of trofinetide in treating Rett syndrome in the fourth quarter of 2019. It expects to report results from a study of Nuplazid in treating "negative symptoms" of schizophrenia in December. The company also anticipates announcing interim results from a study of Nuplazid in dementia-related psychosis later this year, with top-line results on the way in the second half of 2020.
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Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) are soaring today, up 17.8% as of 11:27 a.m. EDT, after the drugmaker announced strong second-quarter financial results. Michael Yang, Acadia's chief commercial officer, said in the Q2 conference call that the company's sales team is doing a great job in reaching new prescribers and long-term care pharmacies. Now what Aside from watching how well Acadia continues to execute on its commercialization activities for Nuplazid, the primary things to look forward to for the company are several key pipeline developments. | Acadia reported that its revenue in the second quarter increased 46% year over year to $83.2 million, fueled by continued momentum for antipsychotic drug Nuplazid. While Acadia announced a net loss of $54.9 million, or $0.38 per share, its bottom line in Q2 was much better than the net loss of $63 million, or $0.51 per share, in the prior-year period. What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) are soaring today, up 17.8% as of 11:27 a.m. EDT, after the drugmaker announced strong second-quarter financial results. | While Acadia announced a net loss of $54.9 million, or $0.38 per share, its bottom line in Q2 was much better than the net loss of $63 million, or $0.51 per share, in the prior-year period. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) are soaring today, up 17.8% as of 11:27 a.m. EDT, after the drugmaker announced strong second-quarter financial results. | What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) are soaring today, up 17.8% as of 11:27 a.m. EDT, after the drugmaker announced strong second-quarter financial results. So what The main reason investors are so pumped up about Acadia is due to just how impressive the company's Q2 results were. Acadia reported that its revenue in the second quarter increased 46% year over year to $83.2 million, fueled by continued momentum for antipsychotic drug Nuplazid. |
35926.0 | 2019-08-01 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Q2 2019 Earnings Call Transcript | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-q2-2019-earnings-call-transcript-2019-08-01 | nan | nan | Image source: The Motley Fool.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD)
Q2 2019 Earnings Call
Jul 31, 2019, 4:30 p.m. ET
Contents:
Prepared Remarks
Questions and Answers
Call Participants
Prepared Remarks:
Operator
Good day, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' second-quarter 2019 financial results conference call. My name is Michelle and I will be your coordinator for today. [Operator instructions] I would now like to turn the presentation over to Mark Johnson, vice president of investor relations at ACADIA. Please proceed.
Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations
Thank you, Michelle. Good afternoon and thank you for joining us on today's call to discuss ACADIA's second-quarter 2019 financial results. Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will provide a brief overview of our strategy, recent achievements, pipeline opportunities and financial performance. Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, will provide updates on our commercial initiatives with NUPLAZID. Serge Stankovic, our president, will discuss our pipeline progress.
And Elena Ridloff, our chief financial officer, who will discuss our financial results before turning it back to Steve for his final remarks and opening up the call for questions. I would also like to point out that we are using supplemental slides, which are available on the events and presentation section of our website. Before we proceed, I would first like to remind you that during our call today, we will be making a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including goals, expectations, plans, prospects, growth potential, timing of events or future results, are based on current information, assumptions and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
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These factors and other risks associated with our business can be found in our filings made with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of today's date. I'll now turn over the call to Steve Davis, our chief executive officer.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Mark. Good afternoon, everyone and thank you for joining us today. Our team delivered strong sales performance this quarter, as you can see on slide five. In the second quarter NUPLAZID achieved at $83.2 million in net sales a 46% year-over-year increase.
Based on our execution and the growth in NUPLAZID in the second quarter, we've raised our full-year revenue guidance to $320 million to $330 million from a previous range of $280 million to $300 million. This represents a 45% year-over-year revenue and 30% year-over-year volume increase at the midpoint of the range. We continue to leverage our R&D capabilities as we pursue several pipeline programs by pressing unmet needs in the CNS space with very large market opportunities. In dementia related diagnosis, we continue to make good progress with our pivotal Phase 3 HARMONY study and expect to announce top line results in the second half of next year 2020 with an intermediate in the second half of this year.
In major depressive disorder, we have now initiated both of our Phase 3 studies. In schizophrenia, we look forward to completing dosing in our ongoing advanced study, evaluating pimavanserin in schizophrenia patients with predominant negative symptoms and remain on track to announce top-line results around the end of this year. And finally, we plan to initiate our Phase 3 study LAVENDER, evaluating for trofinetide into treatment for Rett syndrome in the fourth quarter of this year. With that, I'll turn it over to Michael to discuss our commercial performance.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Thank you, Steve. Please turn to Slide 7. We are very pleased with the strong performance we achieved in the second quarter. This is a reflection of our team's continued execution on our key commercial initiatives, driving awareness of PD Psychosis and the adoption of NUPLAZID as a treatment of choice.
In the second quarter, we continued to expand our reach adding new prescribers for NUPLAZID and new long-term care pharmacies, as well as new patient starts and growing volume at long-term care facilities. As a result, we achieved sequential volume growth of approximately 15% and year-over-year volume growth of approximately 34%. In the quarter, we were able to increase demand for NUPLAZID in both specialty pharmacy and specialty distribution channels. Principal drivers of growth were the completion of the 34 milligram transition of the 17 milligram tablets and a successful brand DTC campaign.
Patient screening and care planning tools developed for healthcare practitioners also contributed to driving growth in the long term care channel during the quarter. In the second quarter, we realized of an increase in compliance for established patients and additional new patients starting on paid treatment. Both of these benefits contributed significantly to the sequential volume growth and will continue to benefit our year-over-year growth for the remainder of 2019. Since we launched NUPLAZID, we have seen very consistent high compliance for patients who continue on therapy.
Notably during the second quarter, we saw this compliance to therapy increased even further, which was a strong contributor to our second quarter performance. Reaching patients and caregivers directly is an important part of our promotional strategy. According to market research, our initiatives have resulted in increased awareness of PD Psychosis and NUPLAZID as the only FDA approved treatment choice. Motivated caregivers and patients are actively seeking additional information on PDP and NUPLAZID and having conversations with their healthcare practitioners.
Given the positive return we're seeing from our DTG campaigns, we plan to invest in an additional DTV advertising in the second half of 2019 to complement our ongoing patient and caregiver commercial initiatives. As a reminder, we would anticipate it live for realizing positive benefits associated with new patients initiating treatment. We believe we have the right disciplined approach and cadence with these initiatives to deliver an attractive return on investment, while continuing to increase brand awareness for new closet. Looking ahead, we will continue to implement and execute on our commercial initiatives to grow NUPLAZID in PDP.
I'd like to thank our teams to delivering a strong quarterly performance as now more patients and caregivers are able to experience the benefits of NUPLAZID in the treatment of their PD Psychosis. I'll now turn it over to Serge to provide R&D updates on our pipeline.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thank you, Michael. As usual, I will provide updates regarding our R&D progress. Slide nine highlights our pipeline programs, which I will be reviewing with you today. In total, we have four programs in late stage clinical development.
Let's start with our dementia related psychosis or DRP program on slide 10. There is no FDA approved treatment for the DRP. DRP is estimated to affect approximately 2.4 million patients in the United States, of which only about half are diagnosed. We've currently conducted HARMONY, a Phase 3 relapse prevention study.
We have agreement with the FDA that robust results from HARMONY can serve as the basis for a supplemental NDA submission. On slide 11, we have a high level illustration of the Phase 3 HARMONY relapse prevention study. We plan to announce the final top line results for HARMONY in the second half of 2020, with an interim read in the second half of this year. As a reminder, the statistical threshold for the interim read is very high.
Let's turn to slide 12 to discuss our MDD program. The majority of patients with major depressive disorder do not adequately respond to their treatment and continue to experience significant depression. Based on the positive and robust study results from our CLARITY study, we believe pimavanserin may represent an important new adjunctive therapy for patients struggling with their depression. Slide 13 shows our Phase 3 development program for pimavanserin for attractive treatment of MDD. We are very encouraged by the investigators enthusiasm for our CLARITY-2 study and this study is already enrolling well.
In addition, we recently initiated our second Phase 3 study CLARITY-3. If we are successful, our Phase 2 clarity study combined with at least one of the Phase 3 trials would be the basis of a supplemental NDA submission. Last week, we announced top line results from our Phase 3 enhanced study. These results and key takeaways are summarized on slide 14. As we reported last week, the study did not achieve statistical significance on the primary endpoint.
However, we were encouraged to see a consistent trend of antipsychotic effect and positive improvements on the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, as measured by the pre-specified secondary and exploratory endpoints. Let's turn to slide 15 to discuss our program for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Currently available antipsychotic treatments primarily treat the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. Approximately 40% to 50% of schizophrenia patients experienced predominant negative symptoms, which include apathy, lack of emotion, social withdrawal and cognitive impairment.
This remains a significant unmet need for patients as there are no FDA approved treatments available. On slide 16, we have a high level illustration of the advanced study. This is a 26 week study evaluating pimavanserin as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia patients with predominant negative symptoms while controlling for their positive symptoms. The primary endpoint is a change from baseline on the negative symptom assessment 16 item scale. We have fully enrolled the advanced study and expect to announce results around year end.
We're excited about our trofinetide program for Rett syndrome, slide 17. Rett Syndrome is a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs predominantly in females following a parent normal development for the first six months in all life. Currently, there are no approved medicines for this rare disease, which affects approximately 6000 to 9000 patients in the United States. Please turn to slide 18.
We remain on track to initiate LAVANDER our pivotal Phase 3 study for trofinetide in Rett syndrome in the fourth quarter of this year. This three months study will evaluate approximately 180 females with Rett Syndrome, age five to 20. Slide 19 highlights our upcoming clinical milestones. We look forward to sharing our clinical development programs on all for late stage pipeline programs addressing significant unmet needs.
I'll now turn the call over to Elena to discuss our financial performance.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Thank you, Serge. Today I'll discuss our second-quarter 2019 results and our financial outlook. Please turn to slide 21. In the second quarter of 2019 we recorded at $83.2 million in net sales an increase of approximately 46% compared to $57.1 million in net sales in the second quarter of 2018 which was driven by approximately 34% volume growth year over year in Q2. For the first half of 2019, NUPLAZID volume growth was approximately 27% year over year.
The gross to net adjustment in Q2 was 13.2%. Gross-to-net this quarter was favorable versus our expectations as a result of the higher compliance rate for established patients. Basic inventory in the channel at the at the end of the second quarter were consistent with the previous quarters. Moving down the P&L, GAAP R&D expenses increased to $67.3 million in Q2 2019 and $46.6 million in Q2 of 2018.
The increase was primarily due to development costs for trofinetide and additional clinical study costs for pimavanserin. GAAP SG&A expenses increased $68 million in Q2 2019 from $69.5 million in the second quarter of last year. The decrease was primarily due to timing of DTC advertising expense, versus the prior year partially offset by an increase in personnel costs. Non-cash stock-based compensation expense during the quarter was $20.4 million, compared to $20.6 million for the same period in 2018.
Cash used in operations during the quarter was approximately $38.4 million compared to $40.9 million for the second quarter of 2018. We entered this quarter with $381.9 million in cash and investments on our balance sheet. Please turn to our 2019 guidance on slide 22. We're increasing our net sales guidance to be between $320 million to $330 million from the previous range of $280 million to $300 million.
This reflects the increased compliance and inpatient start with CLARITY-2 as well as the increased expectations we now have for the remainder of the year. At the midpoint of the new guidance range this represents approximately 45% revenue growth and approximately 30% volume growth year over year. Given the favorable gross-to-net adjustments in the first half of the year, we now anticipate the full-year gross to net to be in the range of 17% to 18% and forecast Q3 gross to net to be in the mid teen. As a reminder gross to net in the fourth quarter will be higher than Q2 and Q3, as a result of the current obligation associated with yearend inventory in the channel.
Turning to expenses, we continue to forecast GAAP R&D expense to be between $250 million and $265 million. We're now forecasting GAAP SG&A expense to be between $300 million and $315 million from the previous range of $280 million to $295 million. The increase is in part due to our plan to run additional products in DTC ads in the second half of 2019. We continue to expect non-cash stock based compensation expense to be between $80 million and $90 million. And with that, I'll turn the call back over to Steve.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Elena. Please turn to slide 24. We're very pleased with our strong quarterly performance and outlook for the remainder of the year. Ultimately, we don't measure our success by financial metrics alone, but by the true difference we can make in people's lives.
Because of our commercial initiatives, more patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis are getting the treatment they need. Not only are their lives improving the treatment, but also those of their caregivers. Beyond PDP, we are excited that pimavanserin and trofinetide they offer hope to patients and their caregivers who struggle with dementia related psychosis, depression, schizophrenia, and Rett Syndrome. Please turn to slide 25.
Looking ahead and we will continue to execute on all three of our strategic pillars. Grow the delta of NUPLAZID in PDP, leverage the potential of our pipeline programs and expand our pipelines with focused business development. I'd like to close by thanking our employees whose dedication and hard work are driving our company's continued success and execution of our three pillars strategy. I'll now open up the call for questions. Operator?
Questions & Answers:
Operator
[Operator instructions] Your first question comes from Cory Kasimov of JP Morgan. Your line is open.
Unknown speaker
Hi, this is Gavin on for Corey. Congrats on the quarter. We just had one on the Phase 3 HARMONY study, anything you can provide on the – like as far as qualitative data on event rates? And then I know it's a long shot, but can you provide granularity on timing i.e. Q3 versus Q4.
Any color would be helpful. Thanks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah, sure, Serge will take both those questions.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Thanks for the questions. First question, in terms of – we have been providing just some of the insight on the progress on recruitment and success rates in the open label study. We haven't been providing details on the relapse rates because that's a very variable and it's really not an indicator because it's very independent driven event in the trial, so from that perspective, no change.
We are progressing very well in both enrolling patients in the trial, as well as, as I've always said, our success rates have been somewhat better than what we initially anticipated, but mostly, for the most part around those numbers. So that's all I can say about that. Your second question, I'm not quite sure. Are you referring to higher granularity around the final analysis or the interim analysis? If you would, please clarify that?
Unknown speaker
Right, I was talking about the interim as far as the 2H '19. Can you provide any granularity in terms of Q3 or Q4?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Well, we have not been commenting on specific timing on that. Other than that, it will definitely happen in the second half of this year.
Operator
Our next question comes from Tazeen Ahmad of Bank of America. Your line is open.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Hi, good afternoon. Thanks so much for taking my questions. Maybe a couple for Michael, just to follow up on your prepared remarks, you talked about improvements or continued improvement in compliance rates, particularly seen this quarter. Can you give us a little bit more granularity on why you think that particular trend is occurring and whether you would continue to expect improvement in compliance? And then secondly, I think you mentioned that you are planning a new DTC campaign to start in the second half of the year, I was curious as to how that might be any different from the DTC campaign that you had going on which you ended in I believe the last quarter?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Sure, Michael?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Hi, Tazeen. Thanks for the question. So when I talk about the compliance, I'm referring specifically to the number of bottles that a patient takes in the quarter and specifically around established patient's are continuing patients.
And as I mentioned, historically, we've seen a very consistent and high compliance rate for those patients. We've in the past commented on the 34 milligram and how we believe that's going to lead to a better patient and physician experience. And notably as I mentioned, in this quarter, we saw an increase from those historical norms. So I think that if we were to attribute it then number one, the 34 milligram and also I think the strong endorsement of the value proposition and the profile of new closet.
So I think all of those things in totality, I think you'll start to see that benefit in the base for the coming year and rest of the year. And that'll be part of our new base. In regards to DTC, I think you're going to see the same kind of look and feel that we've had with the prior campaign. Of course, we've learned a lot along the way and we'll be implementing those learning's mostly on the back end and in our refined other tactics.
But from a consumer point of view, I think you're going to see a very similar campaign from the external perspective.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
And I guess why are you choosing to restart DTC?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Right, yeah, there's a number of factors we look into when we evaluate TV media, we have an ongoing initiative to support caregiver and patient awareness and education. And those are on all the time. In terms of the TV, the pivotal, obviously element to our campaign in general and we take things into consideration as how fresh and compelling our creative is the media weight and the intensity to reach our target audience. And more importantly, the time it takes for those behaviors to manifest themselves in actions that benefit the brand.
In totality we believe we have the right cadence and approach.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
OK, thank you.
Operator
Our next question comes from Jason Butler of JMP securities. Your line is open.
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Hi, thanks for taking the questions and congrats on the quarter. A couple questions for Michael, again, any more granularity you can give us around the trends in the new patient ads or changes in the trends of patients who drop off therapy early versus those that go on to stay on the drug longer?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Hey, Jason, great question. So in regards to patient dynamics, obviously, the continuing benefit we're seeing in the take rate, we're going to have to have more borders to see how that plays out. In regards to duration of therapy, I can't say that we're ready to comment on duration of therapy. But certainly the intra quarter dynamics has benefited from what we think as I mentioned before the improved experience with the 34 milligram.
We added new patients, we added new physicians, long term care pharmacies ordering the drug. So I think we still have a lot more penetration, but nothing really unusual to comment in regards to intra patient dynamics in regard to drop offs et cetera just yet.
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
OK, great. And then with the continued investment in DTC, any thoughts on the current size and structure of the field force and how you're thinking about that for the second half of the year?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
I'm not quite sure I heard the question was a DTC and the sales force.
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Obviously, you're continuing to invest on driving awareness, driving more interest in the product. Are you on the back end? Do you feel like you have the right size and structure of the sales force to capture that?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yes, right. Great, great question, yeah, so over the past year or so and I think we've commented on this, we've added capabilities in the organization focusing on increasing – for example, we've increased the footprint of our long term care group. In the past we've added kind of a key account function. So we're going to continue to make the commercial, I say adjustments to make sure that we capture all the best wind in the sales, if you will.
So I think we're optimizing and I think we're operating at a very high level at the moment.
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Great, thanks for taking the questions and congrats again on the quarter.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Thanks.
Operator
Our next question comes from Salveen Richter of Goldman Sachs. Your line is open.
Unknown speaker
Hey, thanks for taking the question. This is Andrea on for Salveen. Maybe a question for Serge. As a follow up to Gavin's question on the HARMONY study.
When you think about how rapidly the trial has been enrolling, can you say if that's due to the large number of patients that are eligible to come on to the trial? Or if that's perhaps more reflective of the proportion of patients that are responding to therapy, who are then continuing on to the double blinded portion? Thanks.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thanks, Andrea. And it is hard to speculate about – I think that is a little bit of both involved. There is –certainly we had and we've been reporting significant interest in the trial by the investigators and families and patients. And I think that's in large part also due to the kind of design of the trial where patients are starting treatment with the open active treatment for three months and that's much more akin to what standard clinical practice is.
So we definitely had a high interest in participation in the trial and so from my perspective that's probably a reason that we saw a very – kind of a steady enrollment and interest throughout the execution of the trial. On the other side, I also do believe that with the inclusion of all subtypes of dementia, that definitely there is a large population of patients and that also reflected itself in potential candidates for the trial study participation.
Unknown speaker
Sure, so maybe just to follow up on that, I guess maybe what we're trying to understand is, if the enrollment and the pace of that is because of that large population or I guess, in terms of the number of patients who are responding and moving on to that second portion, right, like you could have, that could be the driving factor where you're seeing rapid progression of patients, because so many people are responding to the drug me open label portion.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Well, the response rates that we anticipated are based on the response rates that we were seeing in the Parkinson disease psychoses trials that we conducted. And as I said, we are seeing approximately probably slightly higher rates of response after – stable response, I want to say after eight and 12 weeks of treatment, so that's certainly encouraging. And I would not say that that may not play a role in the continued interest by the investigators in enrolling the patients in the trial. But it would be a pure speculation on my part to say to what extent is that, to what extent is overall design of the trial and to what extent is just this is a huge patient population.
Unknown speaker
Got it, alright, thanks for the color.
Operator
Your next question comes from Ritu Baral of Cowen. Your line is open.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Hi, guys, thanks for taking the question. My first question is a little, I guess, broader. How do you guys think about pricing assuming either negative symptoms goes through – MDD goes through or Alzheimer's, I'm sorry. DRP goes through.
How do you think of the current price and the current dose for PDP? And how might that flex into traditional indications? And have you done any payer discussions on the value proposition? More specifically, have you talked to payers about what relapse prevention clinical data actually means for DRP?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great, I think there's several questions in there. I'm going to turn it over to Michael. I'll try to keep you honest and get them fair enough maybe to this.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. So I guess the first place to start from a commercial perspective is really the unmet need that we're going after, whether it's DRP, a junk of MDD, negative symptoms, these are all high unmet needs and the weight of the clinical evidence that we've seen, obviously, we don't have the results of the approval studies. But going into these studies, when we've done the research, we do see that there is recognition of the commercial value or the patient value in the innovation. So if there's a lot of innovation, the payers recognize that.
We've done a research on each of those indications that we're doing, what I would call multi-indications-scenario planning. Broadly speaking, without getting into too many specifics, you're mixing it. We're having mix and match books of business with insurance companies. So for example, MDD has a larger footprint or wait on commercials.
DRP is going to be very similar in regards to our current PDP profile and of course, schizophrenia is an entirely new bottle of x entirely. Despite all those things, we do believe there is a way for us to find way to partner with payers for the appropriate access and know that we're not in any of the indications going up against cheap generics. We are playing and specialty tiers and that affords us the appropriate new criteria that payers are looking to see.
Serge Stankovic -- President
If I may just add one thing to just not to – in order to remind everybody. In addition to our relapse prevention trial, which is a long term treatment trial, we also have positive data in two acute short term trials that are done in a classical parallel design. So I think from the payers' perspective and from overall, looking at the data, we have a fairly complete package that is actually more comprehensive than you usually have at approval.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Got it, Mike, you recognized my first question had about four different parts by Design. Serge, can you just comment on the characteristics of HARMONY enrollment across the background diseases? You'd mentioned earlier this year that enrollment sort of tracking on epidemiology, is that still the case or is it shifting?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes, it's absolutely the case. We as you can imagine, follow that fairly continuously. And both in terms of the enrolling people in the open label trial as well as people that qualify for that essentially respond and then qualify for a randomized double blind stage of the trial. We are tracking very, very close to epidemiological data on the proportion of different subtypes.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
And I'm sorry, if I missed it in your prepared remarks, did you say precisely what your role over to the open label rate is?
Serge Stankovic -- President
No, we did not. I did not say a specific number. It remains at the same, slightly above what we were anticipating. But they're about – it's firmly steady.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Got it, thanks for taking all the questions guys.
Operator
Your next question comes from Charles Duncan of Cantor. Your line is open.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Hi, Steve and team. Let me add my congratulations on what looked to be a very nice quarter. My first question was kind of related to guidance. And I'm going to take a page out of Ritu's book and ask – call it a multi-pronged question.
But if you look at guidance going forward, if we're ahead to identify one particular driver of that, would it be prescriber base increasing, would it be new patient ads increasing, would it be compliance increasing or would it be pricing? What would be the main driver to the guidance?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Charles, I'm going to ask Michael to answer that question.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Sure. Hi, Charles, thanks for the question. Yeah, going forward, I think we've created a lot of momentum, as I mentioned in the business across all the levers that we're looking to affect, adding new physicians, adding new patients, penetrating our long term care channel both in the new pharmacies and deeper depth out of the existing pharmacies. So I would just say continued volume growth out of existing patients and also adding new patient starts to be the primary drivers to the to the forecast.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
And maybe just to reiterate what Michael said, one of the things that we saw in the second quarter was a significant uptick in the take rate from existing patients. And so as Michael mentioned, we see that carrying through into the third quarter and the fourth quarter, as well. Now, the impact on rate of growth, obviously is different than the higher base rate that we have at those at those compliance levels. But we didn't reflect that in our guidance for the remainder of the year.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
That makes sense especially given the clinical value of 34 migs. If I could just ask one more question that would be probably absurd, related to the MDD program. Could you help us understand maybe the differences between CLARITY-2 and CLARITY-3 between the two Phase 3s, but also those two Phase 3s relative to Phase 2? Are you using different sites or different entry criteria or anything? Because I think you mentioned that CLARITY-1 with one of the two Phase 3s would be sufficient for SNDA. And so I guess I'm wondering if there's different probability of success for the two Phase 3s.
Serge Stankovic -- President
The two studies, two Phase 3 studies CLARITY-2 and CLARITY-3 are identical with one exception, CLARITY-2 is done in the United States and CLARITY-3 is done in Europe. In regard to the sites, obviously, our CLARITY study, Phase 2 study was done in the United States. And we naturally included in the CLARITY-2 those sites that were performing well in the previous study. So I can say that they're identical sites because CLARITY-2 has had more sites and also – but there is a considerable overlap in that respect.
So that's one, there are also in regard to design differences between Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials, there is not much difference with exception that remind you of Phase 2 was SPCD design, so had two phases. Phase 3 trials are just parallel stage one sort of design of the trial. So there is no other differences in – there are minor differences in terms of certain things that we learned in trail, but they're not really – the trials are essentially identical with the stage one of the Phase 2 trial. And in regard to the size of these trials, as you will remember, we had about 200 plus – a little more than 200 patients in Phase 2 here, these trials are 280, which is fairly close for the difference between Phase 2 and Phase 3.
And we were able to do that on a basis on the robust results that we had in Phase 2 and then counting to continue to do a relatively smaller trial where we can control the quality.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
And just to clarify with regard to CLARITY-3 parting upon that is an X US trial only.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes, yes. Correct.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
OK. Thanks for taking the questions. Congrats on a great quarter.
Operator
Your next question comes from Marc Goodman of SVB Leerink. Your line is open.
Unknown speaker
Hi, this is Roanna on the line for Mark. I just want to ask a quick question. In the past, you've highlighted certain initiatives focusing on LTC. And we were wondering if you could add any color on those such as what are their main goals and what percentage of contribution do you see them making to overall sales? Has that changed at all from 1Q to 2Q etc.?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great, Michael?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Sure. Thanks for the question. As I mentioned in my prepared remarks, the patient screening and care plan tools, we believe contributed to the growth that we saw in long term care. Importantly, in the long-term care channel where you're dealing with more of an institutional kind of facility approach, treatment algorithms and electronic health records are very important.
Resident patient management processes, kind of at the facility level. So what we've done is we've designed a number of different tools to meet education, patient screening, etc. that helps the facilities and healthcare practitioners and the staff fit into their existing treatment algorithms and care pathways. That helps them identify appropriate patients and more importantly, helps them facilitate the documentation necessary in a heavily regulated environment.
And I think we're well on our way to establishing advocacy with these tools as it related to patient identification. In regards to long term care and what we see is just as a reminder, we have two segments of our business to channels, the SP, specialist pharmacy reflects mostly like a community based physician setting and the specialty distribution setting or channel of which two thirds of that are two thirds of that one third is long term care. We've not seen any shifts in our historical splits of the business in that regard.
Unknown speaker
Great, thanks.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Just to add to Michael's comment, we've seen continued growth and including in this quarter in both SP and SD channel.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah, good point.
Operator
Our next question comes from Alan Carr of Needham & Company. Your line is open.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Hi, thanks for taking my questions. Couple of them, with respect to the two CLARITY trials, do you have any perspective biases in terms of which one of these might be more risky? Because I remember last week after the schizophrenia trial, you had mentioned that you had some concerns over European sites versus US sites. Do you have any kind of bias for the effort for depression? And then the other one is, I think in the past, you've said – again on the last call, you said about 15% penetration of 125,000 patients. What are your updated numbers on that and do you think that hundred 125 can grow? Thanks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
So Serge, I'm going to ask Serge to take the first question, Michael.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Hi, Alan. The short answer is, I do not have any bias one or the other way. And the reason for that is just the different condition. And when we look at the literature and the trials and the picture with a major depressive disorder, trial versus schizophrenia trial and a placebo-response rates being higher in the United States has probably more to do with study participants that are more specifically related to schizophrenia as a condition than major depression.
So it is more depends on the sites, country, circumstances of the trials then uniformly as it is seen in the schizophrenia trial.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Right, Michael?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Thanks, John. Good memory. Those are, I think the right metrics you have in regards to market share in the market of PDP.
We'll be updating the VIP forecast, I would anticipate the 125 number will go up as you expect with patient populations bogging up update the model, but for now, we're saying that mid-teens if you had it and the 125 in the PDP market.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Great, thanks for taking my questions.
Operator
We have time for two final questions. Our next question comes from Paul Matteis of Stifel. Your line is open.
Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst
Hey, thanks so much. This is Ben Burnett on for Paul Matteis. Just one more on PIM events and you mentioned a little bit about long-term care clinics and adoption here. I was wondering how the compliance or the script per patient compares in long-term clinics versus like academic or community centers.
Do you have any window into that or anything anecdotally that you've heard?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah, great question. I will identify or just really characterize the long term care patient who has Parkinson's disease, and that has Parkinson's disease psychosis is that a later and more advanced stage. And so the amount of duration therapy, if you will, is shorter. And in turn we see in long term care, but it is in the community, in part because the fragility of patient and the mortality, morbidity, complications that occurred.
With that being said, though, the long-term care facility also in part has a higher concentration at times of patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis than say a general neurologist. So there's kind of an offsetting element, there's more patients perhaps, but they're also a little less in terms of duration therapy, but nonetheless, it's a very big opportunity for us to penetrate and get greater depth in that market.
Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst
OK, OK. Thank you for the color there. And I get I just had one other question on the just the design of the Phase 3 CLARITY studies. Are there any details that you can provide, I guess, regarding the powering of the study on the HAMD Rating Scale?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, do you want to take that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes, I think that we –there was – in terms of the design and in terms of the powering there were same assumptions, very similar assumptions that we made with our Phase 2 trial. So the only difference is this Phase 3 trials are powered at 90%. So that's really it. Otherwise, we made the same starting assumptions in designing this trial.
And I want to use this opportunity and thank you for going back to MDD trial. To prior question one other thing that I would add is important. People may wonder, why did we do one trial in the United States and another trial ex US, rather than mixing the two regions like it is done with schizophrenia? The simple reason for that is that assessment of depression, there are significant cultural impacts on the plasticity of depression symptoms and that may play a role in the variability. So staying within the region is well advised in that respect and that's what's the reason why we chose to go with this setup for the Phase 3 trial.
Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst
OK, I appreciate it. Congrats, guys.
Operator
And our last question comes from Daniel Brill of Piper Jaffray. Your line is open.
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Hi, guys. Thanks for the questions. I guess I'll stick with MDD first. Wondering when we can expect an update on enrollment and the anticipated timing of data.
And then going back to DRP, sorry, if I missed this before, but just wanted to clarify, powering is based on an estimated response rate during the lead in is that correct? And can you remind me if there's a utility component to the interim? Thanks.
Serge Stankovic -- President
OK, I'll try three questions there. So I'll try one by one. On the MDD trial, we are in early months of initiation of this Phase 3 trial, recruitment and interest is going very well. In the United States, we were we started earlier, we are seeing a very – quite a bit of enthusiasm for the trial and positive data always helps in that I would say, but it's going well.
But then we are just very early to make any more precise predictions on this trials when as we always say take about two years, two and a half years. And at this point, we would stay with that general kind of estimate. But as we are recruiting further, we will be in better position and we will be reporting a more precise timing for the expectations of top line results. On the DRP study and assumptions for powering on the study, actually we powered the study on the number of events and the difference in the proportion of the relapses that were the core on placebo versus drug.
So it's not really power on the response in the open label stage, but it's rather power on the assumption of what there will be a difference in the relapses between treatment arms in the double blind stage of the study.
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Got it and then yeah, utility component.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yeah. No, there is – the interim analysis is designed and statistical analysis that is being done as a part of interim analysis is designed around efficacy, there is a certain threshold or hazard ratios or P values that you need to reach in order to declare the efficacies demonstrated and start a trial would stop for efficacy. Obviously, this trial like other trials that we conduct also has an independent data-monitoring committee that will receive this statistical analysis and inform us of the outcome of that analysis. But there is no futility statistical analysis.
I do want to say data-safety monitoring committee for a variety of reasons had always the ability to stop the trial for one of the other reason, but there is no futility included in the interim analysis here.
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Great, thanks for the clarification.
Operator
Mr. Davis, please proceed to closing remarks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great, thank you, Operator. I thank each of you for listening in today and we look forward to updating you on our progress next quarter.
Operator
[Operator signoff]
Duration: 54 minutes
Call participants:
Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Serge Stankovic -- President
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Unknown speaker
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will provide a brief overview of our strategy, recent achievements, pipeline opportunities and financial performance. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q2 2019 Earnings Call Jul 31, 2019, 4:30 p.m. Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' second-quarter 2019 financial results conference call. | Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 54 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Unknown speaker Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q2 2019 Earnings Call Jul 31, 2019, 4:30 p.m. Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' second-quarter 2019 financial results conference call. | Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 54 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Unknown speaker Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q2 2019 Earnings Call Jul 31, 2019, 4:30 p.m. Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' second-quarter 2019 financial results conference call. | Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 54 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Unknown speaker Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q2 2019 Earnings Call Jul 31, 2019, 4:30 p.m. Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen and welcome to ACADIA Pharmaceuticals' second-quarter 2019 financial results conference call. |
35927.0 | 2019-07-23 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Breaks Below 200-Day Moving Average - Notable for ACAD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-breaks-below-200-day-moving-average-notable-for-acad-2019-07-23 | nan | nan | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $23.08, changing hands as low as $22.00 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading off about 15.3% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $28.67 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $22.09.
Click here to find out which 9 other stocks recently crossed below their 200 day moving average »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $23.08, changing hands as low as $22.00 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $28.67 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $22.09. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading off about 15.3% on the day. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $23.08, changing hands as low as $22.00 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $28.67 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $22.09. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading off about 15.3% on the day. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $23.08, changing hands as low as $22.00 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $28.67 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $22.09. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading off about 15.3% on the day. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $23.08, changing hands as low as $22.00 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading off about 15.3% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $28.67 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $22.09. |
35928.0 | 2019-07-23 00:00:00 UTC | RSI Alert: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Now Oversold | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/rsi-alert%3A-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-now-oversold-2019-07-23 | nan | nan | Legendary investor Warren Buffett advises to be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. One way we can try to measure the level of fear in a given stock is through a technical analysis indicator called the Relative Strength Index, or RSI, which measures momentum on a scale of zero to 100. A stock is considered to be oversold if the RSI reading falls below 30.
In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.8, after changing hands as low as $22 per share. By comparison, the current RSI reading of the S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is 64.6. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.8 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $28.67 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $22.18.
Find out what 9 other oversold stocks you need to know about »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.8, after changing hands as low as $22 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.8 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $28.67 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $22.18. | A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.8 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $28.67 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $22.18. In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.8, after changing hands as low as $22 per share. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.8, after changing hands as low as $22 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.8 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $28.67 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $22.18. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 28.8, after changing hands as low as $22 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 28.8 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $28.67 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $22.18. |
35929.0 | 2019-07-23 00:00:00 UTC | Are These 2 Beaten-Down Biotech Stocks Worth Buying? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/are-these-2-beaten-down-biotech-stocks-worth-buying-2019-07-23 | nan | nan | Biotech stocks that fall hard and fast can sometimes turn out to be outstanding long-term investing vehicles. The key issue to understand is whether the stock's downward move was actually justified in the first place. Biotech equities, after all, can move sharply lower in the blink of an eye for a variety of reasons -- some of which turn out to be nothing more than a minor speed bump in the grand scheme of things.
Keeping with this theme, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Dynavax Technologies (NASDAQ: DVAX) both took a big step backwards this week. Should bargain hunters take advantage of this recent weakness or is it better to avoid these beaten-down biotech stocks for the time being? Let's break down each company's long-term value proposition to find out.
Image source: Getty Images.
The case for and against Acadia
Yesterday, Acadia announced that the late-stage trial dubbed "Enhanced" designed to evaluate pimavanserin (a.k.a. Nuplazid) as an adjunctive treatment in adult schizophrenia patients missed its primary endpoint. The drugmaker's shares, in turn, immediately dropped by as much as 16.2% in after-hours trading.
The core reason is that this clinical setback may have just wiped hundreds of millions in future sales off the table. Investors also seem to be concerned that Nuplazid's other ongoing trials for dementia-related psychosis and major depressive disorder may miss the mark as well. If so, the drug's commercial opportunity would ultimately be limited to its current FDA-approved indication -- Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP).
Should investors run for the hills in the wake of this late-stage miss? It's hard to say for a couple of reasons. First and foremost, Nuplazid's PDP indication has proven to be a lucrative market. In 2018, Acadia reported a noteworthy $223.8 million in sales for the full year, representing a healthy 79% increase over the prior year.
The drug's commercial trajectory is also showing no signs of reaching a plateau. During the first quarter of 2019, for instance, Nuplazid's PDP sales grew by a whopping 29% to $63 million, compared to the same period a year ago. Moreover, Wall Street expects this high double-digit level of sales growth to continue over the course of 2020. Acadia's shares, in turn, are presently trading at around eight times next year's revenue. That's not an outlandish valuation within the biotech space, but it certainly isn't bargain territory, either.
What does this all mean? Acadia arguably needs to tack on at least one additional indication to Nuplazid's label to justify its premium valuation. The company does have another drug, trofinetide, in late-stage development for the rare neurological disorder known as Rett syndrome, but it could be a few years before this second candidate bears fruit. So, Nuplazid's next late-stage readout in dementia-related psychosis that's slated for early 2020 needs to be an unmitigated success. Otherwise, Acadia's shares could tumble even further.
Is Acadia worth the risk? The market was clearly banking on Nuplazid becoming a multi-indication drug based on the biotech's above-average valuation -- a thesis that is now very much in doubt with this late-stage flop in schizophrenia. Acadia could ultimately turn things around with a win in dementia-related psychosis, but clinical trials are always a high-risk endeavor. Investors, therefore, might want to think twice before trying to bottom fish with this commercial-stage biotech.
The case for and against Dynavax
Dynavax has now lost almost 80% of its value over the prior 12 months. What's weighing on this biotech's stock? Three things:
Dynavax's hepatitis B vaccine Heplisav-B has gotten off to an extremely sluggish start sales-wise.
The company recently announced a restructuring effort designed to dramatically cut costs and beef up Heplisav-B's ongoing commercialization. In doing so, the biotech essentially waved the white flag on its nascent oncology pipeline.
CEO Eddie Gray abruptly announced his retirement earlier this year. While Dynavax hasn't performed particularly well as a growth vehicle during Gray's tenure, the market rarely cheers a sudden and unexpected change in management.
Should investors give the company a pass? On the one hand, Heplisav-B has the potential to become the market share leader among FDA-approved hepatitis B vaccines. The problem is that the company has yet to prove that it can effectively capitalize on Heplisav-B's healthy commercial opportunity.
Bottom line: Dynavax's shares are probably going to continue to fade until Heplisav-B's sales pick up in a big way. Thus, it might be best to avoid this falling knife right now.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Keeping with this theme, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Dynavax Technologies (NASDAQ: DVAX) both took a big step backwards this week. The case for and against Acadia Yesterday, Acadia announced that the late-stage trial dubbed "Enhanced" designed to evaluate pimavanserin (a.k.a. In 2018, Acadia reported a noteworthy $223.8 million in sales for the full year, representing a healthy 79% increase over the prior year. | Keeping with this theme, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Dynavax Technologies (NASDAQ: DVAX) both took a big step backwards this week. The case for and against Acadia Yesterday, Acadia announced that the late-stage trial dubbed "Enhanced" designed to evaluate pimavanserin (a.k.a. In 2018, Acadia reported a noteworthy $223.8 million in sales for the full year, representing a healthy 79% increase over the prior year. | Keeping with this theme, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Dynavax Technologies (NASDAQ: DVAX) both took a big step backwards this week. The case for and against Acadia Yesterday, Acadia announced that the late-stage trial dubbed "Enhanced" designed to evaluate pimavanserin (a.k.a. In 2018, Acadia reported a noteworthy $223.8 million in sales for the full year, representing a healthy 79% increase over the prior year. | Keeping with this theme, Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Dynavax Technologies (NASDAQ: DVAX) both took a big step backwards this week. The case for and against Acadia Yesterday, Acadia announced that the late-stage trial dubbed "Enhanced" designed to evaluate pimavanserin (a.k.a. In 2018, Acadia reported a noteworthy $223.8 million in sales for the full year, representing a healthy 79% increase over the prior year. |
35930.0 | 2019-07-23 00:00:00 UTC | Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Is Tanking Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-is-tanking-today-2019-07-23 | nan | nan | What happened
Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), a mid-cap biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, had fallen 14% as of 11:01 a.m. EST on Tuesday. The sell-off is traceable to the release of disappointing phase 3 results from a clinical trial.
So what
Acadia shared top-line results from its phase 3 ENHANCE trial. This trial was designed to test its drug pimavanserin (Nuplazid) as a treatment for schizophrenia patients with persistent inadequate response to their current antipsychotic therapy.
Unfortunately, the results from the 396-patient trial showed that adding pimavanserin as an adjunctive treatment did not lead to a statistically significant improvement in psychotic symptoms.
That's bummer news for investors and the medical community at large because there is currently no FDA-approved adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia.
Image source: Getty Images.
Now what
Acadia has stated that it is still moving forward with its phase 2 ADVANCE study, which is evaluating pimavanserin as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia patients with predominantly negative symptoms. There's always a chance pimavanserin might work better in that particular schizophrenia indication, but the results from the ENHANCE trial shouldn't fill investors with hope.
Sales of Nuplazid for its approved indication continue to grow rapidly, but for Acadia to be a home run investment from here, it is going to need to win label expansion claims into other indications. The failure of the ENHANCE trial should cast doubts on Acadia's ability to do so, which is why I believe caution is warranted.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), a mid-cap biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, had fallen 14% as of 11:01 a.m. EST on Tuesday. Now what Acadia has stated that it is still moving forward with its phase 2 ADVANCE study, which is evaluating pimavanserin as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia patients with predominantly negative symptoms. So what Acadia shared top-line results from its phase 3 ENHANCE trial. | So what Acadia shared top-line results from its phase 3 ENHANCE trial. What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), a mid-cap biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, had fallen 14% as of 11:01 a.m. EST on Tuesday. Now what Acadia has stated that it is still moving forward with its phase 2 ADVANCE study, which is evaluating pimavanserin as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia patients with predominantly negative symptoms. | 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), a mid-cap biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, had fallen 14% as of 11:01 a.m. EST on Tuesday. | So what Acadia shared top-line results from its phase 3 ENHANCE trial. Now what Acadia has stated that it is still moving forward with its phase 2 ADVANCE study, which is evaluating pimavanserin as an adjunctive treatment for schizophrenia patients with predominantly negative symptoms. What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD), a mid-cap biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, had fallen 14% as of 11:01 a.m. EST on Tuesday. |
35931.0 | 2019-07-15 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For July 19th | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-for-july-19th-2019-07-15 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the July 19th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 19th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $27.00 strike price has a current bid of 55 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $27.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $26.45 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $27.15/share today.
Because the $27.00 strike represents an approximate 1% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 55%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 2.04% return on the cash commitment, or 185.88% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $27.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $28.00 strike price has a current bid of 35 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $27.15/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $28.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 4.42% if the stock gets called away at the July 19th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $28.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 66%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 1.29% boost of extra return to the investor, or 117.63% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 73%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 65%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 250 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $27.15) to be 64%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $28.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the July 19th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $28.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the July 19th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 19th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $27.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $28.00 strike price has a current bid of 35 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $28.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the July 19th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 19th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $28.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available this week, for the July 19th expiration. |
35932.0 | 2019-07-03 00:00:00 UTC | JKK's Holdings Imply 14% Gain Potential | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/jkks-holdings-imply-14-gain-potential-2019-07-03 | nan | nan | Looking at the underlying holdings of the ETFs in our coverage universe at ETF Channel, we have compared the trading price of each holding against the average analyst 12-month forward target price, and computed the weighted average implied analyst target price for the ETF itself. For the iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Growth ETF (Symbol: JKK), we found that the implied analyst target price for the ETF based upon its underlying holdings is $232.56 per unit.
With JKK trading at a recent price near $204.24 per unit, that means that analysts see 13.87% upside for this ETF looking through to the average analyst targets of the underlying holdings. Three of JKK's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Tilray Inc (Symbol: TLRY), Halozyme Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: HALO), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Although TLRY has traded at a recent price of $47.39/share, the average analyst target is 73.30% higher at $82.12/share. Similarly, HALO has 22.74% upside from the recent share price of $17.38 if the average analyst target price of $21.33/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $32.55/share, which is 21.89% above the recent price of $26.70. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of TLRY, HALO, and ACAD:
Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above:
Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Do the analysts have a valid justification for their targets, or are they behind the curve on recent company and industry developments? A high price target relative to a stock's trading price can reflect optimism about the future, but can also be a precursor to target price downgrades if the targets were a relic of the past. These are questions that require further investor research.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of TLRY, HALO, and ACAD: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of JKK's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Tilray Inc (Symbol: TLRY), Halozyme Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: HALO), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, HALO has 22.74% upside from the recent share price of $17.38 if the average analyst target price of $21.33/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $32.55/share, which is 21.89% above the recent price of $26.70. | Three of JKK's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Tilray Inc (Symbol: TLRY), Halozyme Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: HALO), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, HALO has 22.74% upside from the recent share price of $17.38 if the average analyst target price of $21.33/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $32.55/share, which is 21.89% above the recent price of $26.70. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of TLRY, HALO, and ACAD: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? | Similarly, HALO has 22.74% upside from the recent share price of $17.38 if the average analyst target price of $21.33/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $32.55/share, which is 21.89% above the recent price of $26.70. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of TLRY, HALO, and ACAD: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? Three of JKK's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Tilray Inc (Symbol: TLRY), Halozyme Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: HALO), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). | Three of JKK's underlying holdings with notable upside to their analyst target prices are Tilray Inc (Symbol: TLRY), Halozyme Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: HALO), and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD). Similarly, HALO has 22.74% upside from the recent share price of $17.38 if the average analyst target price of $21.33/share is reached, and analysts on average are expecting ACAD to reach a target price of $32.55/share, which is 21.89% above the recent price of $26.70. Below is a twelve month price history chart comparing the stock performance of TLRY, HALO, and ACAD: Below is a summary table of the current analyst target prices discussed above: Are analysts justified in these targets, or overly optimistic about where these stocks will be trading 12 months from now? |
35933.0 | 2019-05-23 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For July 5th | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-july-5th-2019-05-23 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 5th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 5th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $24.00 strike price has a current bid of 65 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $24.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $23.35 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $25.04/share today.
Because the $24.00 strike represents an approximate 4% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 62%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 2.71% return on the cash commitment, or 22.99% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $24.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $26.00 strike price has a current bid of 65 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $25.04/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $26.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 6.43% if the stock gets called away at the July 5th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 4% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 51%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 2.60% boost of extra return to the investor, or 22.03% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 72%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 71%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 251 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $25.04) to be 67%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 4% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 5th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 4% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 5th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 5th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $24.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $26.00 strike price has a current bid of 65 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 4% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 5th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 5th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 4% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the July 5th expiration. |
35934.0 | 2019-05-02 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 05/02/2019: ABMD,ABC,ACAD,CGC,WEED.TO | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-05-02-2019%3A-abmdabcacadcgcweed.to-2019-05-02 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ -0.82%
PFE +0.27%
ABT -0.34%
MRK +0.65%
AMGN -0.02%
Health care stocks were edging higher, including a less than 0.1% gain for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trade. Shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were up just under 0.1% as a group while the Nasdaq Biotechnology index was climbing slightly more than 0.1%.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(-) Abiomed (ABMD) fell nearly 6% on Thursday after the cardiac medical device company reported Q4 revenue lagging analyst projections, rising to $207.1 million during the three months ended March 31 from $174.4 million during the same quarter last year but missing the Capital IQ consensus by $11.8 million. It also sees its FY20 revenue increasing 17% to 23% over the prior-year period, projecting between $900 million to $945 million in revenue for the 12 months ending next March. Analysts, on average, are looking for $988.4 million in annual sales.
In other sector news:
(+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 6% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker saw its revenue rise 28.8% over year-ago levels to $62.96 million, topping the $60.93 million analyst mean. The company also raised the bottom end of its expected sales range for its Nuplazid medication by $5 million, now looking for between $280 million and $300 million in sales for the Parkinson's treatment.
(+) AmerisourceBergen (ABC) rose almost 6% after the pharmaceuticals distributor reported non-GAAP net income of $2.11 per share during its fiscal Q2 ended March 31, up from $1.94 per share during the same quarter last year and beating the Capital IQ by $0.15 per share. It also raised its FY19 earnings outlook by $0.05 on both sides of its prior forecast range, now expecting between $6.70 to $6.90 per share. The Street is at $6.77 per share.
(-) Canopy Growth Corp (CGC) fell 5% on Thursday after the Canadian medical marijuana company said it acquired C3 Cannabinoid Compound Co, paying CAD342.9 million in cash for the German prescription medicines company.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In other sector news: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 6% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker saw its revenue rise 28.8% over year-ago levels to $62.96 million, topping the $60.93 million analyst mean. Shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 also were up just under 0.1% as a group while the Nasdaq Biotechnology index was climbing slightly more than 0.1%. It also raised its FY19 earnings outlook by $0.05 on both sides of its prior forecast range, now expecting between $6.70 to $6.90 per share. | In other sector news: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 6% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker saw its revenue rise 28.8% over year-ago levels to $62.96 million, topping the $60.93 million analyst mean. Top Health Care Stocks Among health care stocks moving on news: (-) Abiomed (ABMD) fell nearly 6% on Thursday after the cardiac medical device company reported Q4 revenue lagging analyst projections, rising to $207.1 million during the three months ended March 31 from $174.4 million during the same quarter last year but missing the Capital IQ consensus by $11.8 million. | In other sector news: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 6% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker saw its revenue rise 28.8% over year-ago levels to $62.96 million, topping the $60.93 million analyst mean. Among health care stocks moving on news: (-) Abiomed (ABMD) fell nearly 6% on Thursday after the cardiac medical device company reported Q4 revenue lagging analyst projections, rising to $207.1 million during the three months ended March 31 from $174.4 million during the same quarter last year but missing the Capital IQ consensus by $11.8 million. The company also raised the bottom end of its expected sales range for its Nuplazid medication by $5 million, now looking for between $280 million and $300 million in sales for the Parkinson's treatment. | In other sector news: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 6% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker saw its revenue rise 28.8% over year-ago levels to $62.96 million, topping the $60.93 million analyst mean. Top Health Care Stocks Among health care stocks moving on news: (-) Abiomed (ABMD) fell nearly 6% on Thursday after the cardiac medical device company reported Q4 revenue lagging analyst projections, rising to $207.1 million during the three months ended March 31 from $174.4 million during the same quarter last year but missing the Capital IQ consensus by $11.8 million. |
35935.0 | 2019-05-02 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 05/02/2019: ABC,ACAD,CGC | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-for-05-02-2019%3A-abcacadcgc-2019-05-02 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ -1.19%
PFE +0.16%
ABT -0.46%
MRK +0.51%
AMGN +0.08%
Health care stocks were falling, including a 0.2% loss for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trade. Shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 were down 0.1% as a group while the Nasdaq Biotechnology index was little changed.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(+) AmerisourceBergen (ABC) rose almost 5% after the pharmaceuticals distributor reported non-GAAP net income of $2.11 per share during its fiscal Q2 ended March 31, up from $1.94 per share during the same quarter last year and beating the Capital IQ by $0.15 per share. It also raised its FY19 earnings outlook by $0.05 on both sides of its prior forecast range, now expecting between $6.70 to $6.90 per share. The Street is at $6.77 per share.
In other sector news:
(+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 6% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker saw its revenue rise 28.8% over year-ago levels to $62.96 million, topping the $60.93 million analyst mean. The company also raised the bottom end of its expected sales range for its Nuplazid medication by $5 million, now looking for between $280 million and $300 million in sales for the Parkinson's treatment.
(-) Canopy Growth Corp (CGC) fell 5% on Thursday after the Canadian medical marijuana company said it acquired C3 Cannabinoid Compound Co, paying CAD342.9 million in cash for the German prescription medicines company.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In other sector news: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 6% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker saw its revenue rise 28.8% over year-ago levels to $62.96 million, topping the $60.93 million analyst mean. Shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 were down 0.1% as a group while the Nasdaq Biotechnology index was little changed. It also raised its FY19 earnings outlook by $0.05 on both sides of its prior forecast range, now expecting between $6.70 to $6.90 per share. | In other sector news: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 6% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker saw its revenue rise 28.8% over year-ago levels to $62.96 million, topping the $60.93 million analyst mean. Top Health Care Stocks Shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 were down 0.1% as a group while the Nasdaq Biotechnology index was little changed. | In other sector news: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 6% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker saw its revenue rise 28.8% over year-ago levels to $62.96 million, topping the $60.93 million analyst mean. Health care stocks were falling, including a 0.2% loss for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trade. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) AmerisourceBergen (ABC) rose almost 5% after the pharmaceuticals distributor reported non-GAAP net income of $2.11 per share during its fiscal Q2 ended March 31, up from $1.94 per share during the same quarter last year and beating the Capital IQ by $0.15 per share. | In other sector news: (+) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) climbed 6% on Thursday after the specialty drugmaker saw its revenue rise 28.8% over year-ago levels to $62.96 million, topping the $60.93 million analyst mean. Top Health Care Stocks Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) AmerisourceBergen (ABC) rose almost 5% after the pharmaceuticals distributor reported non-GAAP net income of $2.11 per share during its fiscal Q2 ended March 31, up from $1.94 per share during the same quarter last year and beating the Capital IQ by $0.15 per share. |
35936.0 | 2019-05-02 00:00:00 UTC | June 14th Options Now Available For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/june-14th-options-now-available-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2019-05-02 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the June 14th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new June 14th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $25.00 strike price has a current bid of 95 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $25.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $24.05 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $25.80/share today.
Because the $25.00 strike represents an approximate 3% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 60%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract. Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.80% return on the cash commitment, or 32.26% annualized — at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost.
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $25.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $26.00 strike price has a current bid of 85 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $25.80/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $26.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 4.07% if the stock gets called away at the June 14th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 46%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract, Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 3.29% boost of extra return to the investor, or 27.97% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost.
The implied volatility in the put contract example, as well as the call contract example, are both approximately 68%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 251 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $25.80) to be 67%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the June 14th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the June 14th expiration. At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new June 14th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $25.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $26.00 strike price has a current bid of 85 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the June 14th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel, our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new June 14th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $26.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $26.00 strike represents an approximate 1% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the June 14th expiration. |
35937.0 | 2019-05-02 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Q1 2019 Earnings Call Transcript | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-q1-2019-earnings-call-transcript-2019-05-02 | nan | nan | Image source: The Motley Fool.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD)
Q1 2019 Earnings Call
May. 01, 2019, 4:30 p.m. ET
Contents:
Prepared Remarks
Questions and Answers
Call Participants
Prepared Remarks:
Operator
Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to ACADIA Pharmaceuticals first-quarter 2019 financial results conference call. My name is Shannon, and I will be your coordinator for today. [Operator instructions] I would now like to turn the presentation over to Mark Johnson, vice president of investor relations at ACADIA. Please proceed.
Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations
Thank you, Shannon. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on today's call to discuss ACADIA's first-quarter 2019 financial results. Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will provide a brief overview of our strategy, recent achievements, pipeline opportunities, and financial performance; Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, will provide updates on our commercial initiatives with Nuplazid; Serge Stankovic, our president, will discuss our pipeline progress; and Elena Ridloff, our chief financial officer, who will discuss our financial results before turning it back to Steve for his final remarks and opening the call for questions. I would also like to point out that we are using supplement slides, which are available on the Events and Presentation section of our website.
Before we proceed, I would first like to remind you that during our call today, we will be making a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements, including goals, expectations, plans, prospects, growth potential, timing of events, or future results, are based on current information, assumptions, and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These factors and other risks associated with our business can be found in our filings made with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of today's date.
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I'll now turn over the call to Steve Davis, our chief executive officer.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Mark. Good afternoon, everyone and thank you for joining us today. During April, we at ACADIA were proud to honor Parkinson's Awareness Month. This was an important opportunity for our employees to share their commitment to Parkinson's disease patients and caregivers, whom we aim to serve every day.
Many in ACADIA participated in awareness and charity walks alongside patients and their caregivers. In addition, we collaborated and placed our support to several Parkinson's patient advocacy organizations across the country to help make educational events possible year-round and not just during April. Please turn to Slide 6. We come in to 2019 with significant momentum, executing on all three of our strategic pillars.
First, we continue to grow the sales of Nuplazid as the only FDA-approved treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Second, we continue to leverage the potential of pimavanserin in additional indications of high unmet need. And third, we continue to explore multiple opportunities to expand our pipeline through disciplined business development to achieve our long-term vision in CNS. Let's review our first-quarter progress on Slide 7.
We are extremely pleased with our team's efforts this quarter, driving our strong sales performance. In the first quarter, Nuplazid achieved $63 million in net sales, a 29% year-over-year increase. Based on our execution and growth of Nuplazid in the first quarter, we have raised the lower end of our revenue guidance and now forecast 2019 net sales to be between $280 million and $300 million. On the clinical development front, I'm pleased to announce that we recently completed enrollment in both of our late stage schizophrenia studies.
In our ENHANCE study, we're evaluating pimavanserin as an adjunct treatment in schizophrenia patients with inadequate response, and we expect to report top-line data midyear. Our ADVANCE study is evaluating pimavanserin as an adjunct treatment in schizophrenia patients with prominent negative symptoms, and we now anticipate reporting top-line results sooner than expected. We should have results from this study around the end of this year. I'm also thrilled to announce that we recently initiated our Phase III CLARITY program, evaluating pimavanserin as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder.
And finally, we expect to initiate our Phase III program evaluating trofinetide as a treatment for Rett syndrome in the fourth quarter this year. With that, I will now turn it over to Michael to discuss our commercial performance.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Thank you, Steve. Please turn to Slide 9. Today, I would like to provide you with an update on the progress we're making in delivering continued growth of Nuplazid. This has been the result of our execution of our key commercial initiatives to establish Nuplazid as the treatment of choice in management of PD Psychosis, and we are pleased with the response we've seen from physicians, patients, and their caregivers.
We have successfully completed our transition to the 34-milligram capsule in the first quarter and have stopped selling the 17-milligram tablets. We believe this will result in a more positive patient experience. Nuplazid new patient starts in both the specialty pharmacy and the specialty distribution channels of our business continue to grow throughout the quarter. We believe this growth was due to the awareness built by our DTC campaign, showing the potential positive benefits of Nuplazid as a treatment for PDP patients.
In February, we pointed out that the International Parkinson's and Movement Disorder Society published their updated treatment recommendations for PD Psychosis, which included pimavanserin as the only medication listed as efficacious and clinically useful. Our team started educating about these recommendations in the first quarter, which served as important peer-reviewed guidance on the appropriate care for patients with PD Psychosis. Physicians have told us that this guidance is useful to help support their treatment recommendations. Turning to Slide 10, as you can see, we have established a solid growth trajectory in 2019.
We believe this reflects our continued growth in new patient starts and continued expansion of our prescriber base, driven by the response to our DTC campaign and our customer-facing field force. Importantly, we continue to see more and more physicians use Nuplazid as first-line treatment for PDP. For the overall business, we achieved sequential volume growth of approximately 6.5% in the first quarter. We are especially pleased with the response toward our long-term care-specific commercial initiatives, which delivered a higher growth rate in long-term care this quarter.
We continue to receive feedback from the community about the positive experiences patients and their caregivers are having with Nuplazid. We estimate that over 125,000 patients received treatment for PDP, and we intend to continue to grow our market share in this population. The current growth supports our confidence in our updated 2019 guidance and the long-term opportunity for Nuplazid in PD Psychosis. I'll now turn it over to Serge to provide R&D updates on our pipeline.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thank you, Michael. Today, I look forward to sharing some exciting updates regarding our R&D progress. Let's start with Slide 12. Pimavanserin is first-in-class selective serotonin inverse agonists.
All other antipsychotics worked primarily by blocking dopamine, which is particularly problematic in Parkinson's patients who suffer from a lack of dopamine. In addition to PDP, pimavanserin has already shown positive results in all four clinical categories we are currently evaluating in late-stage clinical progress. We also plan to initiate a Phase III program for trofinetide in Rett syndrome later this year. In total, we are advancing five late-stage programs.
On Slide 13, are just a few recent highlights I wanted to share with you. First, as Steve noted, we recently completed enrollment in both of our late-stage schizophrenia studies, evaluating pimavanserin as an attractive treatment, ENHANCE for patients with an inadequate response to antipsychotic treatment, and ADVANCE for patients with predominant negative symptoms. Second, we initiated our CLARITY Phase III program for pimavanserin as an adjunctive treatment for patients with major depressive disorder or MDD. And third, the positive Phase II results for trofinetide in Rett syndrome were recently published in Neurology.
Starting with Slide 14, I will review our ongoing programs in a little more detail. There is no FDA-approved treatment for dementia-related psychosis or DRP. DRP is estimated to affect approximately 2.4 million patients in the United States, of which about half are diagnosed. Our Phase III HARMONY clinical study in DRP patients is leveraging the benefits we observed in two previous studies: our PDP pivotal study, as well as our Alzheimer's disease psychosis study.
HARMONY is a relapse prevention study. As a reminder, all patients are treated with pimavanserin for three months in an off-label fashion, and only those patients with a stable response get randomized to either continue pimavanserin or to placebo and are followed for additional six months primarily -- primary outcome is time to relapse. We have agreement with the FDA that robust results with HARMONY can serve as the basis for a supplemental NDA submission. This development program received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from the FDA, the second such designation for pimavanserin.
We anticipate final results of this study in 2020, with an interim reading in the second half of this year. Let's turn to Slide 15 in our MDD program. Today, the standard of care for people with MDD is to initiate treatment with an SSRI or SNRI. However, a majority of patients do not adequately respond to this initial treatment and continue to experience significant symptoms of depression.
As a consequence, approximately 2.5 million people in the United States take additional drugs as adjunctive therapy. Unfortunately, for these patients, the approved treatments for both first-line and adjunctive therapy in MDD can carry significant side-effect burdens, leading to high unmet needs and sometimes difficult treatment decisions. We believe pimavanserin and its unique pharmacologic and clinical profile may represent an important new adjunctive therapy for patients struggling with MDD. Slide 16 highlights the results of our Phase II CLARITY trial compared to the significant unmet needs that exist today.
We have positive overall study results, including achieving statistical significance on our primary and key secondary endpoints relative to placebo. The results were even more robust in Stage 1. CLARITY results are impressive, given the high unmet need that exists in the treatment of MDD. We believe these results are clinically important as we seek to develop pimavanserin as a potential adjunctive treatment for MDD.
Slide 17 shows our Phase III development program for pimavanserin for adjunctive treatment of MDD, which we recently initiated. CLARITY-2 and CLARITY-3 are both six-week parallel designed, randomized double-blind placebo control multicenter study, designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pimavanserin as adjunctive treatment in patients with MDD, who have an inadequate response to standard antidepressant therapy with either an SSRI or SNRI. CLARITY-2 has initiated enrollment and will involve approximately 280 patients in the United States. CLARITY-3 will initiate enrollment in the coming months and will enroll approximately 280 patients outside of the United States.
The primary endpoint in both studies is the change from baseline on the 17 item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score. Our Phase II CLARITY study, combined with at least one of these Phase III trials, could be the basis of supplemental NDA submission. I'll now review our two schizophrenia programs starting with Slide 18. Approximately 1% of the adult U.S.
population suffers from schizophrenia, and approximately 30% of those patients have an inadequate response to therapy, meaning they show some response to treatment but remain highly symptomatic, requiring additional therapy. With no FDA-approved therapy for inadequate response, we believe the addressable U.S. population is roughly 700,000 patients. We have completed enrollment in our six-week ENHANCE study and remain on track to announce top-line data midyear.
As a reminder, the primary endpoint in this study is the change from baseline on the positive and negative syndrome scale. On Slide 19, we have a graphic representation of the ENHANCE study design. Turning to Slide 20, there is no FDA-approved treatment for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Approximately 40% to 50% of schizophrenia patients experience predominant negative symptoms, which provide us with the potential U.S.
addressable population of approximately 1 million patients. Predominant negative symptoms include apathy, lack of emotion, social withdrawal and cognitive impairment. We have fully enrolled our 26-week ADVANCE study ahead of our expectations and now expect to announce results around year-end. The primary endpoint is the change from baseline on the negative symptom assessment 16-item scale.
On Slide 21, we have a graphic representation of the ADVANCE study design. Turning to Rett syndrome and trofinetide on Slide 22, Rett syndrome is a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs predominantly in females, following apparent normal development for the first six months of life. Currently, there are no approved medicines for this rare disease which affects approximately 6,000 to 9,000 patients in the United States. We plan to initiate LAVENDER, our Phase III study for trofinetide in Rett syndrome, in the fourth quarter of this year.
This three-month study will evaluate approximately 180 females with Rett syndrome, aged five to twenty. If our Phase III trial is positive, there is a potential to submit an NDA in 2021, based on the single Phase III study. Slide 24 provides a summary of our updated clinical milestones for 2019 and beyond. This is an exciting time for ACADIA in R&D, and I look forward to updating you on our progress.
I'll now turn the call over to Elena to discuss our financial performance.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Thank you, Serge. Today, I'll discuss our first-quarter 2019 results and financial outlook. Please turn to Slide 26. In the first quarter of 2019, we recorded $53 million in net sales, an increase of $14.9 million or approximately 29% growth, compared to the $48.9 million of net sales in the first quarter of 2018.
This was driven by approximately 19% volume growth year over year. The gross to net adjustment for Q1 2019 was 24.4%. The gross to net adjustment this quarter was less than our forecast, primarily due to stronger than anticipated performance in the specialty distribution portion of our business, which has more favorable growth to net. As a reminder, gross to net is typically highest in the first quarter, due to the annual reset of the donut hole for Medicare Part D patients.
Basic inventory in the channel at the end of the first quarter was consistent with year-end 2018. Moving down the P&L, total operating expenses, including cost of goods sold, were $150.6 million in the first quarter of 2019, compared to $103.7 million for the same period in 2018. These amounts included $19.9 million and $20.4 million of noncash, stock-based compensation expense, respectively. GAAP R&D spend has increased to $52.9 million in Q1 2019 from $39.3 million in Q1 of 2018.
The increase was primarily due to additional clinical study costs for pimavanserin, as well as development costs for trofinetide. GAAP SG&A expenses increased to $93.1 million in Q1 2019 from $60.9 million in the first quarter of last year. The increase was primarily due to the increase in marketing expenses related to our DTC advertising campaign, as well as increased charitable contributions. Cash used in operations during the quarter was approximately $64.2 million, compared to the $45.2 million for the first quarter of 2018.
We ended the quarter with $414.3 million in cash and investments on our balance sheet. Please turn to our annual guidance on Slide 27. As Steve mentioned, for the full-year 2019, we expect continued strong growth for Nuplazid and have raised the lower end of the guidance range. We now forecast 2019 net sales to be between $280 million and $300 million.
At the midpoint of this guidance range, this represents approximately 30% growth in revenue year over year and approximately 20% volume growth year over year. We continue to expect gross to net adjustment in the range of 18% to 19% for the full year and forecast Q2 gross to net adjustment in the mid-to-high teens. Turning to expenses, we continue to forecast GAAP R&D expense to be between $250 million and $265 million. On a quarterly basis, R&D expense will step up starting in the second quarter.
This is related to the commencement of our Phase III program for major depressive disorder and manufacturing scale up to the trofinetide Phase III program. We continue to forecast GAAP SG&A expense to be between $280 million and $295 million for the full-year 2019. On a quarterly basis, we expect SG&A expense to step down starting in the second quarter. This is due to a reduction of advertising expenses related to the completion of our DTC campaign and reduced charitable contributions.
We continue to expect noncash stock-based compensation expense to be between $80 million and $90 million in 2019. And with that, I'll turn the call back over to Steve.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Thank you, Elena. Please turn to Slide 29. In closing, our team is off to a great start, executing on all three of our strategic pillars in 2019.
First, growing Nuplazid in Parkinson's disease psychosis; second, leveraging pimavanserin in additional large market CNS indications; and third, pursuing discipline and business development. We truly appreciate the dedication and hard work of all of our employees who are driving our company's continued success. I'll now open up the call for questions. Operator?
Questions & Answers:
Operator
[Operator instructions] Your first question comes from Ritu Baral with Cowen.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Hi, guys. Thanks for taking the question. My first question is a little more detail on why you would discontinue the DTC or ramp that down, given it seems to be working for you. Or is there an option to keep that going? Are you thinking about other commercialization strategies to basically keep the renewed growth going? And I've got a follow-up on the negative symptom study.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
OK. Let's deal with DTC first. Michael, do you want to take that question?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yes. Thanks, Ritu. I think our campaign, we had already -- always planned to have it run through the first quarter, which we did execute that. And with campaigns like this, you create a bolus of attention and awareness and that is now going to flow through as people kind of go through the website, go see their positions, which will be benefiting from that throughout the second quarter and into the summer.
It's very -- it's not normal to keep a campaign on 24/7, 365. So we will be learning more along the way as we do the assessments. And, again, the campaign just ended a few weeks ago, so now we'll be in the process of pulling that awareness through to physicians and generating that demand. So we don't see a need to keep the campaign running throughout the year.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Got it. And then -- go ahead.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
On Ritu's question. No, please go ahead. On negative symptoms.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Yes. And as we think about the upcoming Phase II data on the PAN's negative symptom scale, what constitutes good data? What constitutes the minimal clinically important difference? What's truly clinically meaningful to these patients? What would good data to look like here, especially in comparison to the landscape?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Right. Serge, you want to take that question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Just to clarify, Ritu, are you asking about the ENHANCE study for inadequate response? Or are you asking about negatives -- predominantly negative symptom study?
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Predominantly negative symptoms.
Serge Stankovic -- President
OK. This one we will be writing our -- we will be reading out later this year toward the year-end. We may for -- in the design of the study and the sizing of the study, we made assumptions that are very comparable to the effect sizes of a very few negative symptom trials that exist out there and that are considered clinically meaningful. We didn't disclose specifically what are the effect sizes we assumed.
But the negative symptom assessments scale has been used and is validated for this, and we made certain assumptions in that regard that are clinically accepted as meaningful endpoints.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
What is that Delta that you powered around?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. As I said, we didn't really disclose this. We are not disclosing the details. That's usually in our trials.
But of course, we made appropriate, clinically meaningful assumptions around that.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Got it. Thanks for taking the questions.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Sure.
Operator
Your next question comes from Cory Kasimov with J.P. Morgan.
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
Hey, good afternoon, guys. Thanks for taking the question. I actually had a very -- the first one is similar to what Ritu was asking but for the upcoming inadequate responder schizophrenia study this summer. And they're curious -- I guess you're not going to disclose the exact effect size, but can you speak in, at least general terms, to kind of what you're looking for in the study? Maybe the feedback you've gotten from KOLs in this front? And then my second trial will probably be for Serge, as well, as for MDD and CLARITY.
And I'm just curious on your expectations for bringing sites online and the potential enrollment in these studies, especially the U.S. one first, since that's already up and running. Is there anything you can glean on this front from all the other Phase III trials you've run with pimavanserin? Thanks.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Let me start with the ENHANCE study and the assumptions around that. With the inadequate response, our ENHANCE study, it's a little different because there is a plethora of studies and approved products in this. So there is a wide range of effect sizes that we saw with the currently approved treatment in monotherapy of this.
And they range from starting somewhere of 0.25 to 0.3. A majority is between that and 0.5 effect size with only a few exceptions going above 0.5. So our assumptions, as you imagine, are in that range of 0.25 to 0.5 on the scale, but we don't really, again, specifically discuss the deltas that we assume for the trial when we were sizing the trial. I just want to make one more comment here and that is, this is an adjunctive treatment.
There are no other treatments for adjunctive therapy, so all of the assumptions around this are related to the monotherapy trials in schizophrenia in MDD. With regard to MDD, obviously, in the U.S. trial, we have a benefit of the number of sites that we worked on our CLARITY trials -- in the Phase II trials. So we, in terms of engaging the size, there was a quite a bit of interest.
And with the positive results, we had quite a bit of interest for participation of the trials, so from that perspective, recruitment of study sites to participate was a very smooth process. We expect, ultimately, that recruitment will be going fairly similarly, like we have in our CLARITY trial, and that will -- even probably a little bit better because of now, with the positive result, there is a higher level of interest, obviously, on CLARITY. Compared to other pimavanserin trial as you asked that, as well, I mean we -- I have to say, we have a fairly smooth recruitment across our different indications in all of the trial and is reflected in the way how we were able to follow our projected timelines for recruitment. So depression is no exception to that.
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
Can you just remind us how long it took you to recruit the Phase II CLARITY trial?
Serge Stankovic -- President
It was a little more than two years. So we are expecting in this trial that it will be a singular situation, about two to two and a half years to complete the trial.
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
OK. Thank you.
Operator
Your next question comes from Jason Butler with JMP Securities.
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Hi, thanks for taking the question. First one, on the commercial, another follow-up on the DTC, can you maybe frame for us that bolus you mentioned before and how it compares to the impact or the positive impacts you got from the DTC campaign this time last year?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Jason, I just want to make sure we're clear on the question. The bolus you're referring to is what?
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
So the bolus of patient inflow into the -- you mentioned in answer to a previous question that you got out of the DTC campaign this year versus last year, that you're now in the process with this year going through and looking to pull patients through on therapy.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
OK. Yes, I don't think we used the term bolus, but I get the question, and I think Michael does, too. So Michael, do you want to try to answer it?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Thanks for the question. Let me address the second part first. The first campaign that we did a year ago was disease awareness.
And of course, this is a brand-new campaign, so I think it's very hard to compare the two in regards to impact. In fact, we believe we're, obviously, getting a better brand request rate and interest rate with the branded campaign. With regards to the bolus, what I was referring to was is that we generate a lot of awareness and interest with the campaign. That's really what the original -- the first phase of the campaign is designed to do, stimulate interest and awareness.
What we're now seeing is a very healthy attention rate into our digital properties, websites, etc. So we're getting good engagement there. We're also hearing both anecdotally and starting to attract some data at the doctor level. Those patients that are in the process will become, after they go on an appropriate trial, paid patients and generate revenue in ensuing quarters.
So that's why we phase the campaign in the beginning of the year, so we'll get the benefits of that throughout 2019.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
And just a little bit of additional color there. I think on the lastearnings call we kind of walked through the process of patients becoming aware of the drug. They -- Parkinson's patients typically see their doctor every three months, sometimes every six months, sometimes a bit more frequently. So many times, this repetition of messaging to create awareness, then they have an appointment in some months later, and then we start the process of them getting a prescription and going through a free drug and then a paid drug.
And then it's a full quarter right after beyond all of that that you get the full benefit from a full quarter of revenue from a patient that you started by increasing awareness. So I think the point Michael was making earlier is, the work that we've done in DTC over the last several months, we'll expect the benefit of that to continue on for some period of time.
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Great. OK. And just one question on the negative symptoms trials. Can you just talk about the background positive symptom score you expect to enroll in the study? And what happens? Is there anything built into the protocol if a patient has worsening positive symptoms at any point during the trial?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Sure. Serge, you want to take that question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Right. We -- the -- in the negative-symptom study, there is a requirement that the positive symptoms are fairly well controlled for the patient to be able. So it's predominantly negative-symptom studies. So the positive symptoms are capped at a certain minimum of severity to be able to enroll in the study.
In terms of potential worsening of positive symptoms, obviously, it's a clinical decision by the physician investigator whether they want to discontinue the trial and apply change in patient's therapy. It's not something that we in the trial saw frequently or there is something that we anticipate to happen because patients are continuing on their background antipsychotic, so if they have a good control of positive symptoms, but still express negative symptoms, that should be continued throughout the trial and for the most part, that's what we are seeing.
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
OK, great. Thanks for taking the questions.
Operator
Your next question comes from Salveen Richter with Goldman Sachs.
Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Thanks for taking my questions. So in the Phase II schizophrenia trial, you used Nuplazid and risperidone and you saw some benefits in PAM score in positive and negative symptom subscales. But your patient demographic wasn't specifically inadequate responders or negative symptom patients. So how should we think about the read through here to these two patient demographics?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Hey, so with -- Yes, you're correct, the paradigm in that study was somewhat different. In that study, we used sub-therapeutic doses of risperidone. In other words, a 2-milligram risperidone versus therapeutic dose of 6-milligram risperidone and combined it with pimavanserin, while 6-milligram risperidone was alone. And what we saw is that the efficacy that we saw in the trial was comparable and, in some aspects, little bit better than what we saw with the full therapeutic dose of risperidone and improvement on the tolerability side of the trial.
So we, obviously, that trial demonstrated synergies of between atypical antipsychotic risperidone with pimavanserin. What we are looking in this trial is a little different paradigm, obviously, people that are on atypical antipsychotic but don't have a full response. And we are still looking for that synergistic effect to enhance the efficacy of the adjunctive treatments. So hence, the name ENHANCE.
Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Got it. And then maybe just a second question on your commentary that DTC didn't provide much benefit to the long-term care setting. Are there other strategies other than awareness that could be undertaken here?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
So Salveen, I'm going to just ask Michael, and you wanted to first clarify the point here.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Hi. Salveen, yes. No, I don't believe that I said that we did not see an impact in LTC. Maybe you misheard.
What I mentioned is when we did the first campaign, to compare the first campaign, which was disease awareness, to the branded campaign, there are different dynamics. And a point in fact, actually, what we are seeing is unexpected benefit from the branded campaign in long-term care. We believe that was part of the wind in our sails in long-term care in the first quarter. And conversely, we did not see that benefit specifically in long-term care with our disease awareness campaign.
So we are seeing benefits. Now whether that is sustained over time, we'll be evaluating that. But we're very pleased with that impact that we saw in long-term care with our disease, with our branded campaign that we have on air, just finished.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I'm sorry, just to be crystal clear, disease awareness campaign ran a year ago.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Correct.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
We did not see much in the back of long-term care. Branded ad, which just finished this year, we did see an impact.
Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Thank you.
Operator
Your next question comes from Tazeen Ahmad with Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Hi, Steve. Just wanted to ask you a question with regards to the guidance. So on the call so far, you've stated that you feel good enough with DTC, that you're ready to wind that down a bit and focus on all the leads that you have. I think you also mentioned you've had an uptick in long-term care.
So I guess what more would you need to see in order to raise the higher end of guidance, as well as the lower end? And then I have a follow-up.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thanks for the question, Tazeen. I'm going to let Elena answer the question.
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Thanks, Tazeen. As we discussed year over year in the first quarter, we had 19% volume growth. At the midpoint of our guidance, that's pretty -- for the full year, that's pretty much on track with what's included in the midpoint of our guidance. So at this point in the year, we feel very pleased with how we are executing against our guidance and, hence, why we will increase the low-end of the range.
As Michael mentioned, we have a number of commercial initiatives and are pleased with what we're seeing so far with DTC, and we'll continue to track that and how we're tracking versus our full-year guidance. And as appropriate, we will adjust it in the future.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
So just to clarify -- go ahead.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I'm just going to say that to be clear, as we mentioned earlier, on the DTC campaign, it's not that we stopped it because we've seen a certain result. We ran the campaign exactly as planned, so ran it through the planned conclusion of the television -- televised portion of the campaign, but we expect benefits to run beyond that. And you do reach a point where -- of saturation, where you do actually need to stop the television campaign in order to poll benefit. So we feel really good about the early returns that we have in the campaign at this point.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
And then can you just give a little bit more color on your free-drug program? How long does it last and how many times can a patient renew? Has that changed?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yes. So the standard program is a 14-day free trial when they come through our hub and distribution services. And they can reup for that for another 14-day if the patient needs it. So we are not -- we don't hold the -- hold that as a hard rule, but if someone needs an extra 14 days, we get it, but the majority of patients get 14 days.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
And the use of that program? Has that been stable? Or has that changed?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
It's been pretty stable.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
OK. Thanks.
Operator
Your next question comes from Charles Duncan with Cantor Fitzgerald.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Hi, guys. First of all, congrats on a good-quarter progress and thanks for taking my questions. I have two: one commercial and one pipeline. The first regarding commercial, you had some comments on long-term care and the growth, and you talked about the positive impact of DTC, at least initially.
I'm wondering what else is contributing to the long-term care growth rate that was a little higher than you expected. And perhaps if you could touch on persistence now with the 34-milligram tablet versus the two by 17s.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Sure. Michael?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Sure. Thanks, Charles. Appreciate that. We were very pleased with what we saw in both long-term care and our SP.
So I want to be clear, we are very pleased with the bottle demand, the unit demand of long-term care and our new brand growth in our specialty pharmacy channel. Specifically, in addition, to what we mentioned around the benefit of awareness through the campaign in the long-term care, I think what you're starting to see is really a continued maturation of our long-term care commercial capabilities, that it's helped us drive growth in this setting. Basically, what we're doing is focusing on generating deeper demand in accounts and systems, where we have set up deposit access at the pharmacy, we've identified and nurtured a PDP disease champion, and then we further followed that up with a patient identification process. And that's a system by system account system that we have.
So that started to pay on dividends with our commercial execution. That is in part also aided by the awareness driven by the DTC campaign. And that's what you're starting to see I think pay off in long-term care.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
OK, thanks, Michael. And then my second question is perhaps for Serge. On the pipeline and, specifically, ENHANCE versus ADVANCE, and several questions have been asked on the design and effect size assumptions, etc. But I wanted to step back and just ask you, when you think about the unmet need in terms of inadequate response versus negative symptoms, you laid out the number of patients, but where do you think the potential is to make a greater clinical impact on patient care and, therefore, perhaps, even pharmacoeconomic value of the two indications?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. Serge?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thanks, Charles. That's a great question, actually, and one that provokes a lot of thinking on -- One interesting point I wanted to make here at the beginning is, that both of these trials are adjunctive trial. And currently, there is no any antipsychotic approved for adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia. Now it is true that in the ENHANCE trial, we are using patients that have symptomatology, both in the -- on the positive and negative syndrome scale, while in the ADVANCE trial, we are more focusing on the adjunctive therapy.
Obviously, negative symptoms is holy grail. There is nothing that truly demonstrating efficacy in treating negative symptoms of schizophrenia. And from that perspective, it could be a great advancement in medical practice if we demonstrate a benefit in that adjunctive paradigm. But I would also say that on the adjunctive treatment of schizophrenia in general, even though there is nothing approved, there is a great many patients that are treating with two or more antipsychotic at the same time, because one antipsychotic is not able to control psychotic symptoms.
And from that perspective, numbers vary widely, but they go from 25% to 65% of patients that are on the two antipsychotics or more at the same time. So from that perspective, looking at that, it would be a great advantage and advancement if we demonstrate a positive efficacy benefit and safety for adjunctive treatment, rather than using the antipsychotic that more or less are hitting on the same receptors and on the same neurotransmitters. And, therefore, even if they are producing some benefit, they are also producing a myriad of side effects and tolerability issues that we do not expect to see. I hope this is just a kind of brainstorming here.
It's a very interesting question, and I would like to talk more when I see you about this.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
That sounds good. Sorry for a clarification request, and that is that -- and I appreciate you taking it, is ADVANCE seemed to enroll perhaps a little quicker than we had expected and I'm just kind of wondering, are physicians equally or more or less interested in enrolling one or the other study, if you have them onboard.
Serge Stankovic -- President
You know, in the last maybe several months, ADVANCE sort of caught up with the ENHANCE study. And they are, essentially, continuous recruitment approximately at the same time. I wouldn't say that that's a reflection of as much interest, as much dynamics in the clinical trials out there and competitive environment, countries where we are doing the trial. There are many factors that influence that.
And -- but perhaps there is also an interest. I wouldn't discount that, but I don't think that this is the only factor that contributed to us. We always expect that these two trials would actually progress at the same time. The delay on the ADVANCE trial is just because it's a six-month trial versus six-weeks trial.
So the readout will be six months later.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Got it. Thanks for taking the questions. Congrats on a good quarter.
Operator
Your next question comes from Alan Carr with Needham & Company.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Thanks for taking my questions. A follow-up on the previous one, around ADVANCE and ENHANCE. Are you all disclosing which background meds are being used most often and which antipsychotics are being used most often at baseline in those two trials? And then with respect to ADVANCE in particular, is there any sort of run-in period to ensure that there is stability on positive symptoms? The last one is around charitable contributors. If you could comment on that.
I think you said there would be reductions in that. Can you elaborate?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge will take the first two questions.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. In regard to -- Maybe if you could rephrase the first part.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
The background meds.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Oh, background meds. Yes, we've been always saying that there is no secret about that -- all atypical antipsychotics that do not have a warning related to QT prolongation are allowed in our trials. So the only reason we excluded some of the antipsychotic was because of QT prolongation and our label and their label indicated that combination without a drug that prolong QT is not allowed. So from that perspective, all -- we should consider all atypical antipsychotics.
So there is no secret about that.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
I was wondering if you all are disclosing which specific drugs, or do any of them dominate in terms of the patient enrolled in the trial?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Well, you know, we didn't -- of course, we will review that at the time of top-line results. But we have a fair representation of the antipsychotic. This, obviously, somewhat depends also on the countries where we are. In some countries, there are different drugs approved and not approved.
But naturally, I mean, the most -- this follows fairly, fairly accurately what is the use of these antipsychotics out there. So the most frequently used antipsychotics is the most that we see in our trials. But we didn't go into specifics on -- in that regard.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
OK. And a run-in in ADVANCE, is there anything like that to see if they are --
Serge Stankovic -- President
Well, you know, we -- first of all, there is a run-in period. There is a screening period, where we evaluate patients at the qualification of the trial and the screening phase and then in the baseline visit, and they do need to meet same criteria for entering the trial over that period that may go up to three, four weeks. So that's one thing. In addition, we are also very careful in selecting the patients to make sure that they have levels of background antipsychotic in their blood to confirm that actually symptoms we are seeing are results and in spite of background antipsychotic therapy.
That's a particularly relevant, well, that's relevant for both of these trials. So we are, in some sense, looking both at the stability and the symptoms we're seeing are results of inadequacy in therapy rather than noncompliance with treatment.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
OK.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Charitable contributions, you asked about, as well, Alan. Elena, do you want to take that question?
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Sure. Alan, contributing to independent charitable foundations that provide assistance to patients in need is part of our commitment to help ensure patients have access to their prescribed medications and treatment. For 2019, a greater portion of those donations are occurring in the first quarter of the year.
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
OK. Thanks for taking my questions.
Operator
Your next question comes from Danielle Brill with Piper Jaffray.
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Hi, everyone. Thanks for taking my question. I just have a quick question on the usage of Nuplazid and a more specific question on channel distribution. Would you be able to provide some color on what percentage of patients with PDP are actually on Nuplazid? I think you mentioned that it was 25% previously.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I'm going to let Michael answer that. Do you want to first clarify what was said previously?
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yes. We previously said that there are 125,000 patients treated, and our penetration was around the low double digits. Currently, we're, I would say, in the mid-teens in that regard. So that's how I would answer the question.
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
I see. Great, OK. And I guess the other question I had was would you be able to provide some color on the volume growth trends between specialty and LTC and which channels are growing faster, if specialty has caught up. Any sort of color would be helpful.
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Yes. Great question. So we've always represented that the FD, specialty distribution, of which long-term care is about two-thirds of that component, has roughly been about one-third of our business, the FD part of our business is one-third. And our SP side, which represents more of the office-based channel, is about two-thirds.
And that makes it generally pretty much where it's been. It waxes and wanes, depending on different dynamics. In the way, just a way to think about it is the way we see it, which is they're independent channels. They have different dynamics, different ecosystems, and things kind of wax and wane.
One of the things to note, though, is that in the long-term care channel, specifically, we have always said that we're a little underpenetrated and that has a more volume growth ahead of it because we were -- we just recognized that that's a more rich channel that we didn't launch that as with the kind of robust efforts in the beginning. So as you know, we expanded our sales force and we've continued to evolve our commercial model there. So we're getting good results out of that, but SP is also going to be growing, as well. So both channels have a lot of opportunity to grow, one-third, two-thirds would be the split.
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Fantastic. Thank you so much.
Operator
Your next question comes from Marc Goodman with Leerink.
Marc Goodman -- Leerink -- Analyst
Can you talk about business development a little bit? Should we expect another trofinetide type of opportunity to get added to the pipeline this year?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Sure. So as we said very clearly on this call and on many previous calls, business development is one of our three strategic pillars. We think it's very important that we focus on that in a disciplined way, the disciplined way that we have, and trofinetide is a really great example of the kind of fruits that we expect to continue to yield from that process.
Marc Goodman -- Leerink -- Analyst
Maybe just ask the question in a different way, I guess, trofinetide was practically Phase III ready, right? So I was curious about as you're thinking about early phase, late phase, what are you looking at? How should we expect you to bring products in from that perspective?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. So we -- just as a matter of policy, we don't get into too much detail regarding specific assets or specific categories. We do have priorities, but we don't talk specifically about them. I would just simply say I think every asset is case dependent.
Of course, late-stage assets have a different risk-reward profile than earlier-stage assets. And if it's helpful for just some additional color, I would say when we launched Nuplazid, before we launched Nuplazid, we did a survey when the companies that launched their first drug acquire additional assets, and what we saw is a very small blip on the radar screen in about year three and then a big blip at about year seven, and I just didn't see any reason to wait. I'd rather look at more assets over a longer period time so that would be more judicious and more strategic. And that's what we're doing.
Marc Goodman -- Leerink -- Analyst
Thanks.
Operator
Your next question comes from Paul Matteis with Stifel. Your line is open.
Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst
This is Ben Burnett on for Paul Matteis. I just wanted to ask a clarifying question on the regulatory path for schizophrenia. I guess if both schizophrenia studies are positive, the negative-symptom study and the inadequate-response study, would you expect this to be enough to file on for both indications i.e., like would you be able to include negative symptoms in that or would you anticipate needing additional confirmatory studies? And then I just have one real quick follow-up.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Sure. Serge, you want to take that question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. What we know, similarly as with major depression, the regulatory requirement for approval in adequate response would be a two-confirmatory trial. But we of course are looking at a variety of options, but it is just premature for us until we see the results of the trial and to speculate on potential regulatory paths for approval and we will certainly -- Once we have the results, we will certainly address that and address that with FDA, as well.
Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst
OK. Great. Understood. And I just had one other question on the DRP HARMONY program.
I guess at this point, what proportion of patients are you seeing get through the treatment run-in in the study? And if you're willing to disclose this, or if you can, how is this comparing to your expectations going into it?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Right. I can say what I -- which I shared before, and that's pretty much continuing, and that is that we are seeing in the 3three-month open label treatment phase of the study that some -- a bit larger number of patients are achieving stable -- stabilization over two, eight-week and 12-week period and are being randomized than we initially anticipated. So other than that, we did not disclose specific numbers, but I can say, we made this assumptions on the basis of what we are -- we saw in previous trials with pimavanserin and are seeing around that or a little bit better than that.
Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst
OK. I appreciate the color. Thank you.
Operator
Your next question comes from Sumant Kulkarni with Canaccord.
Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst
Good afternoon. Thanks for taking my questions. I have a couple. The first one, we have an important interim read in the dementia related psychosis HARMONY trial coming up later this year, but my question is on your SERENE trial and Alzheimer's-related agitation.
We know the trial was discontinued in October 2017, but patients enrolled in that study were allowed to continue. Given SERENE is now showing up as completed as of late March according to ClinicalTrials.gov, do you plan to share any data there? Or how should we think about your expectations heading into the interim read on HARMONY?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, did you hear the question? You got it? On Alzheimer's-related agitation trials.
Serge Stankovic -- President
I assume that well -- We shared the data from that trial as it is required in the ClinicalTrial.gov with the results from that trial. And, obviously, we will as, necessary -- as we see fit, we will further share the information and data. That's a trial that will stop for business reasons at the point when were we were moving to DRP. So it's incomplete trial, but there are some learnings that we really applied as we move forward with the trial.
The core of the data is already available.
Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst
Sure, thanks for that. And the second question is on your Rett syndrome trial. How do you expect enrollment in that trial relative to potential competition from other approaches, like gene therapies, that might be coming up?
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Right. Serge, do you want to take that question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
You know, naturally, we are following all of the developments in the Rett syndrome. Specifically to your question, gene therapy is a little bit behind, and it's probably going to take a little more time for them to actually get into the clinical stage. So from the competitive perspective, in terms of the execution of our Phase III trials, I do not see that that will interfere. Now there may be other trials in Rett syndrome, some addressing specifically -- specific symptoms of Rett, rather than the core symptomatology of Rett syndrome, that may be going on, but we don't see there will be a second overlap.
I have to say that we are working very closely with advocacy groups and understand that there is quite a bit of interest on the basis of positive data from the Phase II trial in participation in our trials. So we do not anticipate significant competitive pressures on recruitment.
Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst
Thank you.
Operator
Thank you. Mr. Davis, please proceed to closing remarks.
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Thank you, operator. I just want to close by saying thanks to each of you for joining us today, and we look forward to updating you on our progress next quarter.
Operator
[Operator signoff]
Duration: 63 minutes
Call participants:
Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations
Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer
Serge Stankovic -- President
Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer
Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst
Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst
Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Marc Goodman -- Leerink -- Analyst
Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst
Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst
More ACAD analysis
All earnings call transcripts
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Motley Fool Transcribing has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q1 2019 Earnings Call May. Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to ACADIA Pharmaceuticals first-quarter 2019 financial results conference call. [Operator instructions] I would now like to turn the presentation over to Mark Johnson, vice president of investor relations at ACADIA. | Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will provide a brief overview of our strategy, recent achievements, pipeline opportunities, and financial performance; Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, will provide updates on our commercial initiatives with Nuplazid; Serge Stankovic, our president, will discuss our pipeline progress; and Elena Ridloff, our chief financial officer, who will discuss our financial results before turning it back to Steve for his final remarks and opening the call for questions. Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 63 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- Leerink -- Analyst Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q1 2019 Earnings Call May. | Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will provide a brief overview of our strategy, recent achievements, pipeline opportunities, and financial performance; Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, will provide updates on our commercial initiatives with Nuplazid; Serge Stankovic, our president, will discuss our pipeline progress; and Elena Ridloff, our chief financial officer, who will discuss our financial results before turning it back to Steve for his final remarks and opening the call for questions. Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 63 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- Leerink -- Analyst Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q1 2019 Earnings Call May. | Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our chief executive officer, who will provide a brief overview of our strategy, recent achievements, pipeline opportunities, and financial performance; Michael Yang, our chief commercial officer, will provide updates on our commercial initiatives with Nuplazid; Serge Stankovic, our president, will discuss our pipeline progress; and Elena Ridloff, our chief financial officer, who will discuss our financial results before turning it back to Steve for his final remarks and opening the call for questions. Operator [Operator signoff] Duration: 63 minutes Call participants: Mark Johnson -- Vice President of Investor Relations Steve Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael Yang -- Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Elena Ridloff -- Chief Financial Officer Ritu Baral -- Cowen and Company -- Analyst Cory Kasimov -- J.P. Morgan -- Analyst Jason Butler -- JMP Securities -- Analyst Salveen Richter -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America Merrill Lynch -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham and Company -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst Marc Goodman -- Leerink -- Analyst Ben Burnett -- Stifel Financial Corp. -- Analyst Sumant Kulkarni -- Canaccord Genuity -- Analyst More ACAD analysis All earnings call transcripts This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q1 2019 Earnings Call May. |
35938.0 | 2019-04-10 00:00:00 UTC | 3 Biotech Stocks That Doubled After Hitting Bottom in 2018 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-biotech-stocks-doubled-after-hitting-bottom-2018-2019-04-10 | nan | nan | Trying to time the market is an exercise in futility, but picking up these three biotech stocks when they dipped to 52-week lows in 2018 has helped a lot of portfolios outperform in 2019.
All three of these drugmakers have the potential to launch drugs worth billions in annual sales or they launched one already. Here's how they turned their luck around.
1. Denali Therapeutics: Crossing a tough barrier
Denali shares fell to a new low last summer for no particular reason other than it was probably overpriced to begin with. This biotech is developing a slate of experimental therapies for neurodegenerative disorders, which is an extremely risky business.
Grizzled biotech investors know that brain-wasting disorders such as Alzheimer's disease are the Afghanistan of drug development. Companies big and small have poured countless resources into this space for decades with nothing to show for it but heavy losses and thousands of disappointed patients.
There are plenty of unexplored targets in the brain that could play a role in brain-wasting disorders, but getting antibodies across the blood-brain barrier is a lot harder than it sounds. Denali's candidates employ a fancy new transport technology that envelops brain-bound drugs so they can slip through. Healthy volunteers have already tried two of Denali's candidates, an LRRK2 inhibitor and a RIPK1 inhibitor, and it looks like they safely transported the drug as promised.
Denali Therapeutics stock has surged in recent weeks as investors anticipate human proof-of-concept data from a Parkinson's disease study with its LRRK2 inhibitor, DNL201. In November, Sanofi (NASDAQ: SNY) handed Denali $145 million upfront for rights to develop DNL747, an experimental RIPK1 inhibitor. Sanofi will pay for clinical trials with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients and Alzheimer's disease patients. Denali gets to sit back and collect milestones, and a double-digit royalty percentage on any sales DNL747 might produce down the road.
Image source: Getty Images.
2. Acadia: An expensive drug launch
This biotech launched Nuplazid in 2016 to treat psychosis caused by Parkinson's disease, and Acadia has big plans to expand its addressable patient population. Unfortunately, the company doesn't have any operating profits to pay for those plans.
Annual Nuplazid sales rose 79% in 2018, to $224 million, but sales, general, and administrative (SG&A) expenses climbed to $265 million. Runaway expenses and a disappointing Nuplazid launch caused Acadia to lose $244 million last year and $802 million over the past three years.
An estimated 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's every year and around half experience delusions or hallucinations that make life extra difficult for their caregivers. Nuplazid's a first-in-class drug that dials down serotonin 2a receptor activity specifically, which should have implications for patients with psychosis caused by schizophrenia and dementias such as Alzheimer's disease.
Acadia's also moving Nuplazid into a phase 3 trial for major depressive disorder, and the company acquired rights to develop a rare-disease drug that's about to enter another phase 3 study. An expansion to any of these indications could more than double sales and allow operations to quit bleeding money.
Image source: Getty Images.
3. Moderna: An exciting start
Moderna started out last December with a huge $6 billion market cap and very little data to support it. A lack of enthusiasm allowed the stock to stumble immediately after its stock market debut in December.
Luckily, a flurry of activity in 2019 has investors flocking back to the pioneer of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies. The mRNA in Moderna's drugs should trick cells into making useful proteins, which is the easy part. The hard part is getting it there in the first place because the immune system quickly gobbles up any free-floating mRNA.
Since its initial public offering in December, Moderna's produced positive phase 1 data for mRNA-1653, a human metapneumovirus and parainfluenza vaccine, and also began giving mRNA-1944 to people infected with the Chikungunya virus.
Moderna began treatment with ovarian-cancer patients by giving them intratumoral injections with a triplet cancer therapy and filed applications to begin clinical trials with two more new drug candidates. It's hard to keep count, but Moderna has at least 20 new drug candidates in clinical-stage or pre-clinical-stage development.
Image source: Getty Images.
More gains ahead?
Acadia thinks there are around 400,000 Parkinson's patients dealing with psychotic episodes, but after nearly three years, the company's still bleeding money. Acadia's racked up an accumulated deficit of around $1.5 billion, and investors shouldn't be surprised if it devours more.
Denali runs a fairly tight ship that finished 2018 with $612 million in cash and securities after losing just $46.4 million. Until we have some human proof-of-concept data for its neurology candidates, though, it's probably best to tread lightly.
Moderna and Denali can continue soaring if their ongoing human proof-of-concept studies read out positive results in the months ahead. Both drugmakers also earn heaps of collaboration revenue that could grow exponentially if results encourage their partners.
Moderna and Denali are tempting, but there's still a very real chance their ongoing proof-of-concept studies fail to impress and leave you with some heavy losses. For now, it's probably best to keep Denali and Moderna on your watchlist instead of in your portfolio.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia: An expensive drug launch This biotech launched Nuplazid in 2016 to treat psychosis caused by Parkinson's disease, and Acadia has big plans to expand its addressable patient population. Runaway expenses and a disappointing Nuplazid launch caused Acadia to lose $244 million last year and $802 million over the past three years. Acadia's also moving Nuplazid into a phase 3 trial for major depressive disorder, and the company acquired rights to develop a rare-disease drug that's about to enter another phase 3 study. | Acadia: An expensive drug launch This biotech launched Nuplazid in 2016 to treat psychosis caused by Parkinson's disease, and Acadia has big plans to expand its addressable patient population. Runaway expenses and a disappointing Nuplazid launch caused Acadia to lose $244 million last year and $802 million over the past three years. Acadia's also moving Nuplazid into a phase 3 trial for major depressive disorder, and the company acquired rights to develop a rare-disease drug that's about to enter another phase 3 study. | Acadia: An expensive drug launch This biotech launched Nuplazid in 2016 to treat psychosis caused by Parkinson's disease, and Acadia has big plans to expand its addressable patient population. Runaway expenses and a disappointing Nuplazid launch caused Acadia to lose $244 million last year and $802 million over the past three years. Acadia's also moving Nuplazid into a phase 3 trial for major depressive disorder, and the company acquired rights to develop a rare-disease drug that's about to enter another phase 3 study. | Acadia: An expensive drug launch This biotech launched Nuplazid in 2016 to treat psychosis caused by Parkinson's disease, and Acadia has big plans to expand its addressable patient population. Runaway expenses and a disappointing Nuplazid launch caused Acadia to lose $244 million last year and $802 million over the past three years. Acadia's also moving Nuplazid into a phase 3 trial for major depressive disorder, and the company acquired rights to develop a rare-disease drug that's about to enter another phase 3 study. |
35939.0 | 2019-03-26 00:00:00 UTC | Notable ETF Inflow Detected - FBT, IONS, RARE, ACAD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/notable-etf-inflow-detected-fbt-ions-rare-acad-2019-03-26 | nan | nan | Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel , one standout is the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (Symbol: FBT) where we have detected an approximate $87.6 million dollar inflow -- that's a 3.0% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 19,950,002 to 20,550,002). Among the largest underlying components of FBT, in trading today Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is up about 1.1%, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc (Symbol: RARE) is up about 1%, and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up by about 1.1%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the FBT Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of FBT, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, FBT's low point in its 52 week range is $113.43 per share, with $159.85 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $147.79. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average » .
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Click here to find out which 9 other ETFs had notable inflows »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among the largest underlying components of FBT, in trading today Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is up about 1.1%, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc (Symbol: RARE) is up about 1%, and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up by about 1.1%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel , one standout is the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (Symbol: FBT) where we have detected an approximate $87.6 million dollar inflow -- that's a 3.0% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 19,950,002 to 20,550,002). These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. | Among the largest underlying components of FBT, in trading today Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is up about 1.1%, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc (Symbol: RARE) is up about 1%, and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up by about 1.1%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the FBT Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of FBT, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, FBT's low point in its 52 week range is $113.43 per share, with $159.85 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $147.79. Click here to find out which 9 other ETFs had notable inflows » The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among the largest underlying components of FBT, in trading today Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is up about 1.1%, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc (Symbol: RARE) is up about 1%, and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up by about 1.1%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel , one standout is the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (Symbol: FBT) where we have detected an approximate $87.6 million dollar inflow -- that's a 3.0% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 19,950,002 to 20,550,002). For a complete list of holdings, visit the FBT Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of FBT, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, FBT's low point in its 52 week range is $113.43 per share, with $159.85 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $147.79. | Among the largest underlying components of FBT, in trading today Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is up about 1.1%, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc (Symbol: RARE) is up about 1%, and Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up by about 1.1%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel , one standout is the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund (Symbol: FBT) where we have detected an approximate $87.6 million dollar inflow -- that's a 3.0% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 19,950,002 to 20,550,002). For a complete list of holdings, visit the FBT Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of FBT, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, FBT's low point in its 52 week range is $113.43 per share, with $159.85 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $147.79. |
35940.0 | 2019-02-28 00:00:00 UTC | Noteworthy Thursday Option Activity: FRO, ULTA, ACAD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/noteworthy-thursday-option-activity-fro-ulta-acad-2019-02-28 | nan | nan | Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Frontline Ltd (Symbol: FRO), where a total volume of 1,763 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 176,300 underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 41.4% of FRO's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 425,590 shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $6 strike call option expiring March 15, 2019 , with 1,141 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 114,100 underlying shares of FRO. Below is a chart showing FRO's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $6 strike highlighted in orange:
Ulta Beauty Inc (Symbol: ULTA) options are showing a volume of 2,736 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 273,600 underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 41.4% of ULTA's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 661,465 shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $315 strike call option expiring March 01, 2019 , with 138 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 13,800 underlying shares of ULTA. Below is a chart showing ULTA's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $315 strike highlighted in orange:
And Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) options are showing a volume of 5,957 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 595,700 underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 40.7% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.5 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $28 strike call option expiring March 15, 2019 , with 2,610 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 261,000 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $28 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for FRO options , ULTA options , or ACAD options , visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Today's Most Active Call & Put Options of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Especially high volume was seen for the $28 strike call option expiring March 15, 2019 , with 2,610 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 261,000 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ULTA's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $315 strike highlighted in orange: And Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) options are showing a volume of 5,957 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 595,700 underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 40.7% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.5 million shares. | That number of contracts represents approximately 595,700 underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 40.7% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.5 million shares. Below is a chart showing ULTA's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $315 strike highlighted in orange: And Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) options are showing a volume of 5,957 contracts thus far today. Especially high volume was seen for the $28 strike call option expiring March 15, 2019 , with 2,610 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 261,000 underlying shares of ACAD. | Below is a chart showing ULTA's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $315 strike highlighted in orange: And Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) options are showing a volume of 5,957 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 595,700 underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 40.7% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.5 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $28 strike call option expiring March 15, 2019 , with 2,610 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 261,000 underlying shares of ACAD. | That number of contracts represents approximately 595,700 underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 40.7% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.5 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $28 strike call option expiring March 15, 2019 , with 2,610 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 261,000 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ULTA's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $315 strike highlighted in orange: And Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) options are showing a volume of 5,957 contracts thus far today. |
35941.0 | 2019-02-27 00:00:00 UTC | Wednesday's ETF Movers: FBT, IHF | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/wednesdays-etf-movers-fbt-ihf-2019-02-27 | nan | nan | In trading on Wednesday, the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF ( FBT ) is outperforming other ETFs, up about 1.9% on the day. Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals ( IONS ), up about 13.9% and shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ), up about 5.1% on the day.
And underperforming other ETFs today is the iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF ( IHF ), down about 2.3% in Wednesday afternoon trading. Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Wednesday were shares of Capital Senior Living ( CSU ), lower by about 5.5%, and shares of Wellcare Health Plans (WCG), lower by about 4.8% on the day.
VIDEO: Wednesday's ETF Movers: FBT, IHF
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals ( IONS ), up about 13.9% and shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ), up about 5.1% on the day. Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Wednesday were shares of Capital Senior Living ( CSU ), lower by about 5.5%, and shares of Wellcare Health Plans (WCG), lower by about 4.8% on the day. VIDEO: Wednesday's ETF Movers: FBT, IHF The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals ( IONS ), up about 13.9% and shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ), up about 5.1% on the day. VIDEO: Wednesday's ETF Movers: FBT, IHF The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals ( IONS ), up about 13.9% and shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ), up about 5.1% on the day. In trading on Wednesday, the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF ( FBT ) is outperforming other ETFs, up about 1.9% on the day. Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Wednesday were shares of Capital Senior Living ( CSU ), lower by about 5.5%, and shares of Wellcare Health Plans (WCG), lower by about 4.8% on the day. | Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals ( IONS ), up about 13.9% and shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ), up about 5.1% on the day. In trading on Wednesday, the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF ( FBT ) is outperforming other ETFs, up about 1.9% on the day. And underperforming other ETFs today is the iShares U.S. Healthcare Providers ETF ( IHF ), down about 2.3% in Wednesday afternoon trading. |
35942.0 | 2019-02-27 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (ACAD) Q4 2018 Earnings Conference Call Transcript | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-inc-acad-q4-2018-earnings-conference-call-transcript-2019-02-27 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD)
Q4 2018 Earnings Conference Call
Feb. 26, 2019 , 5:00 p.m. ET
Contents:
Prepared Remarks
Questions and Answers
Call Participants
Prepared Remarks:
Operator
Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Financial Results Conference Call. My name is Christie, and I will be your conference operator for today. At this time, all participants are in a listen only mode. We will be facilitating a question-and-answer session toward the end of today's call. (Operator Instructions)
I would now like to turn the presentation over to Elena Ridloff, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Interim Chief Financial Officer at ACADIA. Please proceed.
Elena Ridloff -- Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Interim Chief Financial Officer
Thank you, Christie. Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us on today's call to discuss ACADIA's fourth quarter and full year 2018 financial results. Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our Chief Executive Officer, who will provide a brief overview of our strategy, recent achievements, pipeline opportunities and financial performance; Michael Yang, our Chief Commercial Officer, who will provide updates on our commercial initiatives with NUPLAZID; and Dr. Serge Stankovic, our President, who will discuss our pipeline progress. I will then discuss our financial results before turning it back to Steve for his final remarks and opening the call up for questions. I would also like to point out that we are using supplemental slides, which are available on the Events & Presentation section of our website.
Before we proceed, I would like to remind you that during our call today, we will be making a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements including goals, expectations, plans, prospects, growth potential, timing of events or future results, are based on current information, assumptions and expectations that are inherently subject to change and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These factors and other risks associated with our business can be found in our filings made with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are made only as of today's date.
I'll now turn the call over to Steve Davis our Chief Executive Officer.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Elena. Good afternoon, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. In 2018, our team executed on all three of our strategic pillars. First is to grow. While NUPLAZID is the only FDA-approved treatment and standard of care for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis or PDP. Second is to leverage. Leverage the potential of pimavanserin and additional indications with unmet need. And third is to expand our pop on further through focused business development in CNS disorders again with high unmet needs.
Let's take a look at the progress we've made in advancing each of these pillars on Slide six. We continue to grow NUPLAZID in PDP and achieved $59.6 million in net sales in the fourth quarter of 2018, a 37% increase over the same period in 2017. Net sales for the full year 2018 were $223.8 million, which represents a 79% increase year-over-year. This growth was fueled by our commercial initiatives, including the launch of our 34-milligram capsule in August. In late November, we launched our direct-to-consumer TV ad campaign and expect this to benefit new patient starts in 2019. Based on our execution and the growth we're seeing in 2019 as we enter the year, we are providing NUPLAZID net sales guidance of $275 million to $300 million for the full year 2019. Last year we continue to leverage pimavanserin in clinical development for additional CNS indications. This was highlighted by our positive Phase 2 CLARITY results in adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder. In addition, we've recently completed our end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA and we'll be initiating two Phase 3 trials in the first half of this year. Importantly, in our end-of-Phase 2 meeting, we confirmed with the FDA that our Phase 2 CLARITY trial can be submitted as one of the two pivotal trials to support a supplemental NDA filing. So we will need at least one of the two Phase 3 trials for conducting which will also be positive. We also strengthened our balance sheet with the successful financing in the fourth quarter. We ended 2018 with approximately $474 million of cash and are well positioned to continue executing on all three pillars of our business strategy.
Slide seven represents what I think is probably the most under appreciated aspect of our business. On this slide you see the addressable population for both the indication we are currently approved in Parkinson's disease psychosis together with the other indication that we are pursuing with pimavanserin. There are three single (ph) messages that I think are important here. Point number one is we're pursuing very large markets. These are markets with either no FDA-approved treatment or markets in which patients continue to experience significant disease burden due to the inadequacies of existing therapies. In aggregate, the additional indications you see on this slide represent an approximately forty-fold increase over the PDP addressable population. Point two is because we are advancing the same molecule, pimavanserin in all of these indications and of course we're already approved in PDP. We know the safety and tolerability profile of the drug. We know the drug interactions, we know how to make it. And point three is we have evidence of clinical efficacy in each of these indications. So we can substantially address these programs, and I've said before, we love to make these kinds of investments.
With that I'll now turn it over to Michael to discuss our commercial performance.
Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Thank you, Steve. Please turn to Slide nine. Today, I would like to provide you with an update on the progress we are making with our commercial activities that are driving continued growth of NUPLAZID. First, we are in the process of completing the transition to the 34-milligram capsule from the 17-milligram tablets. The single 34-milligram capsule was launched to provide patients with a single dosage form to achieve the once daily 34-milligram dosing recommendation for the treatment of PDP with NUPLAZID. The introduction and adoption of the 34-milligram capsule is done very well. The commercial team has successfully facilitated smooth healthcare professional and patient transition to the single 34-milligram capsule and we believe this has resulted in a more positive patient experience. We are focusing on driving new commercial initiatives across the business, leveraging the introduction of the 34-milligram capsule in Q3, and the FDA reaffirmation of the positive benefit risk profile.
As Steve mentioned we launched a branded direct-to-consumer campaign at the end of November, an important time of the year when extended families gather together and would be expected to notice any changes in their loved one. We look forward to seeing this positively impact new patient starts and revenue in 2019 along with our other commercial initiatives. Beyond these efforts, I'd like to point out that the Movement Disorder Society recently published an update through the recommendations for treatments for non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Within this update, NUPLAZID is the only treatment listed as both efficacious and having an acceptable level of safety risk without specialized monitoring for the treatment of psychosis. This conclusion adds to the level of confidence we have been establishing with physicians that their patients suffering with PDP should try NUPLAZID first. Of the roughly 125,000 patients who received treatment for PDP currently a low double-digit percentage are taking NUPLAZID. As the only FDA-approved therapy for PDP NUPLAZID addition to these recommendations is an important validation of the part of physician in the treatment paradigm.
Slide 10 highlights our recent growth trends in the long-term care channel. As you can see we've seen continued growth in total bottle demand throughout 2018. A long-term care channel represents roughly 25% of our total business as you can see from the pie chart on the right. Over the past two quarters, we have seen our channel-specific long-term care commercial initiatives gain traction and create momentum. This has delivered a higher growth rate in the long-term care channel as compared to our specialty pharmacy channel.
Now I would like to turn your attention to our specialty pharmacy channel, while we're encouraged by recent growth trends and new patient starts as shown on Slide 11. In this specialty pharmacy channel, which represents two-thirds of our business. We are now seeing a nice return to sequential growth and new patient starts in the fourth quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter. We have seen this momentum continue into the new year with average weekly new patient starts up quarterly, sequentially. The growth of new patient starts is supported with both the launch of the 34-milligram capsule and the FDA's public statement of the positive benefit list profile of NUPLAZID, as well as the launch of our branded DTC campaign. For the overall business, we achieved sequential growth of approximately 6% in total bottles in the fourth quarter. In addition, our refill rate has remained consistent.
On Slide 12, we outline a typical patient journey starting with the time, date or their caregiver recognizes their symptoms to when they are motivated to take action. Once patients feel compelled to take action it typically take weeks to months before they have that next visit with our physician to talk with their physician about their symptoms and seek treatment. Following these appointments the majority of these prescriptions are then sent to the patient -- our patient access hub, which assists patients with a prior authorization and reimbursement process. The majority of our NUPLAZID patients typically start on the free trial period during this time and as a result there is typically a lag between our marketing efforts and when a new patient starts to contribute to revenue. We believe with our current commercial initiatives taking hold and the promising growth trends we have observed and new patient starts that we are back on track and we will significantly increase our market penetration over the next several years.
I'll now turn it over to Serge to provide R&D updates on our pipeline.
Serge Stankovic -- President
Thank you, Michael. I'm extremely pleased with our R&D progress in 2018. Equally, I'm really looking forward to the next several quarters as we will be reporting results from a number of our ongoing late stage clinical trials. Let's start with Slide 14. Pimavanserin is the first-in-class selective serotonin inverse agonist. All other antipsychotics were primarily by blocking dopamine and then particularly problematic in Parkinson's patients who suffer from the lack of dopamine. In addition to PDP, pimavanserin has already shown the indication of efficacy in all four clinical categories we are pursuing that are currently evaluating in late stage programs. Furthermore given our expertise in drug development for CNS, we license the rights to trofinetide in August. Trofinetide is a novel synthetic analog of the amino-terminal tripeptide of the IGF-1, Insulin-like Growth Factor. Trofinetide has positive Phase 2 data in its target indication of Rett syndrome. In total, we have five late stage programs that we are advancing this year.
On Slide 15, are just the few reason that near term highlights I wanted to share with you. First, we recently completed our end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA to discuss pimavanserin as adjunctive therapy for major depressive disorder. I am happy to report that as we expected the FDA agreed that the CLARITY trial would serve as one of the two pivotal trials for our supplemental NDA submission. As always is the case, the end-of-Phase 2 matters are ultimately subject to NDA review. We nearly initiated our Phase 3 program as planned in the first half of this year. Second, we confirm with the FDA our study design for Phase 3 trial with trofinetide, which we will initiate in the second half of 2019. And third, we remained on track to announce top line results from our ongoing Phase 3 ENHANCE trial in schizophrenia inadequate response mediator.
Starting with Slide 16, we will now discuss our ongoing programs in a little more detail. Dementia-related psychosis affects about 1.2 million patients in the United States and has very serious consequences, including repeated hospital stays and early progression to nursing home care, more rapid progression of dementia and an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. There is no FDA-approved treatment for DRP.
As highlighted on Slide 17, our program in dementia-related psychosis is leveraging the benefit we observed in two previous studies; our PDP pivotal trough study as well as our Phase 2 study in Alzheimer's disease psychosis. Following these two studies, we had an end of Phase 2 meeting with FDA and agreed on our Phase 3 plan and it's represented on the next slide. As a reminder this development program also received Breakthrough Therapy Designation from FDA.
Our Phase 3 HARMONY study is a relapse prevention study. We have agreements with the FDA that robust results from this single study can serve as the basis for an sNDA submission. We anticipate final results of this study in 2020, with an interim read in the second half of this year.
There are substantial unmet needs today in the treatment of major depressive disorder, as outlined here on Slide 19. On the right-hand side are the observed results from our Phase 2 CLARITY study testing pimavanserin as an adjunctive therapy for SSRI, to SSRI or SNRIs. We have a very promising overall study results. Our primary end point improvement in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was achieved with the p-value of 0.039. Our key secondary end point improvement in the Sheehan Disability Scale was achieved through the p-value of 0.004. And it's well-known that disability represents a significant burden for patients with depression. We also observed positive results in seven additional pre-specified secondary end points. Our results were very impressive given the high unmet need that exist in the treatment of MDD today. We believe these results are clinically and commercially meaningful as we seek to develop pimavanserin as a potential best-in-class treatment for adjunctive MDD.
In stage one of the CLARITY study, where all study patients are NOI, we observed unequivocal efficacy result and achieved our primary endpoint shown here on Slide 20, with the p-value of 0.0003, and an impressive effect size of 0.63. As I mentioned we recently completed our End-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA and as we expected the FDA confirmed that our CLARITY study would be submitted as one of the two pivotal studies in support of an sNDA for the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder.
Slide 21 shows our Phase 3 development program for MDD. We plan to conduct two six-week Phase 3 parallel designed placebo-controlled trials thus subsequently de-risking -- substantially derisking our MDD program. Our CLARITY study combined with at least one of these Phase 3 trials will be the basis for an NDA submission.
Moving on, I would like to discuss our schizophrenia inadequate response program. Data from our early Phase 2 study with pimavanserin added to low doses of risperidone provided supportive evidence and proof of principle for further development of pimavanserin in this indication. As such we initiated our ongoing Phase 3 ENHANCE study in 380 patients and we remain on track to announce top line data from this study in mid-2019.
Slide 23 highlights the trial design for our ENHANCE trial. This is a six-week study evaluating patients who have an inadequate response to their current anti-psychotic treatment for schizophrenia and are receiving either pimavanserin plus background antipsychotic therapy or placebo plus background antipsychotic therapy. The primary endpoint is the change from baseline on the positive and negative syndrome scale total score.
Turning to Slide 24, there is no FDA-approved treatment for the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. We are conducting a 380-patient Phase 2 study and expect to complete enrollment in the second half of this year.
Turning now to Rett syndrome and trofinetide on Slide 25. Rett syndrome is a debilitating neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs predominantly in females following apparently normal development for the first six months of life. Currently, there are no approved medicines for this rare disease which affects approximately 6,000 to 9,000 patients in the United States. After recent interaction with FDA, we have finalized our Phase 3 trial design for trofinetide. This three-month study will evaluate approximately 180 females aged five to 20 with Rett syndrome. If our Phase 3 trial is positive there is a potential to submit an NDA in 2021 based on this single Phase 3 study.
Slide 27 provides a summary of our upcoming clinical milestones for 2019 and beyond. It is going to be an exciting time and I look forward to updating you on our progress
With that, I will now turn the call over to Elena to discuss our financial performance.
Elena Ridloff -- Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Interim Chief Financial Officer
Thank you, Serge. So I will discuss our fourth quarter and full year 2018 results in our financial outlook. Please turn to Slide 29. In the fourth quarter of 2018, we recorded $59.6 million in net sales, an increase of $16 million, or 37% compared to the $43.6 million of net sales in the fourth quarter of 2017. The gross-to-net adjustment for Q4 2018 was 16.8%. Recent inventory in the channel at the end of Q4 was consistent with Q3.
Moving down the P&L. Total operating expenses including cost of goods sold were $126.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared to $113.6 million for the same period in 2017. These amounts included $20.4 million and $22 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense respectively. GAAP R&D expenses increased to $48.2 million in Q4 2018 from $43.2 million in Q4 of 2017. Fourth quarter R&D expense benefit from the timing of certain clinical trials-related costs which will now be realized in the first quarter of 2019. GAAP SG&A expenses decreased to $74.3 million in Q4 2018 from $66.7 million in the fourth quarter of last year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in marketing expense related to our branded direct-to-consumer advertising program.
For the full year of 2018 on Slide 30, we reported $223.8 million in net sales, an increase of $98.9 million, or 79% compared to the $124.9 million in net sales in 2017. The gross-to-net adjustment for the full year 2018 was 16.6%. Total operating expenses including cost of goods sold were $471.3 million in 2018 compared to $417.3 million in 2017. These amounts included $81.6 million and $75.5 million of non-cash stock-based compensation expense respectively. GAAP R&D expenses increased $187.2 million in 2018 from $149.2 million in 2017. The increase was primarily due to additional clinical study costs incurred as we continue to invest in additional pipeline programs for pimavanserin as well as an upfront payment of $10 million to Neuren Pharmaceuticals for trofinetide in the third quarter of 2018. GAAP SG&A expenses increased to $265.8 million in 2018 from $255.1 million in 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in marketing expense related to our direct-to-consumer advertising program.
Please turn to our 2019 guidance on Slide 31. As Steve mentioned for the full year 2019, we expect continued strong growth for NUPLAZID, the net sales between $275 million and $300 million. At the midpoint of this guidance range this represents an approximate 28% growth in revenue year-over-year and approximately 20% volume growth year-over-year. We expect the gross-to-net adjustment in the range of 18% to 19% for the full year. We projected to be higher than the full year 2018 adjustment as a result of an increase in manufacturer and donut hole obligation to 70% in 2019 from the previous 50%.
With regard to the first quarter, there are three factors to consider. First, we are forecasting a gross-to-net adjustment of 28% to 30%. As a reminder gross-to-net is typically high in the first quarter due to the annual reset of donut hole manufacturer obligation for Medicare Part D patients. Second, our ongoing DTC campaign initiating toward the end of last year and therefore the positive benefits of volume will largely be realized starting in the second quarter will be a partial benefit in Q1. And third as we complete the transition for the 34-milligram capsule from 17-milligram tablets this quarter it is possible that our channel partners may experience a temporary reduction inventory as they sell-through the remaining 17-milligram inventory in the channel.
On the expense side for 2019, we expect GAAP R&D expenses to be between $250 million and $265 million. The increase compares to 2018's results of our planned progression of five late-stage clinical programs in 2019. We expect the bulk of these investments to occur in 2019 and 2020. We expect GAAP SG&A to be between $280 million and $295 million for the full year. And we expect non-cash stock-based compensation expense to be between $80 million and $90 million in 2019. We ended the year with $473.5 million in cash and investments. Inclusive of our 2018 equity offering, we model approximately $144 million fully diluted shares for 2019.
And with that, I'll turn the call back over to Steve.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thank you, Elena. Please turn to Slide 33. In closing, our team is focused on executing on all three of our strategic pillars in 2019. One, growing NUPLAZID and Parkinson's disease psychosis; two, leveraging pimavanserin in additional large market CNS indications; and three, additionally expanding our pipeline through disciplined business development. As always we appreciate the dedication and hard work of all of our employees who are committed to improving the lives of the patients and caregivers with CNS disorders.
I'll now open up the call for questions. Operator?
Questions and Answers:
Operator
(Operator Instructions) Your first question comes from the line of Cory Kasimov with JPMorgan. Your line is open.
Matthew Holt -- JPMorgan -- Analyst
Hi, guys. Thanks for taking my question. This is Matthew on for Cory. My first question is on the Phase 3 MDD program. Can you discuss really, if you need to run both the US and EU trial and how these might differ irrespective of each other? And the Phase 2 CLARITY study in terms of patient enrollment criteria?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Sure. Serge, do you want to take that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yeah. Thanks, Matt. Both Phase 3 trials are essentially identical in design and matched very closely almost identically to our stage one Phase 2 trial that we just performed. So in terms of the patient population that we are addressing in terms of the measures -- the outcome measures it's a very similar design.
Matthew Holt -- JPMorgan -- Analyst
Got it. Thanks. And then turning to schizophrenia for the ENHANCE study. I'm curious to get your general level of confidence going to this read out. And curious to what you're seeing so far with the proportion of patients that are either dosed up or dosed down with the flexible dosing?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes. I have to say, I have always a very high level of confidence with every trial I do, otherwise we will not do that. So we do have -- I do have a conviction that pimavanserin can bring the benefit to patients with schizophrenia in an adjunctive treatment paradigm. Of course, I've been long in this business to know that it's clinical trial has its own challenges. So I would say that I'm reasonably optimistic about the outcome of this trial. From the perspective of what we see in the trial in a blinded fashion in terms of the dose, we -- one thing I can say that majority of patients are ending up on a 34-milligram dose on the higher dose with a smaller proportion of patients on the lower dose. I would also say that we are seeing a nice retention which gives us quite a bit of a confidence in terms of the quality of trial and execution of the trial.
Matthew Holt -- JPMorgan -- Analyst
Okay. Thanks for taking my questions. I'll hop back in the queue.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question is from Ritu Baral with Cowen. Your line is open.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen -- Analyst
Hi, guys. Thanks for taking the question and apologizes for the background noise. Serge, can you just tell us a little bit on the conduct of the HARMONY study? And I know you've had the discussion about alpha for the interim, but how should we think about the probability of success at the interim especially given, is there a positive payers feedback that is reached -- gotten from our stock (ph)?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Serge, did you hear the question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
I did not understand the last part of your question, Ritu. If you can just repeat please.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen -- Analyst
Yeah. Just how you think about probability of success at the interim. Payers have had good things to say about pimavanserin and the indication and seen reasonably confident, but it all depends on how you are letting the outlook?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Right. Again a couple of comments in that respect. I mean, I will just reiterate my general optimism about the trials that we are conducting and potential of pimavanserin in this indication. There are a couple of consideration one has to take here. As we previously mentioned that we -- the interim analysis of our threshold is fairly high. So we did not want to have a high alpha spend at the interim analysis. So we put that threshold rather high, and although quite possible it's something to consider when thinking about the probability of success at the interim analysis.
The second consideration is of course there are not too precedents? Although there are a lot of precedents in schizophrenia and depression in terms of the relapse prevention trial and the rate of success as interim analysis which is fairly high. This is combined knowledge only the second relapse prevention trial in the area of dementia psychotic -- psychosis or psychosis with agitation. Previous trial, there were not trial with risperidone with psychosis and agitation. So from that perspective we don't have a long historical record with probability of success. Having said all of that, I think it's reasonable to expect that there is a fair chance that this trial is going to end at that point.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen -- Analyst
And trial conduct been broke out so far?
Serge Stankovic -- President
The trial is progressing very well. And as you know one thing we can certainly see because the first three months is open label trial and we had seen quite a next success in terms of the ideology of pimavanserin to stabilize these patients and their ability then to meet criteria for randomization. So we are quite pleased with that -- with those results. And due to that trial is progressing quite well in terms of the planned enrollment as well as randomization.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen -- Analyst
Got it. And my follow-up is on the DTC program. Are we going to get, or you guys tracking any metric that will measure the success of the DTC program?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael, do you want to take that?
Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Thanks for the question. And I would just say that we're really pleased with the earlier indicators we are seeing. And I think that is reflected in our guidance. We're hearing consisten t report s that patients are requesting NUPLAZID by name and we're seeing a significant amount of increased traffic on our consumer and our physician websites. So we are tracking a number of different early indicators. Of course, you're starting to see some reflection of that maybe perhaps in the ME2 (ph) brand.
Ritu Baral -- Cowen -- Analyst
Got it. Thanks for taking the questions.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question is from Tazeen Ahmad with Bank of America Merrill Lynch. Your line is open.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst
Hi, good afternoon. Thanks for taking my questions. The first, Steve, if you can give us some color with regards to what if -- any impact you're seeing from your last year's media articles? And I don't know you if could comment on what your sales force is hearing from physicians and whether or not you're seeing any questions coming in from insurance providers. And then I have a second question.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah, thanks for the question, Tazeen. I think, if we just go back to 2018, when we had some media articles, we said at the time that we do not anticipate any long-term effects on the brand. We said that we're very confident in the safety profile of the drug and that we have the best information available to asses that. The FDA did a thorough evaluation as I think everyone is aware of last year. And they concluded three things. One, they saw no additional safety concerns; two, they reminded patients, if you're taking the drug you should keep taking it under the advice of your healthcare professional; and three, they reminded physicians that this is the only drug approved for the treatment of PDP.
So as our -- what we thought in 2018 whole though the day, we continue to have high confidence in the growth of the brand. When we launched the drug, we said expect to see more of a linear progression. And that's what we've seen generally throughout the course of the drug. So we remain very highly confident in the longer term prospects of the drug. And as we discussed on this call and on the last call, we are seeing some really encouraging indications of new growth.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst
And...
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I just thought like I'd highlight just -- sorry, (Multiple Speakers) just, Tazeen I just want to address your question around payers and the sales force we are not seeing any change in our payer status. And at this junction the sales force obviously as I mentioned is positioning the FDA reaffirmation of our safety profile and that's being well received by the physicians in terms of confirming what they already suspected and already knew. So no change in the attitudes of the physician, nor the guidance by payers.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst
Okay. Thanks, Michael, and may be another one for you. As the launch is progressing you've had some time to take a look at prescribing trends. And I guess based on what you know so far are you making any changes to your targeted physician list, is it becoming longer? Is it becoming shorter? And do you have a preference on whether you'd like to see prescriptions from as many doctors as possible and they don't necessarily need to be multiple prescriptions, or would you rather have certain physicians be prescribing patient of the drug to more of their patients?
Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Well, great question. First of all, I think we have seen quarter-over-quarter and we saw in the fourth quarter a significant growth in new time prescribers, first-time prescribers. So we are still seeing additions to our brand. But as a priority, we are now, I think moving to a period where we want to get more depth. There's still a cohort physicians we'd like to reach, but we're starting to get into a situation where many people dappled with the product and we're working deeper and I think these guidelines we just talked about will help drive further confirmation of the uses of NUPLAZID first line. That's where we are. It's kind of moving more physicians deeper into our first-line usage with NUPLAZID.
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst
Okay, thanks.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question is from Charles Duncan from Cantor Fitzgerald. Your line is open.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Thanks for taking the question and congrats on a good year of progress. Quick question in commercial and then one on R&D. With regard to guidance $275 million versus $300 million, could you give us a sense of kind of what the pressure points are around that or key determinants of that range? And then if you have any certain success goals that you'd like to share with us with the branded DTC, I'd love to hear them.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Okay. Charles, I think we heard the first question. Could you repeat the second question regarding DTC?
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Yeah. It was -- if you have any certain success goals with that if you could outline those?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Sure. Got it. Okay. Elena will take the first question.
Elena Ridloff -- Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Interim Chief Financial Officer
So Charles with regards to the guidance range obviously early in the year, so we account for a number of potential scenarios within our range. If you think about the range we provided today, and at the low end it assumes mid-teens annual year-over-year volume growth and at the high-end mid 20% as I mentioned previously around 20% the midpoint. We obviously incorporate a range of expectations with regards to growth both in the specialty pharmacy channel and the long-term care specialty distribution channel and as well as possible considerations with regard to price. I think you know we took a price increase for the first time in the year at the end of December 2018.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yes, Charles. Just a follow-up on your question at DTC. So the first step that we do when we evaluate the campaign is can we execute the media target that we have? So we have a certain amount of reach and frequency and media wave. We are executing on that with our campaign. That move then into building the awareness with the target audience and then that's called action. The first step to call the action is investigation. And that's where referred to with the significant traffic we had intentionally on our websites and our digital properties. Importantly an important component of that is what we call high-value actions. So more than just regular hits, but people who have downloaded videos, discussion guides, seeking their physician et cetera. We then measure that in terms of action in the office and from there we convert that action into patient support. And we're hearing as I mentioned more physicians indicate that patients are asking for NUPLAZID by name. So those are just some of the kind of goalpost along the way, but ultimately our evaluation of this campaign is success will be as business to -- in its ability to arc the business in terms of paid starts.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Okay. Well, we'll look forward to seeing that over the course of the year. And then just a quick question for Serge, I'm wondering, if you could share with us what you'd like to see out of schizophrenia inadequate response trial kind of the effect size that would be clinically meaningful? And then also just kind of share with us on the DRP study, why would you do an interim read? What is really the practical implications of that?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Thanks, Charles. On the schizophrenia, if you look at the meta-analysis of the effect sizes for all of the current antipsychotics that are all in monotherapy treatment paradigm. The effect size is anywhere from as low as 0.3 to majority of the effect sizes that we see at about 0.5 with a couple of exceptions above 0.5 going up to 0.8. Those are the exceptions being (inaudible). So where we are -- where I would be between an adjunctive paradigm quite excited if we see that level of average effect (ph) size of around anywhere between 0.4, 0.5 will be quite exciting for us to see that, that effect size. Obviously that depends on many elements and there are other data that we will be looking in the overall results of the trial to determine the overall benefit because one of the benefits that we don't particularly discuss often it is that -- in this combination we may see some benefit on the safety and tolerability side, in this combination and that's something that we will be also looking when you look at the overall results of the trial. On the DRP side, first of all, all of the randomized withdrawal trials because of its nature of the design where patients are stabilized on an active treatment and then treatment is withdrawn for at least half of the patients in the design. There are some ethical considerations of and concerns not to prolong the implementation and the execution of the trial if you already reached the evidence of efficacy. So from that perspective interim analysis is sort of a mainstay in the design of the randomized withdrawal or relapse prevention trials. And secondly is the power of the trial is such that as I mentioned earlier at least the schizophrenia trial and in the depression trial this happen more often than not. So from that perspective historically there's also expectation that interim analysis makes a whole lot of sense.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Okay. But there are no changes that could occur with the interim analysis such as numbers of patients involved or statistical analysis plan changes?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Absolutely not. What will occur is interim analysis will be performed and that will be done by firewall group that will report to our data safety monitoring committee and they will inform us whether the interim analysis yielded positive results in which case we will stop the trial and unblind analyze the data and report the data, or if the preparence for stopping at the interim analysis for efficacy are not met the trial will continue without any changes.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Okay.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
So, I think as Serge mentioned earlier, that the right way to think about the interim read is steady (inaudible) for the interim reading course because we're using a very, very small part of the alpha there. If we hit that very high bar, right the studies over. We'll move to a submission. The only reason we will stop the studies on a positive read in interim read. If we don't stop of the study at interim read that's fine we'll just continue executing the trial as planned. And the bar at the end of the study of course is much lower, more power than that.
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Okay. Very good. Thanks for the added color, Steve, and Serge and Michael, and Elena.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Thanks.
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Thank you.Our next question is from Salveen Richter with Goldman Sachs.
Andrea -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
I'm sorry. This is Andrea on for Salveen. Thanks for taking our questions. Our first one is in light of your fiscal year 2019 guidance which reflects about 28% year-over-year at the midpoint. Can you help us think about drivers of growth? I know you've mentioned a couple but on the forward do you see this more of the reflection of true organic growth or a consequence of increasing pricing?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah. Michael, do you want to take that question?
Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah, we see this as a reflection of organic growth.
Andrea -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Can you speak a little bit more about those core drivers?
Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Of course, the one dimension, we see great enthusiasm and greater ability to penetrate our long-term care channel and we're seeing great traction with that and continue to drive on those levers. The other would be the extension of the 34-milligram launch which is in itself a put up obviously, but it's a way to refresh the efficacy and safety benefit message combined with the FDA reaffirmation statement and fueled by external resources now citing NUPLAZID as being a drug of choice in the category for PDP. So we'll be leveraging that. And of course then -- and it's all tied together with our large lever which is closing the PDP awareness gap on which DTC is one lever of it. But we're doing a number of other things to reach consumers and patients to educate them around the symptoms. And so those are the core kind of drivers for greater organic growth in 2019.
Andrea -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Great. And then just as a follow up to that. For your direct-to-consumer campaign I think previously you had mentioned that there was huge (ph) effect in the specialty channel that you were observing. Is this still the case, and how to you better target the long-term care channel?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I didn't quite hear the first part of your question.
Andrea -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
So just in terms of the effect of your direct-to-consumer campaign previously you have mentioned that there was a greater effect of -- for your specialty channel. So I was just wondering if that is something that is still the case? And how you would go about targeting the long-term care channel?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Right. Great question. And good memory, yes. The first campaign that we had is with the disease awareness campaign. Our research indicated that we didn't really see much effect from the long-term care channel. We're evaluating that now on the branded side and there may be evidence that we can share later that it might be impacting the long-term care channel. But a lot of data still has -- we have to still assess that. Our strategy for long-term care is in terms of increasing penetration is mainly at the institutional education level. These are systems of care, the delivery networks, and we are largely integrating NUPLAZID into treatment protocols and as a highly regulated environment. And so we're working within those regulations to increase the selection of NUPLAZID as a preferred agent in PDP for patients to get a long-term care. So that's going to be more of an education kind of system sell and we're doing other things in regards to patient educations in long-term care.
Andrea -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Thank you so much.
Serge Stankovic -- President
May be just stated differently. One thing very significant opportunity in PDP in the specialty pharmacy is the normal doctor office channel of the business. Is that there is this very large information gap between patients recognizing symptoms their having discussion with their physician. There's less of a gap in the long-term care channels that's lies in the long-term care channel the other mechanisms for continuing to educate the community on NUPLAZID.
Andrea -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Great. Thanks, again.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question is from Danielle Brill with Piper Jaffray. Your line is open.
Unidentified Participant -- -- Analyst
Hi, everyone. This is (inaudible) on for Danielle Brill. Apologies in advance, if you have already covered this. I hopped on a little late. But I just wanted to get a little bit of information about the DTC campaign specifically how one it will be running to? And when the four on effect should be taking place?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Sure. Michael?
Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Well, as I mentioned we launched the campaign on Thanksgiving Day. And our campaign is going to be running through the first quarter. So that's kind of where we're going to stop and assess the program and the effects we believe we've given it a very large four-month wait on the campaign and it's a significant investment.
Unidentified Participant -- -- Analyst
Great. And...
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Just to echo on Michael's thoughts. What we'll do when we complete the campaign and we -- as we're committed to funding now, these will assess of course as we draw closer to the end of that what the return on investment is from the campaign and that some of that assessment will pass the end of the campaign. And it will determine what options we're going to pursue going forward for the remainder of the deal.
Unidentified Participant -- -- Analyst
Got it. Okay. That's great. And the last question I had and this is just sort of for my self, just to remind myself is when will the ENHANCE trial data be expected?
Serge Stankovic -- President
ENHANCE trial? Yeah, our schizophrenia/inadequate response trial will report midyear.
Unidentified Participant -- -- Analyst
Perfect. Okay. Thank you so much.
Serge Stankovic -- President
You bet.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question is from Alan Carr with Needham & Company. Your line is open.
Alan Carr -- Needham -- Analyst
Hi, thanks for taking my questions. A couple of them. One around the pattern with new starts in your specialty pharmacy. You had particularly strong first quarters for a little while I'm wondering if any comment on that. And then also with respect to Europe, I think you've said in the past that you wanted to wait until you had more data and more indications, or at least Phase 3 data more indications. So at what point do you make a decision around Europe? Is it after a second indication, or a third one? Thanks.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Yeah. Alan, I'll take the second one and then I'll ask Michael to respond to your first question. With respect to the second question there's no change in terms of our plans for following outside of the US. As we indicated earlier, we are at frame shift to the filing and the objective is to try to get data on more indications. So as we've said -- as we get more and more data, we'll continue to reassess that. But at this point in time we're continuing to frame shift our strategy outside of the US.
Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Thanks, Alan. In regards to the first quarter, I don't think there's any associated magic with the first quarter versus other quarters except to say that. When we ran the last campaign a year ago, we ran this campaign, it is important for us to leverage that family gathering in the fourth quarter. And so that tends to I think create more enthusiasm or more patient identification opportunities when we go to our campaigns. So we've run a campaign outside of the -- like late fourth quarter or into the first quarter. So I really can't comment on how that would affect other quarters in a comparison basis. But obviously the first quarter is super important for this business in a chronic nature basis, because the more patients we're going to acquire early in the year, the more impact it has to a positive benefit on our revenue.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
I just add -- just a little bit of additional color there. I think last year the first quarter of 2018, we have made a number of adjustments which we spoke to previously in the second half of 2017. And I think those adjustments look we were not surprised with the first quarter we are in the first quarter 2018, because of the adjustments we've made and the early indicators that we've seen leading into that. It's a little bit different situation as we're coming into the first quarter of 2019, where we're seeing some really encouraging early indicators of growth but to later a little bit from the indicators that we've seen last year.
Alan Carr -- Needham -- Analyst
Okay. Thanks for taking my questions.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question is from Paul Matteis with Stifel. Your line is open.
Nate -- Stifel Nicolaus -- Analyst
Hi, this is Nate on for Paul. Thanks for taking our question. May be first can you, you mentioned you took, I think in December you took a price increase for the first time this year. How are you thinking about approaching pricing as you start to move into some of these potentially much larger indications?
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael, do you want to take that question?
Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Yeah. Well, obviously we think there is great potential in the -- let's say largely indications like DRP or MDD. And the benefit that NUPLAZID can provide these patients given the clinical profile is substantial. And if you take MDD, we believe commercially that could be the best-in-class adjunctive therapy for the reasons Serge already described. If you take DRP, there's no answer approve there. There is a significant unmet need to patients with psychosis that is not going to have dopaminergic cognitive impairing therapy. So we believe that in both categories significant unmet need. Conversely then we're talking about payers and looking at situations with large patient populations and we believe in our early work that we've done with payers given the clinical profile and our ability to use pricing mechanisms with the payers that we believe we can find that right price point for those different audiences that would be sequenced from PDP to DRP to MDD potentially. So we believe that we can work with the payers to get the right access points for those patient populations. It's important to note on the MDD side that will be an expansion of our audience to a more commercial/younger population. And in that setting we have more ability to negotiate in the context of not having a Medicare patient population. So that's a different nuance.
Nate -- Stifel Nicolaus -- Analyst
Got you. That's helpful. And then maybe one more. Can you just elaborate a little bit on the end of the Phase 2 commensurate with the FDA? In terms of getting alignment on CLARITY as a pivotal? And then kind of specifically I'm interested how much discussion there was around its SPCD design and in particular the stage two results? Thanks.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Well, going into the end-of-Phase 2 meeting, we already knew the position of the division in regard to how they consider the SPCD design and trials. And what are the really an important elements of the -- that trial, that they are particularly looking as an evidence of the efficacy of the drug. All of that came very clearly in the outcome as the advisory committee meetings. So we had a very good sense where their position is, and considering that our trial was positive overall especially in design as well as very robustly positive stage one, which FDA really consider at a real evidence of efficacy for the drug in the context of SPCD design. There was very little discussion actually about use of our trial Phase 2 trial as one of the pivotal trial. I mean, that alignment existed almost before the meeting. So that wasn't a subject of any particular exchange.
Nate -- Stifel Nicolaus -- Analyst
Thanks.
Operator
Thank you. Our next question is from Roy Buchanan with JMP Securities. Your line is open.
Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Hi. I'm in for Jason Butler. Just hopefully one quick question. Just wanted to know, how you guys are thinking about the regulatory fast-forward and negative symptoms of schizophrenia? Thanks.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Serge, do you want to take that question?
Serge Stankovic -- President
Yes. Well, as we stated there is nothing approved for negative symptoms schizophrenia at this point particular and there is nothing in an adjunctive paradigm for that. We are obviously considering variety of options in terms of the regulatory fast-forward. But a lot of that will depend on actual data and results when we read out our Phase 2 trial. And based on the strength of that data, we will determine the exact path forward in terms of our regulatory approach.
Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
Okay. Makes sense. Thank you.
Operator
Thank you. Mr. Davis, please proceed to closing remarks.
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Great. Thank you, operator, and thanks to each of you for joining us today. We look forward to updating you on our progress next quarter.
Operator
Thank you for your participation in today's conference call. This concludes the presentation and you may now disconnect. Good day.
Duration: 60 minutes
Call participants:
Elena Ridloff -- Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Interim Chief Financial Officer
Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer
Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer
Serge Stankovic -- President
Matthew Holt -- JPMorgan -- Analyst
Ritu Baral -- Cowen -- Analyst
Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst
Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst
Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst
Andrea -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst
Unidentified Participant-- Analyst
Alan Carr -- Needham -- Analyst
Nate -- Stifel Nicolaus -- Analyst
Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q4 2018 Earnings Conference Call Feb. 26, 2019 , 5:00 p.m. ET Contents: Prepared Remarks Questions and Answers Call Participants Prepared Remarks: Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Financial Results Conference Call. (Operator Instructions) I would now like to turn the presentation over to Elena Ridloff, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations and Interim Chief Financial Officer at ACADIA. | Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our Chief Executive Officer, who will provide a brief overview of our strategy, recent achievements, pipeline opportunities and financial performance; Michael Yang, our Chief Commercial Officer, who will provide updates on our commercial initiatives with NUPLAZID; and Dr. Serge Stankovic, our President, who will discuss our pipeline progress. Duration: 60 minutes Call participants: Elena Ridloff -- Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Interim Chief Financial Officer Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Matthew Holt -- JPMorgan -- Analyst Ritu Baral -- Cowen -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst Andrea -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Unidentified Participant-- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham -- Analyst Nate -- Stifel Nicolaus -- Analyst Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst More ACAD analysis Transcript powered by AlphaStreet This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q4 2018 Earnings Conference Call Feb. 26, 2019 , 5:00 p.m. | Joining me on the call today from ACADIA are Steve Davis, our Chief Executive Officer, who will provide a brief overview of our strategy, recent achievements, pipeline opportunities and financial performance; Michael Yang, our Chief Commercial Officer, who will provide updates on our commercial initiatives with NUPLAZID; and Dr. Serge Stankovic, our President, who will discuss our pipeline progress. Duration: 60 minutes Call participants: Elena Ridloff -- Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Interim Chief Financial Officer Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Matthew Holt -- JPMorgan -- Analyst Ritu Baral -- Cowen -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst Andrea -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Unidentified Participant-- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham -- Analyst Nate -- Stifel Nicolaus -- Analyst Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst More ACAD analysis Transcript powered by AlphaStreet This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q4 2018 Earnings Conference Call Feb. 26, 2019 , 5:00 p.m. | Duration: 60 minutes Call participants: Elena Ridloff -- Senior Vice President, Investor Relations and Interim Chief Financial Officer Stephen R. Davis -- Chief Executive Officer Michael J. Yang -- Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer Serge Stankovic -- President Matthew Holt -- JPMorgan -- Analyst Ritu Baral -- Cowen -- Analyst Tazeen Ahmad -- Bank of America -- Analyst Charles Duncan -- Cantor Fitzgerald -- Analyst Danielle Brill -- Piper Jaffray -- Analyst Andrea -- Goldman Sachs -- Analyst Unidentified Participant-- Analyst Alan Carr -- Needham -- Analyst Nate -- Stifel Nicolaus -- Analyst Roy Buchanan -- JMP Securities -- Analyst More ACAD analysis Transcript powered by AlphaStreet This article is a transcript of this conference call produced for The Motley Fool. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ACAD) Q4 2018 Earnings Conference Call Feb. 26, 2019 , 5:00 p.m. ET Contents: Prepared Remarks Questions and Answers Call Participants Prepared Remarks: Operator Good day, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2018 Financial Results Conference Call. |
35943.0 | 2019-02-26 00:00:00 UTC | Earnings Reaction History: ACADIA PHARMA, 54.5% Follow-Through Indicator, 8.5% Sensitive | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/earnings-reaction-history-acadia-pharma-545-follow-through-indicator-85-sensitive-2019-02 | nan | nan | Expected Earnings Release: 02/26/2019, After-hours
Avg. Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $5,467,584
ACADIA PHARMA ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. Given its history, traders can expect very active trading in the issue immediately following its quarterly earnings announcement. Historical earnings event related premarket and after-hours trading activity in ACAD indicates that the price change in the extended hours is likely to be of limited value in forecasting additional price movement by the following regular session close.
Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions
Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 50%
Average next regular session additional gain: 3.9%
Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 50.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.9%.
Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions
Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 80%
Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8%
Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 80.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 50% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.9% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 50.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.9%. Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 80% Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8% Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 80.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close. Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $5,467,584 ACADIA PHARMA ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. | Historical earnings event related premarket and after-hours trading activity in ACAD indicates that the price change in the extended hours is likely to be of limited value in forecasting additional price movement by the following regular session close. Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 50% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.9% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 50.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.9%. Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 80% Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8% Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 80.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close. | Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 50% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.9% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 50.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.9%. Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 80% Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8% Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 80.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close. Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $5,467,584 ACADIA PHARMA ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. | Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $5,467,584 ACADIA PHARMA ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. Historical earnings event related premarket and after-hours trading activity in ACAD indicates that the price change in the extended hours is likely to be of limited value in forecasting additional price movement by the following regular session close. Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 50% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.9% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 50.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.9%. |
35944.0 | 2019-02-15 00:00:00 UTC | What's in the Cards for Bausch Health (BHC) Q4 Earnings? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/whats-in-the-cards-for-bausch-health-bhc-q4-earnings-2019-02-15 | nan | nan | Bausch Health Companies Inc.BHC is scheduled to report fourth quarter and full-year 2018 results on Feb 20.
In the las t report ed quarter, the company's earnings beat estimates by 32.2%. Bausch's earnings track record has been pretty decent so far. Over the last four quarters, the company bea t earnings expectations thrice, delivering average positive earnings surprise of 83.2%.
Bausch's stock has gained 19.5% in the past six months compared to a 22.2% decline for the industry .
.
Factors Likely to Impact Results
Bausch conducts its business in four operating segments - the Bausch + Lomb/International segment, the Salix segment, the Ortho Dermatologics segment and the Diversified Products segment.
The Bausch + Lomb/International segment primarily comprises products with a focus on the vision care, surgical, consumer and ophthalmology Rx products. The Salix segment consists of sales of gastrointestinal products.
The Ortho Dermatologics segment consists of sales of Ortho Dermatologics (dermatological) products in the United States and global sales of Solta medical dermatological devices.
The Diversified Products segment comprises sales of pharmaceutical products in the areas of neurology and certain other therapeutic classes in the United States, generic products, and dentistry products.
Approximately 75% of the company's total third-quarter revenues was generated by the Bausch + Lomb/International and the Salix segments. Hence, the focus will be on these two segments in the fourth quarter. Revenues in 2018 are expected between $8.15 billion and $8.35 billion. The company expects R&D expenses of $415 million in 2018.
The Salix business continues to drive growth and contribute to the top line. In particular, increased sales of Xiaflex and Relistor are boosting the segment. In August, Bausch launched Lucemrya for the mitigation of withdrawal symptoms to facilitate abrupt discontinuation of opioids in adults.
The company also entered into an exclusive agreement with Dova Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to co-promote Doptelet in the United States for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic liver disease who are scheduled to undergo a procedure. Bausch also launched Plenvu, a one-liter PEG bowel cleansing preparation for colonoscopies, in the United States.
Meanwhile, investors are expected to focus on pipeline development, apart from the regular top and bottom-line numbers. Bausch has narrowed its focus on seven recently launched or expected to be launched products pending completion of testing and receipt of FDA approval. The products include Vyzulta, Siliq, Bryhali (psoriasis), Lumify, Duobrii, Relistor and SiHy Daily.
Bausch also obtained FDA approval for Vyzulta, a treatment option for glaucoma. The FDA also approved Lumify, the over-the-counter eye drop with low-dose brimonidine for the treatment of eye redness. The approval of new drugs should boost the top line. The company successfully launched Lumify.
The FDA also approved Altreno (IDP-121), an acne treatment in lotion form. The company launched Bryhali lotion, a topical treatment for plaque psoriasis, following the receipt of final FDA approval. The FDA accepted the resubmission of the NDA for Duobrii Lotion for the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis with a PDUFA action date of Feb 15, 2019. The phase III studies for IDP 120 are expected to begin shortly and the company expects to submit an NDA for IDP 123 in the first half of 2019.
The focus will also be on the company's efforts to pay down debt, as it had been under the scanner for its huge levels of debt. During the third quarter, the company repaid $360 million of debt. Consequently, the company reduced debt by approximately $7.4 billion, since the first quarter of 2016. In January 2019, the company paid down an additional $100 million of its senior secured term loans using cash generated from operations.
Earnings Whispers
Our proven model does not conclusively show that Bausch will beat on earnings this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates. Unfortunately, that is not the case here, as you will see below.
Earnings ESP : Earnings ESP for Bausch is 0.00%. This is because both the Zacks Consensus Estimate and the Most Accurate Estimate is pegged at 88 cents. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter .
Zacks Rank : Bausch carries a Zacks Rank #3, which is favorable. However, the 0.0% ESP makes surprise prediction difficult.
We caution against Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.
Stocks to Consider
Here are some companies you may consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to deliver a beat this quarter.
Mallinckrodt MNK has an Earnings ESP of +2.25% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is scheduled to report results on Feb 26. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +12.95% and a Zacks Rank #3. It is scheduled to release results on Feb 28.
Recro Pharma, Inc. REPH has an Earnings ESP of +3.03% and a Zacks Rank #2. It is scheduled to report earnings on Feb 19.
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In addition to the stocks discussed above, wouldn't you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?
From more than 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank, these 10 were picked by a process that consistently beats the market. Even during 2018 while the market dropped -5.2%, our Top 10s were up well into double-digits. And during bullish 2012 - 2017, they soared far above the market's +126.3%, reaching +181.9%.
This year, the portfolio features a player that thrives on volatility, an AI comer, and a dynamic tech company that helps doctors deliver better patient outcomes at lower costs.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +12.95% and a Zacks Rank #3. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Recro Pharma, Inc. (REPH): Free Stock Analysis Report Mallinckrodt public limited company (MNK): Free Stock Analysis Report Bausch Health Cos Inc. (BHC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The company also entered into an exclusive agreement with Dova Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to co-promote Doptelet in the United States for the treatment of thrombocytopenia in adult patients with chronic liver disease who are scheduled to undergo a procedure. | Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Recro Pharma, Inc. (REPH): Free Stock Analysis Report Mallinckrodt public limited company (MNK): Free Stock Analysis Report Bausch Health Cos Inc. (BHC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +12.95% and a Zacks Rank #3. Factors Likely to Impact Results Bausch conducts its business in four operating segments - the Bausch + Lomb/International segment, the Salix segment, the Ortho Dermatologics segment and the Diversified Products segment. | Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Recro Pharma, Inc. (REPH): Free Stock Analysis Report Mallinckrodt public limited company (MNK): Free Stock Analysis Report Bausch Health Cos Inc. (BHC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +12.95% and a Zacks Rank #3. Factors Likely to Impact Results Bausch conducts its business in four operating segments - the Bausch + Lomb/International segment, the Salix segment, the Ortho Dermatologics segment and the Diversified Products segment. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +12.95% and a Zacks Rank #3. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Recro Pharma, Inc. (REPH): Free Stock Analysis Report Mallinckrodt public limited company (MNK): Free Stock Analysis Report Bausch Health Cos Inc. (BHC): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. In the las t report ed quarter, the company's earnings beat estimates by 32.2%. |
35945.0 | 2019-02-14 00:00:00 UTC | 5 Drug/Biotech Stocks Set to Beat Estimates in Q4 Earnings | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/5-drug-biotech-stocks-set-to-beat-estimates-in-q4-earnings-2019-02-14 | nan | nan | The fourth-quarter earnings season has crossed the half way mark. Per the latest Earnings Trend report, total earnings for the medical sector are up 11.3% from the same period last year on 8.4% higher revenues so far.
The current year got off to a flying start for the drugs / biotech industry. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company BMY , one of the largest pharma giants, announced that it will acquire the leading biotech company Celgene for a whopping $74 billion in what could be one of the largest buyout deals inked of late. Following suit, another large-cap pharma company Eli Lilly LLY is all set to purchase Loxo Oncology for $8 billion to broaden its oncology portfolio. Meanwhile, Japan-based Takeda Pharmaceutical completed its takeover of the Irish company Shire plc.
The landscape in the drug/biotech sector is rapidly changing. A slowdown in mature products due to intense competition and the rise of biosimilars has forced most pharma bigwigs to eye lucrative integrations to bolster their pipelines. Small tuck-in consolidations are quite frequent too. While amalgamation of complementary product portfolios and overlapping arms are a key reason for mega deals, smaller biotechs are generally bought owing to innovative platforms.
Meanwhile, the Trump government's focus on high drug prices might propel companies to slash prices of key drugs. Incidentally, issues like government scrutiny of high prices, pricing and competitive pressure, sluggish sales of some of the most high-profile older drugs and major pipeline setbacks will persistently weigh on the industry. However, most companies seem to have combated the pressure, courtesy of new drug approvals.
Among the companies that have already reported, Celgene and Alexion reported better-than-expected results for the fourth quarter of 2018. Vertex and Biogen too beat on earnings and sales. However, results were mixed for Gilead Sciences, Inc. as the company missed on earnings but beat on sales.
How to Pick Potential Q4 Winners?
While maximum big shots from the drug/biotech sector have already announced results, there are a few companies, poised to surpass on the fourth quarter's key metrics. However, given the huge count of drug/biotech firms, the process of selecting stocks with beat prospects could appear cumbersome.
By means of the Zacks Stock Screener , we have zeroed in on five drug/ biotech stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) and a positive Earnings ESP . These are valuable tools for investors hunting stocks with potential to outpace on earnings. Moreover, stocks with a top Zacks Rank and a positive ESP have 70% chance to deliver a positive surprise in the ongoing reporting cycle. While you can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here , you can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter .
Bet on These 5 Stocks for Robust Returns
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.39% and a Zacks Rank #3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2018 is pegged at a loss of 55 cents. The company has average trailing four-quarter positive surprise of 6.77%. It is scheduled to release financial figures on Feb 28.
Recro Pharma, Inc.REPH has an Earnings ESP of +3.03% and a Zacks Rank #2. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2018 stands at a loss of 74 cents. The company has avera ge earnings surprise of 23.4% in the last four reported quarters. It is scheduled to repor t earnings numbers on Feb 19.
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc . PCRX has an Earnings ESP of +32.24% and a Zacks Rank of 3. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2018 is pegged at 25 cents. The company came up with average beat of 164.8% in the previous four reported quarters.
Puma Biotechnology, IncPBYI has an Earnings ESP of +0.54% and is a #3 Ranked stock. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2018 is pegged at a loss of 92 cents. The company has average trailing four-quarter positive surprise of 67.31%. It is scheduled to report results on Feb 28.
Epizyme, Inc.EPZM has an Earnings ESP of +7.93% and is a Zacks #3 Ranked player. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter 2018 is pegged at a loss of 49 cents. The company pulled off average positive surprise of 11.97% in the preceding four reported quarters.
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Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (PBYI): Free Stock Analysis Report
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Bet on These 5 Stocks for Robust Returns Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.39% and a Zacks Rank #3. Click to get this free report Eli Lilly and Company (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY): Free Stock Analysis Report Epizyme, Inc. (EPZM): Free Stock Analysis Report Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (PBYI): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PCRX): Free Stock Analysis Report Recro Pharma, Inc. (REPH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. A slowdown in mature products due to intense competition and the rise of biosimilars has forced most pharma bigwigs to eye lucrative integrations to bolster their pipelines. | Click to get this free report Eli Lilly and Company (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY): Free Stock Analysis Report Epizyme, Inc. (EPZM): Free Stock Analysis Report Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (PBYI): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PCRX): Free Stock Analysis Report Recro Pharma, Inc. (REPH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Bet on These 5 Stocks for Robust Returns Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.39% and a Zacks Rank #3. Following suit, another large-cap pharma company Eli Lilly LLY is all set to purchase Loxo Oncology for $8 billion to broaden its oncology portfolio. | Click to get this free report Eli Lilly and Company (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY): Free Stock Analysis Report Epizyme, Inc. (EPZM): Free Stock Analysis Report Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (PBYI): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PCRX): Free Stock Analysis Report Recro Pharma, Inc. (REPH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Bet on These 5 Stocks for Robust Returns Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.39% and a Zacks Rank #3. By means of the Zacks Stock Screener , we have zeroed in on five drug/ biotech stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) and a positive Earnings ESP . | Bet on These 5 Stocks for Robust Returns Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.39% and a Zacks Rank #3. Click to get this free report Eli Lilly and Company (LLY): Free Stock Analysis Report Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY): Free Stock Analysis Report Epizyme, Inc. (EPZM): Free Stock Analysis Report Puma Biotechnology, Inc. (PBYI): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PCRX): Free Stock Analysis Report Recro Pharma, Inc. (REPH): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Among the companies that have already reported, Celgene and Alexion reported better-than-expected results for the fourth quarter of 2018. |
35946.0 | 2019-02-11 00:00:00 UTC | Zoetis (ZTS) to Report Q4 Earnings: What's in the Cards? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/zoetis-zts-to-report-q4-earnings%3A-whats-in-the-cards-2019-02-11 | nan | nan | Zoetis Inc. ZTS is gearing up to report fourth-quarter 2018 results.
Zoetis' performance has been impressive, with the company surpassing expectations in all of the previous four quarters, the average positive earnings surprise being 6.98%.
Zoetis' share price movement shows that the stock has outperformed the industry in the past year. The stock has rallied 19.4%, against the industry's decline of 16.4%.
Let's see how things are shaping up for this announcement.
Factors to Consider
Zoetis derives majority of its revenues from a diversified product portfolio of medicines and vaccines used to treat and protect livestock and companion animals. The company continues to strengthen its diverse product portfolio through lifecycle innovations, strong customer relationships, and access to new markets and technologies.
The company's companion animal business has been performing well. Apoquel and other product launches continue to drive growth in companion animal portfolio. Key dermatology products Apoquel and Cytopoint, new products such as Simparica and Stronghold Plus, and increased medicalization rates in key international markets such as China and Brazil should propel further growth.
Zoetis expects to generate more than $500 million in combined sales from Apoquel and Cytopoint in 2018. Oral parasite Simparica is expected to witness further growth. The company also expects to see more favorable conditions for livestock.
In July, Zoetis completed the acquisition of Caifornia-based Abaxis to augment its presence in the animal health diagnostics market, which is a fast-growing portion of the animal health industry. This is anticipated to boost sales. Further, updates on this acquisition are expected during fourth-quarter conference call.
We expect the company to throw more light other pipeline updates.
What Our Model Indicates
Our proven model does not conclusively show that Zoetis is likely to bea t earnings in the to-be-reported quarter. This is because the stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates. But that is not the case here, as you will see below.
Earnings ESP: Zoetis has an Earnings ESP of +1.52% as the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 77 cents, while the Most Accurate Estimate is pegged at 78 cents. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter .
Zacks Rank: Zoetis carries a Zacks Rank #4.
Note that Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) going into an earnings announcement are best avoided.
Zoetis Inc. Price and EPS Surprise
Zoetis Inc. Price and EPS Surprise | Zoetis Inc. Quote
Stocks That Warrant a Look
Here are some stocks you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3.
Aduro Biotech Inc. ADRO has an Earnings ESP of +15.23% and a Zacks Rank #2.
Amicus Therapeutics Inc. FOLD has an Earnings ESP of +10.07% and a Zacks Rank #3.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. Click to get this free report Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Aduro Biotech, Inc. (ADRO): Free Stock Analysis Report Zoetis Inc. (ZTS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Factors to Consider Zoetis derives majority of its revenues from a diversified product portfolio of medicines and vaccines used to treat and protect livestock and companion animals. | Click to get this free report Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Aduro Biotech, Inc. (ADRO): Free Stock Analysis Report Zoetis Inc. (ZTS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. This is because the stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates. | Click to get this free report Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Aduro Biotech, Inc. (ADRO): Free Stock Analysis Report Zoetis Inc. (ZTS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. Earnings ESP: Zoetis has an Earnings ESP of +1.52% as the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at 77 cents, while the Most Accurate Estimate is pegged at 78 cents. | Click to get this free report Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. (FOLD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Aduro Biotech, Inc. (ADRO): Free Stock Analysis Report Zoetis Inc. (ZTS): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. The company's companion animal business has been performing well. |
35947.0 | 2019-02-08 00:00:00 UTC | Tilray (TLRY) to Report Q4 Earnings: What's in the Cards? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/tilray-tlry-to-report-q4-earnings%3A-whats-in-the-cards-2019-02-08 | nan | nan | Tilray, Inc.TLRY is expected to release fourth-quarter 2018 results on Feb 12.
In the las t report ed quarter, Tilray bea t earnings expectations by 42.9%. The company went public in July 2018.
Pipeline Progress in Focus
Tilray produces medical cannabis in Canada and Europe. In July 2018, Tilray completed its IPO, selling 10,350,000 shares of Class 2 common stock at $17 per share (C$22.45 per share). The company received net proceeds of $163.6 million, after deducting the underwriting discount.
The company has two product categories - dried cannabis, which includes whole flower and ground flower, and cannabis extracts, which includes full-spectrum and purified oil drops and capsules. The company recorded 85.8% growth in revenues, driven by increased patient demand, bulk sales to other licensed producers and accelerated wholesale distribution in export markets. We expect the momentum to continue in the fourth quarter as well.
There is a global paradigm shift with regard to cannabis. As a result of this shift, the multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry is transforming from a state of prohibition to a state of legalization. Medical cannabis is now authorized at the national or federal level in 29 countries. Although the legal market for medical cannabis is still in its early stages, it represents huge potential. Recreational cannabis was legalized on Oct 17, 2018, by the Federal Government.
In September 2018, Tilray announced that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has approved an import pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis product produced by Tilray in the United States, for a clinical trial focused on Essential Tremor (ET), a neurological movement disorder. The drug will be imported from Canada for a clinical trial to be conducted at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) to examine its safety, tolerability and efficacy for ET.
Tilray has been working to broaden its global footprint. In December 2018, Tilray announced that its subsidiary, Tilray Canada Ltd. has entered into a global framework agreement with the generic arm of Novartis NVS , Sandoz AG, expanding the current collaboration. Under the new agreement, Tilray will collaborate with Sandoz to increase the availability of high-quality medical cannabis products across the world. The company recently entered into a research partnership with world's leading brewer, Anheuser-Busch InBev SA/NV to research non-alcohol beverages containing tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD.
The company recently entered into a marketing agreement with Authentic Brands Group. Both the companies have entered into a long-term revenue sharing agreement to market and distribute a portfolio of consumer cannabis products within Authentic's brand portfolio, in jurisdictions where regulations permit.
In October 2018, Tilray acquired its existing Chile-based import and distribution partner, Alef Biotechnology SpA. In December 2018, Tilray announced an investment in Québec-based cannabis producer, ROSE LifeScience Inc., and an exclusive sale, supply, distribution and marketing agreement between High Park Farms Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tilray, and ROSE.
We expect investors to focus on other business updates from the company on the call, apart from the regular top and bottom-line numbers.
Earnings Whispers
Our proven model does not conclusively show that Tilray will beat on earnings this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates. Unfortunately, that is not the case here, as you will see below.
Earnings ESP : The Earnings ESP, which represents the difference between the Most Accurate Estimate and the Zacks Consensus Estimate, is -45.46%. This is because the Most Accurate Estimate stands at -$0.24 and the Zacks Consensus Estimate is -$0.17. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell, before they're reported, with our Earnings ESP Filter .
Zacks Rank : Tilray currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Note that we caution against stocks with a Zacks Rank #4 or 5 (Strong Sell) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.
Share Price Performance
Tilray's stock has gained 257.2% after it went public, against the industry 's decline of 15.1% in the last twelve months.
Stocks to Consider
Here are some health care stocks you may want to consider, as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.
Mallinckrodt MNK has an Earnings ESP of +2.25% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is scheduled to report results on Feb 26. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. Click to get this free report Novartis AG (NVS): Get Free Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Mallinckrodt public limited company (MNK): Get Free Report Tilray, Inc. (TLRY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The company recorded 85.8% growth in revenues, driven by increased patient demand, bulk sales to other licensed producers and accelerated wholesale distribution in export markets. | Click to get this free report Novartis AG (NVS): Get Free Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Mallinckrodt public limited company (MNK): Get Free Report Tilray, Inc. (TLRY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. In September 2018, Tilray announced that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has approved an import pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis product produced by Tilray in the United States, for a clinical trial focused on Essential Tremor (ET), a neurological movement disorder. | Click to get this free report Novartis AG (NVS): Get Free Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Mallinckrodt public limited company (MNK): Get Free Report Tilray, Inc. (TLRY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. In September 2018, Tilray announced that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has approved an import pharmaceutical-grade medical cannabis product produced by Tilray in the United States, for a clinical trial focused on Essential Tremor (ET), a neurological movement disorder. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. Click to get this free report Novartis AG (NVS): Get Free Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Mallinckrodt public limited company (MNK): Get Free Report Tilray, Inc. (TLRY): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. In the las t report ed quarter, Tilray bea t earnings expectations by 42.9%. |
35948.0 | 2019-02-07 00:00:00 UTC | The Smartest People on Wall Street Are Buying These 3 Stocks -- Should You? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/smartest-people-wall-street-are-buying-these-3-stocks-should-you-2019-02-07 | nan | nan | Simply because the biggest names on Wall Street are buying up a stock doesn't mean you should follow. Too often, the so-called "smart money" can be awfully dumb. And some deals don't have the same profit potential for individual investors as for the institutional ones, for a myriad of reasons.
Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets (NYSEMKT: VWO) , and Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ: KHC) are among those stocks attracting a name-brand following. Read on to see if you should follow the smartest people on Wall Street into owning shares of these companies.
A rebound in the making
George Budwell (Acadia Pharmaceuticals): The Baker brothers -- Julian and Felix Baker -- are widely revered within biotech investing circles for their ability to pick outstanding growth stocks. So when this dynamic duo keeps buying large chunks of a company over a prolonged period of time, investors take notice.
Investors have long cited the Baker brothers' larger ownership stake in Acadia Pharmaceuticals as a key reason for their confidence in the company. The company had a forgettable 2018, during which the biotech's share price fell more than 46% due to safety concerns over its Parkinson's disease psychosis medication, Nuplazid .
Fortunately, the rock-solid faith in the Baker brothers' stock-picking acumen appears to be well founded. Acadia's stock has ripped higher in the first four weeks of 2019 following an overwhelmingly upbeat presentation at this year's J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference.
The big-ticket item at this year's J.P. Morgan presentation was management's revelation that Nuplazid's sales continue to rise at a steady pace for its current indication, and the drug's other ongoing trials -- for indications such as major depressive disorder -- are progressing according to plan. Nuplazid thus appears to have a decent shot at transforming into a megablockbuster product within the next four to five years.
In all, Acadia's stock seems poised to continue reclaiming lost ground this year thanks to the growing buzz about Nuplazid's enormous commercial opportunity. But investors will definitely want to keep a close eye on the drug's progress in the clinic. Even the Baker brothers have fallen victim to the unpredictable nature of clinical trials, after all.
A smart way to play emerging markets
Neha Chamaria(Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets): Ray Dalio, founder of the world's largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, has been a long-term advocate of diversification. Perhaps that explains why ETFs, especially international ETFs, dominate Bridgewater Associates' portfolio. In its most recent filing dated November, Bridgewater piled up shares of several ETFs, including Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets. This ETF, in fact, is the second-largest holding in the fund's portfolio, accounting for 21.56%.
Investing in an ETF expands your portfolio beyond stocks, and an emerging-market ETF offers even greater geographic exposure, a good way to diversify your portfolio . With the U.S. stock markets under pressure, Dalio is finding greater value in emerging markets right now. Emerging markets have the potential to grow at a faster clip than the U.S., which adds even more appeal to these ETFs as an investment choice.
The Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF invests in stocks of companies from nearly 25 markets, primarily China, Brazil, India, Taiwan, and South Africa. It held about 4,700 stocks as of Dec. 31, 2018, with its 10 largest stocks accounting for nearly 20% of the fund's portfolio. Top holdings include Tencent Holdings , Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing , Alibaba Group , and South African internet company Naspers. This ETF especially stands out with its incredibly low expense ratio of 0.14%, one of the lowest in the emerging-market ETF category.
The Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF has been part of Bridgewater Associates' portfolio for several years, though the fund has regularly bought and sold shares in opportune ways. Yet a portfolio chock-full of big brands from some of the fastest-growing economies in the world and a low expense ratio make this ETF one of the best ways to play the emerging market.
A venerable food company ready to run?
Rich Duprey(Kraft Heinz): It's predictable that a rather mundane consumer goods company like Kraft Heinz would have attracted Warren Buffett, but when investors like global financier George Soros become interested too, it may be worth retail investors like you and me taking another look at the packaged foods company.
Soros recently established a new position in Kraft Heinz, buying in at a range of prices that averaged under $60 a share. That means its current price of under $48 a piece would give investors an entry point 20% cheaper than the one the billionaire hedge fund operator got.
A good reason why Kraft Heinz is so cheap is that it has lagged behind other consumer food companies in offering healthier fare, but it has started solving that problem.
For example, last November, it agreed to acquire Primal Kitchen, a maker of Paleo diet-inspired mayonnaise and dressings, and house it in its Springboard division, the segment Kraft Heinz believes can disrupt the food industry. It joins brands such as biltong maker Ayoba-Yo; fermented foods purveyor Cleveland Kraut; and Poppilu, an aronia berry beverage company.
After hitting a low of $41.60 per share in November, Kraft Heinz stock has rallied 12% higher on hopes the worst is behind the business. Short interest, or bets by short-sellers, in the company has also dropped considerably over time, down to 19 million shares, a 45% decline from its peak last June, and less than three days to cover. So don't expect a short squeeze if a turnaround materializes when earnings are reported in two weeks. Positive developments could have shares rising soon on the basis of better things to come.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
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George Budwell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Neha Chamaria has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Rich Duprey has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Tencent Holdings. The Motley Fool is short shares of Kraft Heinz. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets (NYSEMKT: VWO) , and Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ: KHC) are among those stocks attracting a name-brand following. A rebound in the making George Budwell (Acadia Pharmaceuticals): The Baker brothers -- Julian and Felix Baker -- are widely revered within biotech investing circles for their ability to pick outstanding growth stocks. Investors have long cited the Baker brothers' larger ownership stake in Acadia Pharmaceuticals as a key reason for their confidence in the company. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets (NYSEMKT: VWO) , and Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ: KHC) are among those stocks attracting a name-brand following. A rebound in the making George Budwell (Acadia Pharmaceuticals): The Baker brothers -- Julian and Felix Baker -- are widely revered within biotech investing circles for their ability to pick outstanding growth stocks. Investors have long cited the Baker brothers' larger ownership stake in Acadia Pharmaceuticals as a key reason for their confidence in the company. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets (NYSEMKT: VWO) , and Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ: KHC) are among those stocks attracting a name-brand following. A rebound in the making George Budwell (Acadia Pharmaceuticals): The Baker brothers -- Julian and Felix Baker -- are widely revered within biotech investing circles for their ability to pick outstanding growth stocks. Investors have long cited the Baker brothers' larger ownership stake in Acadia Pharmaceuticals as a key reason for their confidence in the company. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets (NYSEMKT: VWO) , and Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ: KHC) are among those stocks attracting a name-brand following. * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! A rebound in the making George Budwell (Acadia Pharmaceuticals): The Baker brothers -- Julian and Felix Baker -- are widely revered within biotech investing circles for their ability to pick outstanding growth stocks. |
35949.0 | 2019-01-31 00:00:00 UTC | Will Gilead (GILD) Q4 Earnings Disappoint on Weak HCV Sales? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/will-gilead-gild-q4-earnings-disappoint-on-weak-hcv-sales-2019-01-31 | nan | nan | Biotech major Gilead Sciences Inc . GILD is scheduled to report fourth quarter and full-year results on Feb 4, after the market closes .
Gilead has a decent track record, with the company's earnings beating estimates in three of the last four quarters. In the las t report ed quarter, the company's earnings beat expectations by 10.8%. Overall, the company delivered average positive earnings surprise of 6.99%.
Gilead's stock has declined 8.8% in the last six months, against the industry 's decline of 14.1%.
Factors in Play
Along with third-quarter results, Gilead updated its annual guidance. Gilead expects net product sales of $20.8-$21.3 billion in 2018 compared with the earlier estimate of $20-$21 billion. Adjusted R&D and adjusted SG&A expenses are projected to be $3.4-$3.6 billion and $3.4-$3.6 billion, respectively. Adjusted product gross margin is expected to be 85-87%.
While Gilead's third-quarter results beat estimates, the year-over-year decline was disappointing as the magnitude of decline in hepatitis C virus (HCV) sales continues to deepen.
The franchise suffered a significant plunge in sales due to new competition and fewer patient starts. HCV revenues are projected to decline further and will constitute a smaller portion of the top line. Gilead's HCV drug, Harvoni has been approved in China.
Nevertheless, the HIV franchise is expected to maintain momentum. Strong HIV performance and other antiviral product sales are being driven by continued uptake of tenofovir alafenamide ("TAF") based products - Genvoya, Descovy and Odefsey. We expect the trend to continue in the third quarter. Genvoya has been listed as a preferred regimen in several HIV treatment guidelines.
Truvada, for use in the pre-exposure prophylaxis setting, continued the momentum with an estimated 193,000 patients using the drug by the end of the third quarter. The China National Drug Administration has approved Genvoya for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for sales of Genvoya is $1.2 billion.
HIV is one of the primary areas of focus for Gilead and the company is working to bringnew HIV treatments to market to further boost sales of the franchise. The company received a major boost when the FDA approved its once-daily single tablet regimen ("STR"), Biktarvy (bictegravir 50mg/emtricitabine 200mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25mg, BIC/FTC/TAF) for HIV-1 infection.
The approval in Europe has boosted sales further. Gilead currently expects Biktarvy to overtake Genvoya as the most successful launch in HIV history. In March, Biktarvy was added as one of the recommended initial regimens to the U.S. DHHS guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in adults and adolescents living with HIV.
In December 2018, the board of directors appointed Daniel O'Day as the company's chairman and CEO.
Apart from the regular top and bottom-line numbers, we expect investors to focus on pipeline updates. Gilead intends to foray into the non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and inflammation market with late-stage candidates, selonsertib and filgotinib, respectively. Both the candidates are being evaluated in late-stage studies and a tentative approval will diversify Gilead's portfolio.
Earlier this month, Gilead announced that it entered into a licensing and collaboration agreement with South Korea-based Yuhan Corporation to co-develop novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of patients suffering from advanced fibrosis due to NASH. In December 2018, Gilead entered into a deal with Agenus AGEN to develop and commercialize up to five immuno-oncology (I-O) therapies.
Earnings Whispers
Our proven model does not conclusively show that Gilead will beat on earnings this quarter. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates. Unfortunately, that is not the case here, as you will see below.
Earnings ESP : Earnings ESP for Gilead is -4.72%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at $1.74, while the Most Accurate Estimate is pegged at $1.65. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter .
Zacks Rank : Gilead currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), which when combined with a negative ESP indicates very low chances of an earnings beat. As it is, we caution against Sell-rated stocks (Zacks Rank #4 or 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.
Gilead Sciences, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Gilead Sciences, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | Gilead Sciences, Inc. Quote
Stocks to Consider
Here are some health care stocks you may want to consider as our model shows that these have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter.
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .
Vertex Pharmaceuticals VRTX is scheduled to release its results on Feb 5. The company has an Earnings ESP of +4.52% and a Zacks Rank #3.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. Click to get this free report Agenus Inc. (AGEN): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Get Free Report Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Get Free Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The company received a major boost when the FDA approved its once-daily single tablet regimen ("STR"), Biktarvy (bictegravir 50mg/emtricitabine 200mg/tenofovir alafenamide 25mg, BIC/FTC/TAF) for HIV-1 infection. | Click to get this free report Agenus Inc. (AGEN): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Get Free Report Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Get Free Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. That is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) to be able to beat estimates. | Click to get this free report Agenus Inc. (AGEN): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Get Free Report Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Get Free Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. Zacks Rank : Gilead currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), which when combined with a negative ESP indicates very low chances of an earnings beat. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #3. Click to get this free report Agenus Inc. (AGEN): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Get Free Report Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Get Free Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Gilead has a decent track record, with the company's earnings beating estimates in three of the last four quarters. |
35950.0 | 2019-01-30 00:00:00 UTC | Is a Beat in Store for Vertex (VRTX) This Earnings Season? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/is-a-beat-in-store-for-vertex-vrtx-this-earnings-season-2019-01-30 | nan | nan | We expect Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.VRTX to beat on earnings when i t report s fourth-quarter 2018 and full-year results on Feb 5, 2019, after the market closes .
Shares of Vertex have increased 11.6% in the past year against the industry's 22.2% decrease.
Let's see, how things are shaping up for this quarter to be reported.
Factors at Play
Vertex's cystic fibrosis (CF) drug portfolio has been performing well. Sales growth in the third quarter was driven by a rapid uptake of the company's newest CF medicine, Symdeko, a combination of tezacaftor and ivacaftor and strong demand for the same. On third-quarter call, management had stated that Symdeko revenues will see a steady rise in the fourth quarter as additional patients start receiving treatment. However, management then did not anticipate a significant Symdeko revenue recognition in the ex U.S. markets for 2018.
Symdeko (marketed under the trade name of Symkevi) was approved in the EU last November and holds promise to reap sales benefit in the fourth quarter.
Meanwhile, continued label expansions and a resultant increase in patient population consistently drive sales for Vertex's first CF medicine, Kalydeco (ivacaftor).
The drug was approved by the FDA and the European Commission for use in children aged 12 months to two years with at least one of specified nine mutations in the CFTR gene last August and November, respectively. This nod for an expanded patient population can boost the medicine's sales in Q4.
Vertex's another CF medicine - Orkambi - is approved in the United States and Europe for treating CF in patients aged six years or above, having two copies of the F508del mutation.
Last week, the European Commission (EC) granted an approval to a regulatory application seeking Orkambi's label expansion for its use in 2-5 year-old children suffering CF, who have two copies of the F508del mutation. Orkambi was approved by the FDA for the same patient population last August.
However, Orkambi sales have been declining of late due to a shift in patient base to Symdeko from Orkambi and patients discontinuing Orkambi to undergo treatment with Symdeko. Orkambi revenues are projected to be hurt further in the future quarters.
Vertex is evaluating two next-generation CFTR correctors (VX-659 and VX-445) in phase III evaluations as part of a triple combination with tezacaftor and ivacaftor. During the reported quarter, two phase III studies evaluating VX-659 in combination with tezacaftor and Kalydeco met the primary endpoint of improvement in lung function amid patients afflicted with CF.
Enrollment in the VX-445 phase III studies is now complete with the top-line data predicted to be presented during the first quarter of 2019. A regulatory submission in the United States for one of the two regimes is planned for mid-2019. An update is awaited during the upcoming investor call.
If the triple-combo therapies are successful, Vertex can then address a significantly larger CF patient population - almost 90% of patients with CF - in the future.
Notably, Vertex has a partnership with CRISPR Therapeutics CRSP to evaluate an investigational gene editing treatment, CTX001, for two devastating diseases, namely sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Earlier this month, the FDA granted a Fast Track designation to CTX001 for the treatment of sickle cell disease, a severe hereditary form of anaemia. Also, a phase I/II study of CTX001 for adult transfusion-dependent b-thalassemia is currently enrolling patients in Europe.
Last December, Vertex announced positive results from a phase II study, evaluating its NaV1.8 inhibitor, VX-150, in patients suffering pain caused by small fiber neuropathy. The FDA granted a Breakthrough Therapy designation to VX-150 for treating moderate-to-severe acute pain.
Why a Likely Positive Surprise?
Our proven model indicates that Vertex is likely to beat on earnings this to-be-reported quarter. This is because a stock needs to have both a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) for this to happen.
Earnings ESP: Vertex has an Earnings ESP of +4.52%, representing the percentage difference between the Most Accurate Estimate ($1.10) and the Zacks Consensus Estimate ($1.05). You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter .
Zacks Rank: Vertex has a Zacks Rank #3, which increases the predictive power of ESP. Thus, the combination of a positive ESP and a favorable Zacks Rank makes us reasonably confident about a likely earnings surprise.
Conversely, we caution against the Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) going into the earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated Price and EPS Surprise
Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated Price and EPS Surprise | Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated Quote
Other Stocks That Warrant a Look
Here are two other health care stocks worth considering as per our model, these too have the right mix of elements to beat estimates this reporting cycle.
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .
Celgene Corporation CELG has a Zacks Rank of 1 and an Earnings ESP of +2.31%. The company is scheduled to release earnings results on Jan 31.
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In addition to the stocks discussed above, wouldn't you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-holds for the year?
From more than 4,000 companies covered by the Zacks Rank, these 10 were picked by a process that consistently beats the market. Even during 2018 while the market dropped -5.2%, our Top 10s were up well into double-digits. And during bullish 2012 - 2017, they soared far above the market's +126.3%, reaching +181.9%.
This year, the portfolio features a player that thrives on volatility, an AI comer, and a dynamic tech company that helps doctors deliver better patient outcomes at lower costs.
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ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Celgene Corporation (CELG): Free Stock Analysis Report
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP): Free Stock Analysis Report
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #2. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Free Stock Analysis Report Celgene Corporation (CELG): Free Stock Analysis Report CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Last week, the European Commission (EC) granted an approval to a regulatory application seeking Orkambi's label expansion for its use in 2-5 year-old children suffering CF, who have two copies of the F508del mutation. | Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Free Stock Analysis Report Celgene Corporation (CELG): Free Stock Analysis Report CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #2. Meanwhile, continued label expansions and a resultant increase in patient population consistently drive sales for Vertex's first CF medicine, Kalydeco (ivacaftor). | Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Free Stock Analysis Report Celgene Corporation (CELG): Free Stock Analysis Report CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #2. Vertex's another CF medicine - Orkambi - is approved in the United States and Europe for treating CF in patients aged six years or above, having two copies of the F508del mutation. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD has an Earnings ESP of +3.89% and a Zacks Rank #2. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Free Stock Analysis Report Celgene Corporation (CELG): Free Stock Analysis Report CRISPR Therapeutics AG (CRSP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Meanwhile, continued label expansions and a resultant increase in patient population consistently drive sales for Vertex's first CF medicine, Kalydeco (ivacaftor). |
35951.0 | 2019-01-28 00:00:00 UTC | MacroGenics Up on Lifting of Partial Hold on Cancer Candidate | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/macrogenics-up-on-lifting-of-partial-hold-on-cancer-candidate-2019-01-28 | nan | nan | MacroGenics, Inc.MGNX announced that the FDA has lifted the partial clinical hold placed on phase I studies evaluating its antibody monoclonal candidate, MGD009. The company is developing the candidate as monotherapy and in combination therapies for treating various types of cancer.
Shares of MacroGenics closed 2.3% higher on Jan 25 following the news. The company's shares have declined 41.5% in the past six months compared with the industry 's fall of 5.1%.
The company stated that it worked rapidly to provide a comprehensive response to the FDA by the end of December to avoid significant delay in the study. With the removal of the hold, the company will be able to enroll new patients.
MGD009 is a bispecific DART molecule, which redirects T cells to kill B7-H3 protein expressing cells involved in immune regulation. The candidate helps treat cancer as the targeted protein is over-expressed on a wide variety of cancer cells.
We note that a phase I study is evaluating MGD009 monotherapy in unresectable or metastatic B7-H3-expressing tumors while another phase I study is evaluating the candidate in combination with the company's anti-pd-1 antibody candidate, MGA012, in relapsed or refractory cancer with similar tumors.
Apart from MGD009, MacroGenics is also evaluating an antibody drug conjugate candidate, MGC018, in advanced solid tumors.
MacroGenics, Inc. Price
MacroGenics, Inc. Price | MacroGenics, Inc. Quote
Zacks Rank & Key Picks
MacroGenics currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
Some other top-ranked stocks fromthe pharma sector include Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. ALDR , ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD and Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. FPRX . All the three stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here .
Alder BioPharma's loss estimates have narrowed from $4.63 to $4.57 for 2018 and from $3.50 to $3.41 for 2019 over the past 30 days. The company delivered positive earnings surprise in three of the four trailing quarters with the average beat being 4.22%.
ACADIA Pharma's loss estimates have narrowed from $2.00 to $1.99 for 2018 and from $1.77 to $1.72 for 2019 over the past 30 days. The company came up with a positive earnings surprise in three of the four trailing quarters with the average beat being 6.77%.
Five Prime's loss per share estimates narrowed from $4.32 to $4.30 for 2018 and from $5.26 to $5.06 for 2019 over the past 30 days. The company delivered a positive surprise in two of the four trailing quarters with the average beat being 1.61%.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Some other top-ranked stocks fromthe pharma sector include Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. ALDR , ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD and Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. FPRX . ACADIA Pharma's loss estimates have narrowed from $2.00 to $1.99 for 2018 and from $1.77 to $1.72 for 2019 over the past 30 days. Click to get this free report MacroGenics, Inc. (MGNX): Get Free Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALDR): Free Stock Analysis Report Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (FPRX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. | Some other top-ranked stocks fromthe pharma sector include Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. ALDR , ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD and Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. FPRX . Click to get this free report MacroGenics, Inc. (MGNX): Get Free Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALDR): Free Stock Analysis Report Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (FPRX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharma's loss estimates have narrowed from $2.00 to $1.99 for 2018 and from $1.77 to $1.72 for 2019 over the past 30 days. | Click to get this free report MacroGenics, Inc. (MGNX): Get Free Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALDR): Free Stock Analysis Report Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (FPRX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Some other top-ranked stocks fromthe pharma sector include Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. ALDR , ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD and Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. FPRX . ACADIA Pharma's loss estimates have narrowed from $2.00 to $1.99 for 2018 and from $1.77 to $1.72 for 2019 over the past 30 days. | Some other top-ranked stocks fromthe pharma sector include Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. ALDR , ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD and Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. FPRX . ACADIA Pharma's loss estimates have narrowed from $2.00 to $1.99 for 2018 and from $1.77 to $1.72 for 2019 over the past 30 days. Click to get this free report MacroGenics, Inc. (MGNX): Get Free Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Alder BioPharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALDR): Free Stock Analysis Report Five Prime Therapeutics, Inc. (FPRX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. |
35952.0 | 2019-01-24 00:00:00 UTC | Will ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Continue to Surge Higher? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/will-acadia-pharmaceuticals-continue-to-surge-higher-2019-01-24 | nan | nan | As of late, it has definitely been a great time to be an investor in ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD . The stock has moved higher by 0.5% in the past month, while it is also above its 20 Day SMA too. This combination of strong price performance and favorable technical, could suggest that the stock may be on the right path.
We certainly think that this might be the case, particularly if you consider ACAD's recen t earnings estimate revision activity. From this look, the company's future is quite favorable; as ACAD has earned itself a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), meaning that its recent run may continue for a bit longer, and that this isn't the top for the in-focus company. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | From this look, the company's future is quite favorable; as ACAD has earned itself a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), meaning that its recent run may continue for a bit longer, and that this isn't the top for the in-focus company. As of late, it has definitely been a great time to be an investor in ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD . We certainly think that this might be the case, particularly if you consider ACAD's recen t earnings estimate revision activity. | Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. As of late, it has definitely been a great time to be an investor in ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD . We certainly think that this might be the case, particularly if you consider ACAD's recen t earnings estimate revision activity. | From this look, the company's future is quite favorable; as ACAD has earned itself a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), meaning that its recent run may continue for a bit longer, and that this isn't the top for the in-focus company. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. As of late, it has definitely been a great time to be an investor in ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD . | From this look, the company's future is quite favorable; as ACAD has earned itself a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), meaning that its recent run may continue for a bit longer, and that this isn't the top for the in-focus company. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. As of late, it has definitely been a great time to be an investor in ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD . |
35953.0 | 2019-01-17 00:00:00 UTC | Amgen's Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Drug Gets FDA Panel Nod | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/amgens-postmenopausal-osteoporosis-drug-gets-fda-panel-nod-2019-01-17 | nan | nan | Amgen, Inc.AMGN and its partner UCB announced that an FDA advisory committee has given a positive recommendation to approve their pipeline candidate, Evenity (romosozumab) for the treatment of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis at high risk of fracture.
Of the 19 members of FDA's Bone, Reproductive and Urologic Drugs Advisory Committee (BRUDAC), 18 voted in favor of approval after reviewing safety and efficacy data from some pivotal phase III studies. The FDA is not mandated to follow the recommendation of an advisory committee but generally it does.
We remind investors that in the United States, Amgen re-submitted the biologics license application ("BLA") in July last year. The first BLA seeking approval of Evenity for the same indication in the United States was issued a complete response letter ("CRL") by the FDA in July 2017. The CRL was issued due to a cardiovascular side effect observed in the ARCH study. The first BLA included data only from FRAME study. The FDA had requested a resubmission of the application with additional data from the ARCH and the BRIDGE studies. The second BLA included data from the ARCH and BRIDGE studies.
In the past year, Amgen's stock has risen 9.7% against 21.2% decrease of its industry .
Earlier this month, Evenity was approved by regulatory authorities in Japan, its first approval anywhere in the world. Evenity is also under review in Europe.
In the United States, one in two women over the age of 50 usually suffers osteoporotic fracture. After such osteoporotic fracture, the risk of another fracture increases fivefold within the first year and rises further over time if untreated. If Evenity gets approval, these women who are at high risk of fracture could benefit from an additional treatment option that has the potential to increase bone formation while slowing down existing bone loss. This can bring in more sales and profits for Amgen.
Amgen currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here .
Better-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD , Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. VNDA and Exelixis, Inc. EXEL , all sporting a Zacks Rank #1.
Vanda's earnings estimates have moved 11.1% north for 2019 over the past 90 days. The stock has surged 45.8% in the past six months.
Exelixis' earnings estimates have risen 14.7% in the past 90 days. The stock has risen 7.5% in the past six months.
ACADIA's stock has soared 23.8% in the past six months.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Better-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD , Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. VNDA and Exelixis, Inc. EXEL , all sporting a Zacks Rank #1. ACADIA's stock has soared 23.8% in the past six months. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL): Free Stock Analysis Report Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VNDA): Free Stock Analysis Report Amgen Inc. (AMGN): Get Free Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. | Better-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD , Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. VNDA and Exelixis, Inc. EXEL , all sporting a Zacks Rank #1. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL): Free Stock Analysis Report Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VNDA): Free Stock Analysis Report Amgen Inc. (AMGN): Get Free Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA's stock has soared 23.8% in the past six months. | Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL): Free Stock Analysis Report Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VNDA): Free Stock Analysis Report Amgen Inc. (AMGN): Get Free Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Better-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD , Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. VNDA and Exelixis, Inc. EXEL , all sporting a Zacks Rank #1. ACADIA's stock has soared 23.8% in the past six months. | Better-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ACAD , Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. VNDA and Exelixis, Inc. EXEL , all sporting a Zacks Rank #1. ACADIA's stock has soared 23.8% in the past six months. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL): Free Stock Analysis Report Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (VNDA): Free Stock Analysis Report Amgen Inc. (AMGN): Get Free Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. |
35954.0 | 2019-01-10 00:00:00 UTC | Thursday's ETF Movers: FBT, GDXJ | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/thursdays-etf-movers-fbt-gdxj-2019-01-10 | nan | nan | In trading on Thursday, the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF ( FBT ) is outperforming other ETFs, up about 1.4% on the day. Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ), up about 6% and shares of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals ( ALNY ), up about 5.5% on the day.
And underperforming other ETFs today is the Junior Gold Miners ETF ( GDXJ ), off about 2% in Thursday afternoon trading. Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Thursday were shares of Golden Star Resources ( GSS ), lower by about 6.6%, and shares of New Gold (NGD), lower by about 6.6% on the day.
VIDEO: Thursday's ETF Movers: FBT, GDXJ
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ), up about 6% and shares of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals ( ALNY ), up about 5.5% on the day. Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Thursday were shares of Golden Star Resources ( GSS ), lower by about 6.6%, and shares of New Gold (NGD), lower by about 6.6% on the day. VIDEO: Thursday's ETF Movers: FBT, GDXJ The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ), up about 6% and shares of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals ( ALNY ), up about 5.5% on the day. And underperforming other ETFs today is the Junior Gold Miners ETF ( GDXJ ), off about 2% in Thursday afternoon trading. VIDEO: Thursday's ETF Movers: FBT, GDXJ The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ), up about 6% and shares of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals ( ALNY ), up about 5.5% on the day. In trading on Thursday, the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF ( FBT ) is outperforming other ETFs, up about 1.4% on the day. Among components of that ETF with the weakest showing on Thursday were shares of Golden Star Resources ( GSS ), lower by about 6.6%, and shares of New Gold (NGD), lower by about 6.6% on the day. | Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ), up about 6% and shares of Alnylam Pharmaceuticals ( ALNY ), up about 5.5% on the day. In trading on Thursday, the First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index Fund ETF ( FBT ) is outperforming other ETFs, up about 1.4% on the day. And underperforming other ETFs today is the Junior Gold Miners ETF ( GDXJ ), off about 2% in Thursday afternoon trading. |
35955.0 | 2019-01-08 00:00:00 UTC | Here's Why ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Dropped 15.2% in December | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/heres-why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-dropped-152-december-2019-01-08 | nan | nan | What happened
Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell over 15% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . The move lower was a bookend to a forgettable year for shareholders, who saw the stock lose 46% of its value in 2018. There wasn't any company-specific news in December, but a sharp sell-off of the broader stock market made it easy for Mr. Market to adjust share prices of struggling businesses. Unfortunately for investors, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals was an easy target after struggling mightily throughout the year.
So what
Most of the headwinds encountered by ACADIA last year were caused by the company's leading commercial drug, Nuplazid. It's the only treatment for Parkinson's disease psychosis approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and generated $164 million in revenue in the first nine months of 2018. But it also was the subject of a postmarket safety review following patient deaths.
The FDA concluded that the drug's safety profile was consistent with that observed in clinical trials. Although some feared the negative publicity might harm the product's reputation among prescribing doctors despite that regulatory conclusion, Nuplazid crushed the criticism and generated a record $58.3 million in revenue during the third quarter of 2018. That helped the business more than double total revenue versus the year-ago period and reduce its operating loss from $219 million in the first nine months of 2017 to an operating loss of $180 million in the same period of 2018.
Now what
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals has been a nauseatingly volatile stock in recent years -- the five-year performance is a loss of 23%, with plenty of spikes and drops along the way. But the business appears well positioned for sustainable growth. Nuplazid is growing rapidly, and the business is finally beginning to reduce its operating losses, which could enable it to fund operations without external capital raises in a few short years.
Considering the drug could have peak sales of $1 billion by 2021, this pharma stock could be poised for a big rebound in 2019 if sales figures continue their torrid ascension -- assuming the safety concerns really are behind it.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What happened Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell over 15% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . Now what ACADIA Pharmaceuticals has been a nauseatingly volatile stock in recent years -- the five-year performance is a loss of 23%, with plenty of spikes and drops along the way. Unfortunately for investors, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals was an easy target after struggling mightily throughout the year. | The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. What happened Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell over 15% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . Unfortunately for investors, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals was an easy target after struggling mightily throughout the year. | 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. What happened Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell over 15% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . Unfortunately for investors, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals was an easy target after struggling mightily throughout the year. | Unfortunately for investors, ACADIA Pharmaceuticals was an easy target after struggling mightily throughout the year. * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! What happened Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell over 15% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . |
35956.0 | 2018-12-20 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Becomes Oversold (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-becomes-oversold-acad-2018-12-20 | nan | nan | Legendary investor Warren Buffett advises to be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful. One way we can try to measure the level of fear in a given stock is through a technical analysis indicator called the Relative Strength Index, or RSI, which measures momentum on a scale of zero to 100. A stock is considered to be oversold if the RSI reading falls below 30.
In trading on Thursday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 29.6, after changing hands as low as $15.34 per share. By comparison, the current RSI reading of the S&P 500 ETF ( SPY ) is 27.8. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 29.6 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $32.99 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $15.38.
Find out what 9 other oversold stocks you need to know about »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Thursday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 29.6, after changing hands as low as $15.34 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 29.6 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $32.99 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $15.38. | The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $32.99 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $15.38. In trading on Thursday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 29.6, after changing hands as low as $15.34 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 29.6 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. | In trading on Thursday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 29.6, after changing hands as low as $15.34 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $32.99 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $15.38. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 29.6 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. | In trading on Thursday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) entered into oversold territory, hitting an RSI reading of 29.6, after changing hands as low as $15.34 per share. A bullish investor could look at ACAD's 29.6 RSI reading today as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $32.99 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $15.38. |
35957.0 | 2018-12-17 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Breaks Above 200-Day Moving Average - Bullish for ACAD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-breaks-above-200-day-moving-average-bullish-acad-2018-12-17 | nan | nan | In trading on Monday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $18.43, changing hands as high as $18.59 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading up about 4.4% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $32.99 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $18.47.
Click here to find out which 9 other stocks recently crossed above their 200 day moving average »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Monday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $18.43, changing hands as high as $18.59 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $32.99 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $18.47. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading up about 4.4% on the day. | In trading on Monday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $18.43, changing hands as high as $18.59 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $32.99 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $18.47. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading up about 4.4% on the day. | In trading on Monday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $18.43, changing hands as high as $18.59 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $32.99 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $18.47. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading up about 4.4% on the day. | In trading on Monday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $18.43, changing hands as high as $18.59 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading up about 4.4% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $32.99 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $18.47. |
35958.0 | 2018-11-29 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD January 2019 Options Begin Trading | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-january-2019-options-begin-trading-2018-11-29 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the January 2019 expiration. At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new January 2019 contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $17.00 strike price has a current bid of 15 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $17.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $16.85 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $20.09/share today.
Because the $17.00 strike represents an approximate 15% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 78%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract . Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 0.88% return on the cash commitment, or 7.49% annualized - at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost .
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $17.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $22.00 strike price has a current bid of 10 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $20.09/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $22.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 10.00% if the stock gets called away at the January 2019 expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 10% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 58%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract , Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 0.50% boost of extra return to the investor, or 4.23% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost .
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 254%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 205%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $20.09) to be 79%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 10% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the January 2019 expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 10% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the January 2019 expiration. At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new January 2019 contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $17.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $22.00 strike price has a current bid of 10 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 10% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the January 2019 expiration. | At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new January 2019 contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 10% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the January 2019 expiration. |
35959.0 | 2018-11-28 00:00:00 UTC | Here's Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Is Soaring | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/heres-why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-soaring-2018-11-28 | nan | nan | What happened
In response to the release of the pricing details of its just-announced secondary common stock offering , shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma, jumped as much as 16% in early-morning trading on Wednesday. Shares were up about 10% as of 10:34 a.m. EST.
So what
Acadia stated that it is selling 16.2 million shares to the public at a price of $17 per share. The gross proceeds from the deal will be about $275 million before subtracting fees. The underwriters of the deal will also be granted an option to purchase an additional 2.4 million shares.
In total, the company could raise about $316 million. That's $86 million more than was previously announced.
What's more, the $17 offering price is the exact same figure as Tuesday's closing price. That suggests that the company didn't have to offer a big discount in order to attract enough demand.
Traders appear to be cheering based on the super-sized deal terms.
Now what
If you add this cash infusion to Acadia's existing cash hoard, its bank balance at the end of the year should be around $450 million or so. That should be plenty of capital to fund the company's continued commercial expansion and ongoing clinical trials for at least two more years if current spending rates persist.
With plenty of cash in the bank, investors can now turn their attention to Nuplazid's ramping sales growth and the drug's label expansion potential . There's still a lot of work to do on both fronts, but bulls have plenty of reasons to remain optimistic.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
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*Stock Advisor returns as of November 14, 2018
Brian Feroldi has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What happened In response to the release of the pricing details of its just-announced secondary common stock offering , shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma, jumped as much as 16% in early-morning trading on Wednesday. So what Acadia stated that it is selling 16.2 million shares to the public at a price of $17 per share. Now what If you add this cash infusion to Acadia's existing cash hoard, its bank balance at the end of the year should be around $450 million or so. | What happened In response to the release of the pricing details of its just-announced secondary common stock offering , shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma, jumped as much as 16% in early-morning trading on Wednesday. So what Acadia stated that it is selling 16.2 million shares to the public at a price of $17 per share. Now what If you add this cash infusion to Acadia's existing cash hoard, its bank balance at the end of the year should be around $450 million or so. | What happened In response to the release of the pricing details of its just-announced secondary common stock offering , shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma, jumped as much as 16% in early-morning trading on Wednesday. So what Acadia stated that it is selling 16.2 million shares to the public at a price of $17 per share. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. | So what Acadia stated that it is selling 16.2 million shares to the public at a price of $17 per share. * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! What happened In response to the release of the pricing details of its just-announced secondary common stock offering , shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma, jumped as much as 16% in early-morning trading on Wednesday. |
35960.0 | 2018-11-27 00:00:00 UTC | XBI, ACAD, TSRO, IONS: ETF Outflow Alert | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/xbi-acad-tsro-ions-etf-outflow-alert-2018-11-27 | nan | nan | Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel , one standout is the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (Symbol: XBI) where we have detected an approximate $236.2 million dollar outflow -- that's a 5.3% decrease week over week (from 55,650,000 to 52,700,000). Among the largest underlying components of XBI, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 10%, Tesaro Inc (Symbol: TSRO) is off about 0.3%, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is lower by about 1.4%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the XBI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XBI, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, XBI's low point in its 52 week range is $73.97 per share, with $101.55 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $78.33. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average » .
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Click here to find out which 9 other ETFs experienced notable outflows »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among the largest underlying components of XBI, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 10%, Tesaro Inc (Symbol: TSRO) is off about 0.3%, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is lower by about 1.4%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the XBI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XBI, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, XBI's low point in its 52 week range is $73.97 per share, with $101.55 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $78.33. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. | Among the largest underlying components of XBI, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 10%, Tesaro Inc (Symbol: TSRO) is off about 0.3%, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is lower by about 1.4%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the XBI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XBI, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, XBI's low point in its 52 week range is $73.97 per share, with $101.55 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $78.33. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). | Among the largest underlying components of XBI, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 10%, Tesaro Inc (Symbol: TSRO) is off about 0.3%, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is lower by about 1.4%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel , one standout is the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (Symbol: XBI) where we have detected an approximate $236.2 million dollar outflow -- that's a 5.3% decrease week over week (from 55,650,000 to 52,700,000). For a complete list of holdings, visit the XBI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XBI, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, XBI's low point in its 52 week range is $73.97 per share, with $101.55 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $78.33. | Among the largest underlying components of XBI, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is down about 10%, Tesaro Inc (Symbol: TSRO) is off about 0.3%, and Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is lower by about 1.4%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel , one standout is the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (Symbol: XBI) where we have detected an approximate $236.2 million dollar outflow -- that's a 5.3% decrease week over week (from 55,650,000 to 52,700,000). For a complete list of holdings, visit the XBI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XBI, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, XBI's low point in its 52 week range is $73.97 per share, with $101.55 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $78.33. |
35961.0 | 2018-11-27 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 11/27/2018: DVA,VRTX,ACAD,GTHX | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-11272018-dvavrtxacadgthx-2018-11-27 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ +1.37%
PFE +1.77%
ABT +1.23%
MRK +0.94%
AMGN +1.44%
Health care stocks extended their prior gains this afternoon, including a 0.5% increase for the NYSE Health Care Index. Shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 were up nearly 1.0% as a group although the Nasdaq Biotechnology index dropped over 0.3% today.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(+) DaVita ( DVA ) was nearly 4% higher in late Tuesday trading after the kidney dialysis chain said lenders, led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, agreed to a revised senior secured credit facility increasing the company's maximum leverage ratio from 4.50-to-1.00 to 5.00-to-1.00 through June 29, 2019. The amended loan facility also allows the company to sell additional shares of its common stock, according to a regulatory filing Monday night.
In other sector news:
(+) Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX ) rose over 5% on Tuesday after saying a combination of its VX-659 drug candidate with two previously approved chemotherapy medications, tezacaftor and ivacaftor, produced statistically significant improvements in lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis during a pair of Phase III studies compared with tezacaftor and ivacaftor alone. The VX-659 triple combination regimen also was well tolerated, Vertex said, adding the safety and efficacy profiles from Tuesday's results supports the potential submission of a new drug application for VX-659.
(-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was down by double digits in late Tuesday trading, dropping almost 12% after earlier announcing plans for a $200 million public offering of its common stock. The biopharmaceutical company working to commercialize small molecule drugs to address certain central nervous system disorders also expects to provide underwriters for the deal with a 30-day option to buy up to $30 million of additional shares to cover potential overalotments.
(-) G1 Therapeutics ( GTHX ) dropped over 17% this afternoon after late Monday saying there was no statistically significant difference in the overall response rate and progression-free survival for patients with small cell lung cancer treated with a combination of its trilaciclib drug candidate and traditional chemotherapy and patients treated with chemotherapy alone during Phase II testing. The overall response rate for patients in the trilaciclib arm of the trial was 56.0% compared with a 63.5% rate for the placebo group while the preliminary median rate of progression-free survival was 5.7 months for trilaciclib and 5.4 months for the placebo group.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2016 MTNewswires.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was down by double digits in late Tuesday trading, dropping almost 12% after earlier announcing plans for a $200 million public offering of its common stock. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) DaVita ( DVA ) was nearly 4% higher in late Tuesday trading after the kidney dialysis chain said lenders, led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, agreed to a revised senior secured credit facility increasing the company's maximum leverage ratio from 4.50-to-1.00 to 5.00-to-1.00 through June 29, 2019. The biopharmaceutical company working to commercialize small molecule drugs to address certain central nervous system disorders also expects to provide underwriters for the deal with a 30-day option to buy up to $30 million of additional shares to cover potential overalotments. | (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was down by double digits in late Tuesday trading, dropping almost 12% after earlier announcing plans for a $200 million public offering of its common stock. (-) G1 Therapeutics ( GTHX ) dropped over 17% this afternoon after late Monday saying there was no statistically significant difference in the overall response rate and progression-free survival for patients with small cell lung cancer treated with a combination of its trilaciclib drug candidate and traditional chemotherapy and patients treated with chemotherapy alone during Phase II testing. The overall response rate for patients in the trilaciclib arm of the trial was 56.0% compared with a 63.5% rate for the placebo group while the preliminary median rate of progression-free survival was 5.7 months for trilaciclib and 5.4 months for the placebo group. | (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was down by double digits in late Tuesday trading, dropping almost 12% after earlier announcing plans for a $200 million public offering of its common stock. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) DaVita ( DVA ) was nearly 4% higher in late Tuesday trading after the kidney dialysis chain said lenders, led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, agreed to a revised senior secured credit facility increasing the company's maximum leverage ratio from 4.50-to-1.00 to 5.00-to-1.00 through June 29, 2019. In other sector news: (+) Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX ) rose over 5% on Tuesday after saying a combination of its VX-659 drug candidate with two previously approved chemotherapy medications, tezacaftor and ivacaftor, produced statistically significant improvements in lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis during a pair of Phase III studies compared with tezacaftor and ivacaftor alone. | (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was down by double digits in late Tuesday trading, dropping almost 12% after earlier announcing plans for a $200 million public offering of its common stock. Top Health Care Stocks Shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 were up nearly 1.0% as a group although the Nasdaq Biotechnology index dropped over 0.3% today. |
35962.0 | 2018-11-27 00:00:00 UTC | Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Is Plummeting | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-plummeting-2018-11-27 | nan | nan | What happened
After management announced its intention to raise capital through a common stock offering, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, fell 12% as of 3:07 p.m. EST on Tuesday.
So what
Acadia announced its intention to raise up to $230 million through a secondary offering.
That news isn't sitting well with investors because the company's share price has been falling all year. Acadia started 2018 with its share price trading for more than $30. The stock closed yesterday's trading session at less than $20. The declining share price means that investors are going to have to endure more dilution than they would have if management had chosen to raise capital earlier in the year.
On the plus side, Acadia's stock has rebounded from its 52-week lows after some favorable commentary was released by the FDA , so the timing of this capital raise could have been worse.
Now what
Earlier in November, Acadia told investors that it planned on ending the year with at least $160 million in cash on its books, so the company isn't in dire need of a cash injection just yet. However, given that the company's net loss in 2018 is probably going to be more than $230 million, it is understandable why management wants to act now.
For investors, the commentary from the FDA should help the company to recover from a debacle that surfaced earlier this year after a CNN report highlighted hundreds of patient deaths that could have been related to the use of Nuplazid. Now the company can remain squarely focused on what's important: ramping up sales of Nuplazid as quickly as possible and working to expand the drug's labeling. If it can execute on those two fronts, the share price will take care of itself.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor , has quadrupled the market.*
David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.
Click here to learn about these picks!
*Stock Advisor returns as of November 14, 2018
Brian Feroldi has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What happened After management announced its intention to raise capital through a common stock offering, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, fell 12% as of 3:07 p.m. EST on Tuesday. On the plus side, Acadia's stock has rebounded from its 52-week lows after some favorable commentary was released by the FDA , so the timing of this capital raise could have been worse. So what Acadia announced its intention to raise up to $230 million through a secondary offering. | What happened After management announced its intention to raise capital through a common stock offering, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, fell 12% as of 3:07 p.m. EST on Tuesday. So what Acadia announced its intention to raise up to $230 million through a secondary offering. Acadia started 2018 with its share price trading for more than $30. | What happened After management announced its intention to raise capital through a common stock offering, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, fell 12% as of 3:07 p.m. EST on Tuesday. Now what Earlier in November, Acadia told investors that it planned on ending the year with at least $160 million in cash on its books, so the company isn't in dire need of a cash injection just yet. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. | * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! What happened After management announced its intention to raise capital through a common stock offering, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, fell 12% as of 3:07 p.m. EST on Tuesday. So what Acadia announced its intention to raise up to $230 million through a secondary offering. |
35963.0 | 2018-11-27 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 11/27/2018: VRTX,HALO,GTHX,ACAD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-11272018-vrtxhalogthxacad-2018-11-27 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ +0.60%
PFE +1.13%
ABT +1.09%
MRK +0.86%
AMGN +0.94%
Health care stocks were higher, including a 0.3% gain for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trade. Shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 were up 0.7% as a group, although the Nasdaq Biotechnology index was 0.2% lower.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(+) Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX ) rose 5% on Tuesday after saying a triple combination of its VX-659 drug candidate with two previously approved chemotherapy medications, tezacaftor and ivacaftor, produced statistically significant improvements in lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis during a pair of Phase III studies
In other sector news:
(-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was down 12% after announcing plans for a $200 million public offering of its common stock.
(-) Halozyme Therapeutics ( HALO ) declined 7.5% after the biotech company late Monday said the US Food and Drug Administration agreed to allow the company to change the primary endpoint of a late-stage clinical study of its PEGPH20 drug candidate as a first-line treatment in patients with metastatic pancreas cancer to a single primary endpoint of overall survival. Because of the change, a previously planned interim analysis is being scrapped, the company said.
(-) G1 Therapeutics ( GTHX ) dropped 16% this afternoon after late Monday saying there was no statistically significant difference in the overall response rate and progression-free survival for patients with small cell lung cancer treated with a combination of its trilaciclib drug candidate and traditional chemotherapy and patients treated with chemotherapy alone during Phase II testing. The overall response rate for patients in the trilaciclib arm of the trial was 56.0% compared with a 63.5% rate for the placebo group while the preliminary median rate of progression-free survival was 5.7 months for trilaciclib and 5.4 months for the placebo group.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2016 MTNewswires.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX ) rose 5% on Tuesday after saying a triple combination of its VX-659 drug candidate with two previously approved chemotherapy medications, tezacaftor and ivacaftor, produced statistically significant improvements in lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis during a pair of Phase III studies In other sector news: (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was down 12% after announcing plans for a $200 million public offering of its common stock. (-) Halozyme Therapeutics ( HALO ) declined 7.5% after the biotech company late Monday said the US Food and Drug Administration agreed to allow the company to change the primary endpoint of a late-stage clinical study of its PEGPH20 drug candidate as a first-line treatment in patients with metastatic pancreas cancer to a single primary endpoint of overall survival. (-) G1 Therapeutics ( GTHX ) dropped 16% this afternoon after late Monday saying there was no statistically significant difference in the overall response rate and progression-free survival for patients with small cell lung cancer treated with a combination of its trilaciclib drug candidate and traditional chemotherapy and patients treated with chemotherapy alone during Phase II testing. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX ) rose 5% on Tuesday after saying a triple combination of its VX-659 drug candidate with two previously approved chemotherapy medications, tezacaftor and ivacaftor, produced statistically significant improvements in lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis during a pair of Phase III studies In other sector news: (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was down 12% after announcing plans for a $200 million public offering of its common stock. (-) G1 Therapeutics ( GTHX ) dropped 16% this afternoon after late Monday saying there was no statistically significant difference in the overall response rate and progression-free survival for patients with small cell lung cancer treated with a combination of its trilaciclib drug candidate and traditional chemotherapy and patients treated with chemotherapy alone during Phase II testing. The overall response rate for patients in the trilaciclib arm of the trial was 56.0% compared with a 63.5% rate for the placebo group while the preliminary median rate of progression-free survival was 5.7 months for trilaciclib and 5.4 months for the placebo group. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX ) rose 5% on Tuesday after saying a triple combination of its VX-659 drug candidate with two previously approved chemotherapy medications, tezacaftor and ivacaftor, produced statistically significant improvements in lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis during a pair of Phase III studies In other sector news: (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was down 12% after announcing plans for a $200 million public offering of its common stock. (-) Halozyme Therapeutics ( HALO ) declined 7.5% after the biotech company late Monday said the US Food and Drug Administration agreed to allow the company to change the primary endpoint of a late-stage clinical study of its PEGPH20 drug candidate as a first-line treatment in patients with metastatic pancreas cancer to a single primary endpoint of overall survival. (-) G1 Therapeutics ( GTHX ) dropped 16% this afternoon after late Monday saying there was no statistically significant difference in the overall response rate and progression-free survival for patients with small cell lung cancer treated with a combination of its trilaciclib drug candidate and traditional chemotherapy and patients treated with chemotherapy alone during Phase II testing. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) Vertex Pharmaceuticals ( VRTX ) rose 5% on Tuesday after saying a triple combination of its VX-659 drug candidate with two previously approved chemotherapy medications, tezacaftor and ivacaftor, produced statistically significant improvements in lung function in patients with cystic fibrosis during a pair of Phase III studies In other sector news: (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was down 12% after announcing plans for a $200 million public offering of its common stock. Top Health Care Stocks Shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 were up 0.7% as a group, although the Nasdaq Biotechnology index was 0.2% lower. |
35964.0 | 2018-11-16 00:00:00 UTC | Noteworthy ETF Outflows: XBI, ACAD, IONS, ARRY | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/noteworthy-etf-outflows-xbi-acad-ions-arry-2018-11-16 | nan | nan | Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel , one standout is the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (Symbol: XBI) where we have detected an approximate $275.9 million dollar outflow -- that's a 6.3% decrease week over week (from 56,150,000 to 52,600,000). Among the largest underlying components of XBI, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up about 2.4%, Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is up about 1.3%, and Array BioPharma Inc. (Symbol: ARRY) is higher by about 1.8%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the XBI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XBI, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, XBI's low point in its 52 week range is $73.97 per share, with $101.55 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $78.95. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average » .
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Click here to find out which 9 other ETFs experienced notable outflows »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among the largest underlying components of XBI, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up about 2.4%, Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is up about 1.3%, and Array BioPharma Inc. (Symbol: ARRY) is higher by about 1.8%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the XBI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XBI, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, XBI's low point in its 52 week range is $73.97 per share, with $101.55 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $78.95. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. | Among the largest underlying components of XBI, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up about 2.4%, Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is up about 1.3%, and Array BioPharma Inc. (Symbol: ARRY) is higher by about 1.8%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the XBI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XBI, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, XBI's low point in its 52 week range is $73.97 per share, with $101.55 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $78.95. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). | Among the largest underlying components of XBI, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up about 2.4%, Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is up about 1.3%, and Array BioPharma Inc. (Symbol: ARRY) is higher by about 1.8%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel , one standout is the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (Symbol: XBI) where we have detected an approximate $275.9 million dollar outflow -- that's a 6.3% decrease week over week (from 56,150,000 to 52,600,000). For a complete list of holdings, visit the XBI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XBI, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, XBI's low point in its 52 week range is $73.97 per share, with $101.55 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $78.95. | Among the largest underlying components of XBI, in trading today Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) is up about 2.4%, Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: IONS) is up about 1.3%, and Array BioPharma Inc. (Symbol: ARRY) is higher by about 1.8%. Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel , one standout is the SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (Symbol: XBI) where we have detected an approximate $275.9 million dollar outflow -- that's a 6.3% decrease week over week (from 56,150,000 to 52,600,000). For a complete list of holdings, visit the XBI Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of XBI, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, XBI's low point in its 52 week range is $73.97 per share, with $101.55 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $78.95. |
35965.0 | 2018-11-08 00:00:00 UTC | December 28th Options Now Available For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/december-28th-options-now-available-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2018-11-08 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the December 28th expiration. At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new December 28th contracts and identified the following put contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $19.00 strike price has a current bid of 20 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $19.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $18.80 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $19.77/share today.
Because the $19.00 strike represents an approximate 4% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 61%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract . Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 1.05% return on the cash commitment, or 7.68% annualized - at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost .
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $19.00 strike is located relative to that history:
The implied volatility in the put contract example above is 124%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $19.77) to be 75%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Puts of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the December 28th expiration. At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new December 28th contracts and identified the following put contract of particular interest. To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $19.77/share today. | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the December 28th expiration. Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $19.00 strike is located relative to that history: The implied volatility in the put contract example above is 124%. At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new December 28th contracts and identified the following put contract of particular interest. | At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new December 28th contracts and identified the following put contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $19.00 strike is located relative to that history: The implied volatility in the put contract example above is 124%. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the December 28th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new December 28th contracts and identified the following put contract of particular interest. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the December 28th expiration. To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $19.77/share today. |
35966.0 | 2018-11-06 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Reports Q3 Loss, Tops Revenue Estimates | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-reports-q3-loss-tops-revenue-estimates-2018-11-06 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.50 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.58. This compares to loss of $0.53 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 13.79%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this drugmaker would post a loss of $0.45 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.51, delivering a surprise of -13.33%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.
Acadia, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $58.31 million for the quarter ended September 2018, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.70%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $35.58 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Acadia shares have lost about 28.1% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 2.4%.
What's Next for Acadia?
While Acadia has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Acadia was mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here .
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is -$0.51 on $61.18 million in revenues for the coming quarter and -$2.08 on $225.01 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Medical - Biomedical and Genetics is currently in the top 32% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
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ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report
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Zacks Investment Research
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.50 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.58. Acadia, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $58.31 million for the quarter ended September 2018, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.70%. Acadia shares have lost about 28.1% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 2.4%. | Acadia, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $58.31 million for the quarter ended September 2018, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.70%. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.50 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.58. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.50 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.58. Acadia, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $58.31 million for the quarter ended September 2018, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.70%. Acadia shares have lost about 28.1% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 2.4%. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.50 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.58. Acadia, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $58.31 million for the quarter ended September 2018, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.70%. Acadia shares have lost about 28.1% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 2.4%. |
35967.0 | 2018-11-06 00:00:00 UTC | Earnings Reaction History: ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc, 60.0% Follow-Through Indicator, 8.5% Sensitive | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/earnings-reaction-history-acadia-pharmaceuticals-inc-600-follow-through-indicator-85 | nan | nan | Expected Earnings Release: 11/06/2018, After-hours
Avg. Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $5,260,497
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. Given its history, traders can expect very active trading in the issue immediately following its quarterly earnings announcement. Historical earnings event related premarket and after-hours trading activity in ACAD indicates that the price change in the extended hours is likely to be of limited value in forecasting additional price movement by the following regular session close.
Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions
Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 60%
Average next regular session additional gain: 3.9%
Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 60.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.9%.
Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions
Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 80%
Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8%
Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 80.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close.
Data provided by the MT Pro service at MTNewswires.com.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2016 MTNewswires.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 60% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.9% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 60.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.9%. Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 80% Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8% Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 80.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close. Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $5,260,497 ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. | Historical earnings event related premarket and after-hours trading activity in ACAD indicates that the price change in the extended hours is likely to be of limited value in forecasting additional price movement by the following regular session close. Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 60% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.9% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 60.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.9%. Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 80% Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8% Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 80.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close. | Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 60% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.9% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 60.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.9%. Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 80% Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8% Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 80.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close. Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $5,260,497 ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. | Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $5,260,497 ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. Historical earnings event related premarket and after-hours trading activity in ACAD indicates that the price change in the extended hours is likely to be of limited value in forecasting additional price movement by the following regular session close. Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 60% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.9% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 60.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.9%. |
35968.0 | 2018-10-31 00:00:00 UTC | ACAD Makes Notable Cross Below Critical Moving Average | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acad-makes-notable-cross-below-critical-moving-average-2018-10-31 | nan | nan | In trading on Wednesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $20.03, changing hands as low as $19.50 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 5.6% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $38 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $19.98.
Click here to find out which 9 other stocks recently crossed below their 200 day moving average »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Wednesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $20.03, changing hands as low as $19.50 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $38 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $19.98. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 5.6% on the day. | In trading on Wednesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $20.03, changing hands as low as $19.50 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $38 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $19.98. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 5.6% on the day. | In trading on Wednesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $20.03, changing hands as low as $19.50 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $38 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $19.98. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 5.6% on the day. | In trading on Wednesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed below their 200 day moving average of $20.03, changing hands as low as $19.50 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading down about 5.6% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $38 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $19.98. |
35969.0 | 2018-10-30 00:00:00 UTC | Earnings Preview: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Q3 Earnings Expected to Decline | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/earnings-preview%3A-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-q3-earnings-expected-to-decline-2018-10-30 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) is expected to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended September 2018. This widely-known consensus outlook gives a good sense of the company's earnings picture, but how the actual results compare to these estimates is a powerful factor that could impact its near-term stock price.
The stock might move higher if these key numbers top expectations in the upcoming earnings report, which is expected to be released on November 6. On the other hand, if they miss, the stock may move lower.
While the sustainability of the immediate price change and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's discussion of business conditions on theearnings call it's worth handicapping the probability of a positive EPS surprise.
Zacks Consensus Estimate
This drugmaker is expected to post quarterly loss of $0.58 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -9.4%.
Revenues are expected to be $57.30 million, up 61.1% from the year-ago quarter.
Estimate Revisions Trend
The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 0.96% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. This is essentially a reflection of how the covering analysts have collectively reassessed their initial estimates over this period.
Investors should keep in mind that an aggregate change may not always reflect the direction of estimate revisions by each of the covering analysts.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
Earnings Whisper
Estimate revisions ahead of a company's earnings release offer clues to the business conditions for the period whose results are coming out. This insight is at the core of our proprietary surprise prediction model -- the Zacks Earnings ESP (Expected Surprise Prediction).
The Zacks Earnings ESP compares the Most Accurate Estimate to the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the quarter; the Most Accurate Estimate is a version of the Zacks Consensus whose definition is subject to change. The idea here is that analysts revising their estimates right before an earnings release have the latest information, which could potentially be more accurate than what they and others contributing to the consensus had predicted earlier.
Thus, a positive or negative Earnings ESP reading theoretically indicates the likely deviation of the actual earnings from the consensus estimate. However, the model's predictive power is significant for positive ESP readings only.
A positive Earnings ESP is a strong predictor of an earnings beat, particularly when combined with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold). Our research shows that stocks with this combination produce a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time , and a solid Zacks Rank actually increases the predictive power of Earnings ESP.
Please note that a negative Earnings ESP reading is not indicative of an earnings miss. Our research shows that it is difficult to predict an earnings beat with any degree of confidence for stocks with negative Earnings ESP readings and/or Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) or 5 (Strong Sell).
How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Acadia?
For Acadia, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. This has resulted in an Earnings ESP of -3.75%.
On the other hand, the stock currently carries a Zacks Rank of #3.
So, this combination makes it difficult to conclusively predict that Acadia will beat the consensus EPS estimate.
Does Earnings Surprise History Hold Any Clue?
Analysts often consider to what extent a company has been able to match consensus estimates in the past while calculating their estimates for its future earnings. So, it's worth taking a look at the surprise history for gauging its influence on the upcoming number.
For the last reported quarter, it was expected that Acadia would post a loss of $0.45 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.51, delivering a surprise of -13.33%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten consensus EPS estimates three times.
Bottom Line
An earnings beat or miss may not be the sole basis for a stock moving higher or lower. Many stocks end up losing ground despite an earnings beat due to other factors that disappoint investors. Similarly, unforeseen catalysts help a number of stocks gain despite an earnings miss.
That said, betting on stocks that are expected to beat earnings expectations does increase the odds of success. This is why it's worth checking a company's Earnings ESP and Zacks Rank ahead of its quarterly release. Make sure to utilize our Earnings ESP Filter to uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they've reported.
Acadia doesn't appear a compelling earnings-beat candidate. However, investors should pay attention to other factors too for betting on this stock or staying away from it ahead of its earnings release.
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ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) is expected to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended September 2018. How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Acadia? For Acadia, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) is expected to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended September 2018. How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Acadia? For Acadia, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) is expected to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended September 2018. How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Acadia? For Acadia, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) is expected to deliver a year-over-year decline in earnings on higher revenues when it reports results for the quarter ended September 2018. How Have the Numbers Shaped Up for Acadia? For Acadia, the Most Accurate Estimate is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, suggesting that analysts have recently become bearish on the company's earnings prospects. |
35970.0 | 2018-10-10 00:00:00 UTC | Here's Why ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Jumped 46% in September | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/heres-why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-jumped-46-september-2018-10-10 | nan | nan | What happened
Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) soared 46% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . The catalyst was a positive statement from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration at the conclusion of a postmarketing review of Nuplazid, approved to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease, in which the regulatory body reaffirmed the treatment's safety profile.
Additionally, the FDA reminded healthcare providers that Nuplazid is the only antipsychotic drug approved to treat Parkinson's disease psychosis. Considering the drug posted revenue of roughly $106 million in the first half of 2018 and is the only commercial product of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, the results of the postmarketing review were about as good as investors could have hoped for. But investors still need to watch one key metric going forward.
So what
As The Motley Fool's Dr. Brian Orelli noted in September, the FDA initiated the postmarketing review following a report that alleged hundreds of patients taking Nuplazid had died, and that the drug played a critical role. That worried investors, especially considering Nuplazid comes with a boxed warning that it can increase the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
However, after reviewing the data on patient deaths where Nuplazid was prescribed, the regulatory body concluded that the safety profile of the drug since marketing approval has been consistent with observations from clinical trials. That said, the significant negative publicity may cause doctors to hesitate to prescribe the drug. That's why investors need to keep a close eye on Nuplazid sales in the coming quarters to make sure the growth story remains intact.
Now what
Investors can breathe a sigh of relief -- for now. While Nuplazid escaped further regulatory scrutiny, there's still an open question of whether or not the drug's commercial prospects will be harmed going forward. Considering the drug comprises four of five clinical programs under development by ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, this may not be the last time investors are confronted with uncertainty or hesitation concerning the drug's safety.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What happened Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) soared 46% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . Considering the drug posted revenue of roughly $106 million in the first half of 2018 and is the only commercial product of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, the results of the postmarketing review were about as good as investors could have hoped for. Considering the drug comprises four of five clinical programs under development by ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, this may not be the last time investors are confronted with uncertainty or hesitation concerning the drug's safety. | What happened Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) soared 46% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . Considering the drug posted revenue of roughly $106 million in the first half of 2018 and is the only commercial product of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, the results of the postmarketing review were about as good as investors could have hoped for. Considering the drug comprises four of five clinical programs under development by ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, this may not be the last time investors are confronted with uncertainty or hesitation concerning the drug's safety. | Considering the drug comprises four of five clinical programs under development by ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, this may not be the last time investors are confronted with uncertainty or hesitation concerning the drug's safety. What happened Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) soared 46% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . Considering the drug posted revenue of roughly $106 million in the first half of 2018 and is the only commercial product of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, the results of the postmarketing review were about as good as investors could have hoped for. | Considering the drug comprises four of five clinical programs under development by ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, this may not be the last time investors are confronted with uncertainty or hesitation concerning the drug's safety. What happened Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) soared 46% last month, according to data provided by S&P Global Market Intelligence . Considering the drug posted revenue of roughly $106 million in the first half of 2018 and is the only commercial product of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, the results of the postmarketing review were about as good as investors could have hoped for. |
35971.0 | 2018-10-04 00:00:00 UTC | Noteworthy Thursday Option Activity: ACAD, CL, INGN | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/noteworthy-thursday-option-activity-acad-cl-ingn-2018-10-04 | nan | nan | Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 15,250 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.5 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 42% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 3.6 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $23 strike call option expiring December 21, 2018 , with 5,420 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 542,000 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23 strike highlighted in orange:
Colgate-Palmolive Co. (Symbol: CL) options are showing a volume of 12,020 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 1.2 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 41.6% of CL's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 2.9 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $64.50 strike put option expiring November 02, 2018 , with 2,696 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 269,600 underlying shares of CL. Below is a chart showing CL's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $64.50 strike highlighted in orange:
And Inogen, Inc (Symbol: INGN) options are showing a volume of 1,844 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 184,400 underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 41.6% of INGN's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 443,290 shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $220 strike put option expiring October 19, 2018 , with 583 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 58,300 underlying shares of INGN. Below is a chart showing INGN's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $220 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for ACAD options , CL options , or INGN options , visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Today's Most Active Call & Put Options of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Particularly high volume was seen for the $23 strike call option expiring December 21, 2018 , with 5,420 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 542,000 underlying shares of ACAD. Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 15,250 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.5 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 42% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 3.6 million shares. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $23 strike highlighted in orange: Colgate-Palmolive Co. (Symbol: CL) options are showing a volume of 12,020 contracts thus far today. Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 15,250 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.5 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 42% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 3.6 million shares. | Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 15,250 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.5 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). That number works out to 42% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 3.6 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $23 strike call option expiring December 21, 2018 , with 5,420 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 542,000 underlying shares of ACAD. | Looking at options trading activity among components of the Russell 3000 index, there is noteworthy activity today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total volume of 15,250 contracts has been traded thus far today, a contract volume which is representative of approximately 1.5 million underlying shares (given that every 1 contract represents 100 underlying shares). Particularly high volume was seen for the $23 strike call option expiring December 21, 2018 , with 5,420 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 542,000 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing INGN's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $220 strike highlighted in orange: For the various different available expirations for ACAD options , CL options , or INGN options , visit StockOptionsChannel.com. |
35972.0 | 2018-10-02 00:00:00 UTC | 5 Top Healthcare Mutual Funds to Buy in October | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/5-top-healthcare-mutual-funds-to-buy-in-october-2018-10-02 | nan | nan | Traditionally, October has been a weak month for stocks. However, so far this year, biotech stocks have shown significant resilience, with iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) gaining 11.5% year to date (YTD). Additionally, the broader Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) has risen 15.1% YTD, better than the S&P 500's increase of 9% during the same period.
Health problems like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and food allergies are expected to keep drug manufacturers busy in the coming months. Moreover, successful drug trials at several biopharmas and FDA approvals are going to benefit drug makers. Given the present circumstances, biotech companies appear promising bets for October.
NASH, Food Allergies to Bring Significant Gains for Drugmakers
Countries like the United States that have a fatty diet range of 5% to 20% are expected to be more affected by NASH, per a Reuters report. It is projected to create a market of around $20 billion to $35 billion in the next two years. In fact, in the United States alone, 15 million people are projected to suffer from NASH, which, in turn, will benefit biopharmaceutical companies developing treatments for this indication.
Additionally, life-threatening food allergies are a concern in the United States. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1997 to 2016, severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis jumped 70% in kids aged less than 18 years in the United States. Per a study by FAIR Health, in the United States, private insurance claims related to the diagnoses of anaphylaxis soared 377% from 2007 to 2016.
A Few Key Updates
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ALXN announced that the phase III study, PREVENT, on its lead drug Soliris was successful. Data showed that treatment with Soliris reduced the risk of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder relapse by 94.2% compared to placebo. Gilead GILD announced that it plans to launch authorized generic versions of its leading hepatitis C virus treatments - Epclusa and Harvoni.
The FDA lifted the clinical hold for Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc's SRPT Duchenne muscular dystrophy micro-dystrophin gene therapy program.Separately, Sarepta expects the European Commission to adopt the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use's opinion by year-end 2018.
Amarin Corporation plc AMRN reported positive top-line results from the cardiovascular outcomes trial, REDUCE-IT on Vascepa, which is derived from fish oil. The FDA issued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD Nuplazid for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis.
Biotech Stocks on Strong Footing
The Zacks Medical - Drugs industry, part of the broader Zacks Medical Sector, has outperformed its own sector over the past year. While the stocks in this industry have collectively gained 9.3%, the Zacks Medical Sector has rallied 8.6%.
Also, the industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #102, which places it in the top 40% of more than 250 Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
On the earnings front, out of the 155 companies in the Zacks Medical - Drugs Industry, 128 reported earnings for the second quarter. Out of the 128, 64 delivered earnings beat while 13 managed to meet the consensus estimate. According to Morningstar, healthcare mutual funds have posted year-to-date and one-year returns of 18.6% and 19.2%, respectively.
Top 5 Healthcare Mutual Funds
The aforementioned bullish factors call for investing in healthcare funds. In this context we have selected five strong performing healthcare mutual funds. These funds have generated impressive returns in the year-to-date (YTD) period. These funds boast a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), require a minimum initial investment within $5,000 and carry a low expense ratio.
We expect these funds to outperform their peers in the future. Remember, the goal of the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank is to guide investors to identify potential winners and losers. Unlike most of the fund-rating systems, the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank is not just focused on past performance but also on the likely future success of the fund.
Fidelity Select Medical Equipment and Systems Portfolio FSMEX invests the bulk of its assets in securities of companies that focus on research, development, manufacture, distribution, supply, or sale of medical equipment and devices and related technologies. The fund invests in securities of U.S. and non-U.S. companies.
The fund has generated YTD returns of 30.7% and has an expense ratio of 0.75% compared with the category average of 1.41%. FSMEX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.
Franklin Biotechnology Discovery AFBDIX invests the majority of its assets in securities of companies from the biotechnology domain. The non-diversified fund may invest a maximum of one-fifth of its assets in equities as well as debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. biotech companies.
The fund has returned 10.2% YTD and has an expense ratio of 1.02% compared with the category average of 1.41%. FBDIX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #2.
T. Rowe Price Health Sciences PRHSX invests the major portion of its net assets in common stocks of companies involved in research, development, production, or distribution of products or services related to health care and life sciences. PRHSX may invest in companies of any size but focuses on investing in large and mid-cap companies.
The fund has generated YTD returns of 18.8% and has an expense ratio of 0.77% compared with the category average of 1.41%. PRHSX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #2.
Delaware Healthcare A DLHAX seeks long-term capital growth. DLHAX invests a large part of its assets in the equity securities of healthcare companies. These companies produce and distribute products that are required in medical industries.
The fund has returned 16.6% YTD and has an expense ratio of 1.31% compared with the category average of 1.41%. DLHAX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #2.
Fidelity Advisor Health Care Fund AFACDX seeks appreciation of capital. FACDX invests in securities issued by companies engaged in the design, production and sale of products or services used in the healthcare sector. The fund normally invests in both U.S. as well as non-U.S. companies.
The fund has generated YTD returns of 25% and has an expense ratio of 1.04% compared with the category average of 1.41%. FACDX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #2.
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Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The FDA issued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD Nuplazid for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Click to get this free report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALXN): Free Stock Analysis Report Amarin Corporation PLC (AMRN): Free Stock Analysis Report Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (SRPT): Free Stock Analysis Report Get Your Free (PRHSX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FACDX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (DLHAX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FBDIX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FSMEX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. In fact, in the United States alone, 15 million people are projected to suffer from NASH, which, in turn, will benefit biopharmaceutical companies developing treatments for this indication. | Click to get this free report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALXN): Free Stock Analysis Report Amarin Corporation PLC (AMRN): Free Stock Analysis Report Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (SRPT): Free Stock Analysis Report Get Your Free (PRHSX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FACDX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (DLHAX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FBDIX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FSMEX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The FDA issued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD Nuplazid for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Biotech Stocks on Strong Footing The Zacks Medical - Drugs industry, part of the broader Zacks Medical Sector, has outperformed its own sector over the past year. | Click to get this free report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALXN): Free Stock Analysis Report Amarin Corporation PLC (AMRN): Free Stock Analysis Report Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (SRPT): Free Stock Analysis Report Get Your Free (PRHSX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FACDX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (DLHAX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FBDIX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FSMEX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The FDA issued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD Nuplazid for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. These funds boast a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), require a minimum initial investment within $5,000 and carry a low expense ratio. | The FDA issued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD Nuplazid for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Click to get this free report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALXN): Free Stock Analysis Report Amarin Corporation PLC (AMRN): Free Stock Analysis Report Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (SRPT): Free Stock Analysis Report Get Your Free (PRHSX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FACDX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (DLHAX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FBDIX): Fund Analysis Report Get Your Free (FSMEX): Fund Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Additionally, life-threatening food allergies are a concern in the United States. |
35973.0 | 2018-10-01 00:00:00 UTC | 5 Best Biotech Stocks to Buy In October | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/5-best-biotech-stocks-to-buy-in-october-2018-10-01 | nan | nan | October traditionally has been a weak month for stocks. However, biotech stocks have shown significant resilience so far this year, with the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology ETF (IBB) gaining 11.5% year-to-date (YTD). Additionally, the broader Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) has risen 15.1% YTD, better than the S&P 500's increase of 9% during the same period.
Health problems like Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and food allergies are expected to keep drug manufacturers busy in the coming months. Moreover, successful drug trials at several biopharmas and FDA approvals are going to benefit drug makers. Given the present circumstances, biotech companies appear promising bets for October.
NASH, Food Allergies to Bring Significant Gains for Drugmakers
Countries like the United States that have a fatty diet range of 5% to 20% are expected to be more affected by NASH, per a Reuters report. It is projected to create a market of around $20 billion to $35 billion in the next two years. In fact, in the United States alone, 15 million people are projected to suffer from NASH.
Biopharma behemoths, Gilead Sciences, Inc. GILD and Allergan plc AGN made significant progress in tapping the NASH market last year. Smaller companies like Viking Therapeutics, Inc. VKTX with VK2809 and Madrigal Pharmaceuticals Inc MDGL with MGL-3196 are also in the fray.
Additionally, life-threatening food allergies are a concern in the United States. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1997 to 2016, severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis jumped 70% in kids aged less than 18 years in the United States. Per a study from FAIR Health, in the United States private insurance claims related to the diagnoses of anaphylaxis soared 377% from 2007 to 2016.
A Few Key Developments
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ALXN announced that the phase III study, PREVENT, on its lead drug Soliris was successful. Data showed that treatment with Soliris reduced the risk of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder relapse by 94.2% compared to placebo. Gilead announced that it plans to launch authorized generic versions of its leading hepatitis C virus treatments - Epclusa and Harvoni.
The FDA lifted the clinical hold for Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc's SRPT Duchenne muscular dystrophy micro-dystrophin gene therapy program. Separately, Sarepta expects the European Commission to adopt the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use's opinion by year-end 2018.
Amarin Corporation plc AMRN reported positive top-line results from the cardiovascular outcomes trial, REDUCE-IT on Vascepa, which is derived from fish oil. The FDA issued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD Nuplazid for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis.
Biotech Stocks on Strong Ground
The Zacks Medical - Drugs industry, part of the broader Zacks Medical Sector, has outperformed its own sector over the past year. While the stocks in this industry have collectively gained 9.4%, the Zacks Medical Sector has rallied 8.4%.
Also, the industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #102, which placed it in the top 40% of more than 250 Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperforms the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
On the earnings front, out of the 155 companies in the Zacks Medical - Drugs Industry, 128 reported earnings for the second quarter. Out of the 128, 64 delivered earnings beat while 13 managed to meet the consensus estimate.
5 Biotech Stocks to Buy Now
With around 15 million people in the United States affected by NASH and 70% rise in anaphylaxis in U.S. kids aged less than 18, between 1997 and 2016, biopharmaceutical companies are looking to tap this market. Moreover, an encouraging biotech stock outlook added to the positive sentiment.
In this context, we have selected five stocks that are expected to move north following successful drug developments. These stocks carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Champions Oncology, Inc. CSBR is a developer of technology solutions and products to personalize the development and use of oncology drugs in the United States.
The company is based in Hackensack, NJ and carries a Zacks Rank #1. The company has expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved more than 100% over the past 60 days.
CytoDyn Inc. CYDY is a biotech company focused on clinical development and potential commercialization of humanized monoclonal antibodies for treatment and prevention of HIV infection.
The company is based in Vancouver, WA, and carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth rate of 31.03% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 4.8% over the past 60 days.
Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. INFI is a biopharmaceutical company that develops medicines for people with cancer in the United States.
The company is based in Cambridge, MA and carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth rate of 31.33% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 24% over the past 60 days.
Nektar Therapeutics NKTR is a research-based biopharmaceutical company that discovers and develops drug candidates for cancer, auto-immune disease and chronic pain in the United States.
The company is based in San Francisco, CA and carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 12.5% over the past 60 days.
Zoetis Inc. ZTS is a developer, manufacturer and marketer of veterinary vaccines and medicines in the United States and worldwide.
The company is based in Parsippany, NJ and carries a Zacks Rank #2. The company has expected earnings growth of 27.87% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 0.7% over the past 60 days.
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Allergan plc (AGN): Free Stock Analysis Report
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report
Amarin Corporation PLC (AMRN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (SRPT): Free Stock Analysis Report
Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALXN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report
Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (INFI): Free Stock Analysis Report
Champions Oncology, Inc. (CSBR): Free Stock Analysis Report
CytoDyn Inc. (CYDY): Free Stock Analysis Report
Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR): Free Stock Analysis Report
Zoetis Inc. (ZTS): Free Stock Analysis Report
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MDGL): Free Stock Analysis Report
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The FDA issued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD Nuplazid for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Click to get this free report Allergan plc (AGN): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Amarin Corporation PLC (AMRN): Free Stock Analysis Report Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (SRPT): Free Stock Analysis Report Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALXN): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (INFI): Free Stock Analysis Report Champions Oncology, Inc. (CSBR): Free Stock Analysis Report CytoDyn Inc. (CYDY): Free Stock Analysis Report Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR): Free Stock Analysis Report Zoetis Inc. (ZTS): Free Stock Analysis Report Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MDGL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Amarin Corporation plc AMRN reported positive top-line results from the cardiovascular outcomes trial, REDUCE-IT on Vascepa, which is derived from fish oil. | Click to get this free report Allergan plc (AGN): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Amarin Corporation PLC (AMRN): Free Stock Analysis Report Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (SRPT): Free Stock Analysis Report Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALXN): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (INFI): Free Stock Analysis Report Champions Oncology, Inc. (CSBR): Free Stock Analysis Report CytoDyn Inc. (CYDY): Free Stock Analysis Report Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR): Free Stock Analysis Report Zoetis Inc. (ZTS): Free Stock Analysis Report Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MDGL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The FDA issued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD Nuplazid for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Biopharma behemoths, Gilead Sciences, Inc. GILD and Allergan plc AGN made significant progress in tapping the NASH market last year. | Click to get this free report Allergan plc (AGN): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Amarin Corporation PLC (AMRN): Free Stock Analysis Report Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (SRPT): Free Stock Analysis Report Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALXN): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (INFI): Free Stock Analysis Report Champions Oncology, Inc. (CSBR): Free Stock Analysis Report CytoDyn Inc. (CYDY): Free Stock Analysis Report Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR): Free Stock Analysis Report Zoetis Inc. (ZTS): Free Stock Analysis Report Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MDGL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. The FDA issued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD Nuplazid for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Biotech Stocks on Strong Ground The Zacks Medical - Drugs industry, part of the broader Zacks Medical Sector, has outperformed its own sector over the past year. | The FDA issued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc's ACAD Nuplazid for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Click to get this free report Allergan plc (AGN): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Amarin Corporation PLC (AMRN): Free Stock Analysis Report Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc. (SRPT): Free Stock Analysis Report Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALXN): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (INFI): Free Stock Analysis Report Champions Oncology, Inc. (CSBR): Free Stock Analysis Report CytoDyn Inc. (CYDY): Free Stock Analysis Report Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR): Free Stock Analysis Report Zoetis Inc. (ZTS): Free Stock Analysis Report Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MDGL): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Biotech Stocks on Strong Ground The Zacks Medical - Drugs industry, part of the broader Zacks Medical Sector, has outperformed its own sector over the past year. |
35974.0 | 2018-09-27 00:00:00 UTC | Interesting ACAD Put And Call Options For November 9th | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/interesting-acad-put-and-call-options-november-9th-2018-09-27 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the November 9th expiration. At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new November 9th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $21.00 strike price has a current bid of 30 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $21.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $20.70 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $21.43/share today.
Because the $21.00 strike represents an approximate 2% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 59%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract . Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 1.43% return on the cash commitment, or 12.11% annualized - at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost .
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $21.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $22.00 strike price has a current bid of 30 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $21.43/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $22.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 4.06% if the stock gets called away at the November 9th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 49%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract , Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 1.40% boost of extra return to the investor, or 11.87% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost .
The implied volatility in the put contract example is 180%, while the implied volatility in the call contract example is 176%.
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $21.43) to be 71%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the November 9th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the November 9th expiration. At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new November 9th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $21.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $22.00 strike price has a current bid of 30 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the November 9th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new November 9th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $22.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $22.00 strike represents an approximate 3% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options become available today, for the November 9th expiration. |
35975.0 | 2018-09-25 00:00:00 UTC | Bullish Two Hundred Day Moving Average Cross - ACAD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/bullish-two-hundred-day-moving-average-cross-acad-2018-09-25 | nan | nan | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $21.05, changing hands as high as $21.85 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading up about 7.9% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $41.20 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $21.41.
Click here to find out which 9 other stocks recently crossed above their 200 day moving average »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $21.05, changing hands as high as $21.85 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $41.20 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $21.41. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading up about 7.9% on the day. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $21.05, changing hands as high as $21.85 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $41.20 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $21.41. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading up about 7.9% on the day. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $21.05, changing hands as high as $21.85 per share. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $41.20 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $21.41. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading up about 7.9% on the day. | In trading on Tuesday, shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) crossed above their 200 day moving average of $21.05, changing hands as high as $21.85 per share. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc shares are currently trading up about 7.9% on the day. The chart below shows the one year performance of ACAD shares, versus its 200 day moving average: Looking at the chart above, ACAD's low point in its 52 week range is $12.77 per share, with $41.20 as the 52 week high point - that compares with a last trade of $21.41. |
35976.0 | 2018-09-22 00:00:00 UTC | 3 Biotech Stocks That Soared This Week: Are They Buys? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-biotech-stocks-soared-week-are-they-buys-2018-09-22 | nan | nan | This might have been the last official week of summer, but it still came with a lot of heat. And it was especially hot in the biotech industry, with quite a few biotech stocks skyrocketing.
Three of the biggest winners this week were Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) , Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , and Corbus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CRBP) . What drove these biotech stocks higher -- and are they buys now?
1. Viking Therapeutics: A big splash in NASH
Shares of Viking Therapeutics soared 73% this week after the biotech announced positive results on Tuesday from a phase 2 study of VK2809 in treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and high cholesterol. Viking's gain would have been even greater, but the company announced a public stock offering on Wednesday to raise additional cash.
The phase 2 study results for VK2809 were exactly what investors had hoped for. Viking reported that the drug achieved up to 60% reduction in liver fat with up to 91% of patients taking VK2809 experiencing at least a 30% reduction in liver fat content. In addition, the drug appeared to be safe and well-tolerated. Viking said that no serious adverse events were reported in the study.
Viking now should advance VK2809 to a late-stage study. The biotech could also attract considerable interest from larger drugmakers looking to beef up their pipelines targeting nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is a type of NAFLD with no currently approved treatments.
2. Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Fears to cheers
Acadia Pharmaceuticals stock jumped 45% this week. The biotech's big gain stemmed from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluding a review of the safety profile of Parkinson's disease psychosis drug Nuplazid with no new findings.
Investors had been very jittery about Acadia since CNN reported in April that Nuplazid was potentially linked to hundreds of patient deaths. The FDA initiated a safety review of the drug around the same time. However, the FDA now says that its review didn't "identify any new or unexpected safety findings with Nuplazid" and "that the drug's benefits outweigh its risks for patients with hallucinations and delusions of Parkinson's disease psychosis."
It would have been crushing news for Acadia had the FDA reached a different conclusion. The biotech now hopes to pick up momentum for Nuplazid. However, there remains a possibility that doctors' opinions of the drug could still be affected by all the bad publicity in recent months.
3. Corbus Pharmaceuticals: Padding its pipeline
Shares of Corbus Pharmaceuticals vaulted 40% higher this week. On Thursday, the company announced a licensing deal with Jenrin Discovery LLC to develop and market drugs based on more than 600 compounds targeting the endocannabinoid system.
Corbus claimed a grand total of one drug in its pipeline prior to its licensing agreement with Jenrin. The biotech is evaluating synthetic-cannabinoid drug lenabasum in a phase 3 study targeting treatment of systemic sclerosis. Corbus plans to start another phase 3 study of the drug in treating dermatomyositis, a rare inflammatory disorder of the muscles, later this year.
Thanks to its latest deal, though, Corbus now has another clinical-stage asset in CRB-4001. The company will initiate a phase 1 clinical trial of the drug in 2019. In addition, Corbus has a sizable library of preclinical compounds with its licensing agreement that the company thinks could enable it to move one or two new drugs each year into clinical testing beginning in 2020.
Are they buys?
In my view, Viking Therapeutics, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, and Corbus Pharmaceuticals are promising biotechs. However, all three are still in clinical stage and therefore come with considerable risk.
I think that it's better to see how Nuplazid sales go after the good news from the FDA review before buying Acadia. A wait-and-see approach is also probably the better strategy with Corbus. On the other hand, I think that the risk-reward proposition for Viking looks pretty good right now, even after its big gain.
Viking has been on my radar screen for a while now . I was cautiously optimistic about the biotech's chances of success in the phase 2 study of VK2809. My hunch is that several big drugmakers could make a run at acquiring Viking in the not-too-distant future. Again, Viking remains a risky and speculative pick. However, I consider it one of the best speculative picks on the market right now.
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Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Three of the biggest winners this week were Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) , Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , and Corbus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CRBP) . Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Fears to cheers Acadia Pharmaceuticals stock jumped 45% this week. Investors had been very jittery about Acadia since CNN reported in April that Nuplazid was potentially linked to hundreds of patient deaths. | Three of the biggest winners this week were Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) , Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , and Corbus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CRBP) . In my view, Viking Therapeutics, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, and Corbus Pharmaceuticals are promising biotechs. Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Fears to cheers Acadia Pharmaceuticals stock jumped 45% this week. | Three of the biggest winners this week were Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) , Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , and Corbus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CRBP) . In my view, Viking Therapeutics, Acadia Pharmaceuticals, and Corbus Pharmaceuticals are promising biotechs. Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Fears to cheers Acadia Pharmaceuticals stock jumped 45% this week. | I think that it's better to see how Nuplazid sales go after the good news from the FDA review before buying Acadia. Three of the biggest winners this week were Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: VKTX) , Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , and Corbus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: CRBP) . Acadia Pharmaceuticals: Fears to cheers Acadia Pharmaceuticals stock jumped 45% this week. |
35977.0 | 2018-09-21 00:00:00 UTC | FDA Confirms Positive Safety Profile of Acadia's Nuplazid | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/fda-confirms-positive-safety-profile-of-acadias-nuplazid-2018-09-21 | nan | nan | Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD soared 26.6% after the FDAissued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of Nuplazid (pimavanserin) for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. However, shares of the company have decreased 36.5% year to date compared with the industry 's decline of 3.5%.
Nuplazid was approved by the FDA in April 2016 for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis, (PDP). It is the only drug approved in the United States for this indication. The approval was supported by a phase III study that demonstrated clinically robust and highly statistically significant efficacy, combined with other supportive studies.
There were reports of deaths and serious adverse events (SAEs) with the use of Nuplazid. However, based on post-marketing reports, the FDA concluded that it did not identify any new or unexpected safety findings with Nuplazid, or findings that are inconsistent with the established safety profile currently described in the drug label.
The agency stated that the drug's benefits outweigh its risks for patients with hallucinations and delusions of Parkinson's disease psychosis. The FDA said that Nuplazid and other antipsychotics already have warnings on their boxes, indicating a higher risk of death in elderly patients with the use of such drugs.
According to the agency, individuals with Parkinson's disease psychosis are more at risk of death due to their age, disease and other medical conditions. The FDA further added that patients taking Nuplazid for Parkinson's disease psychosis should continue to use it as prescribed by their health care provider.
The FDA, however, reminded the health care providers to be aware of the risks described in the prescribing information.
Sales of Nuplazid increased 87% in the second quarter.
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Quote
Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider
Acadia is a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) stock.
Some better-ranked stocks in the biotech sector are Gilead Sciences Inc. GILD , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. REGN and Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. LGND . All of them carry a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Gilead's earnings per share estimates have increased from $6.15 to $6.58 for 2018 and from $6.33 to $6.48 for 2019 over the past 60 days. The company delivered a positive earnings surprise in three of the trailing four quarters with an average beat of 6.43%. The stock has rallied 4.5% so far this year.
Regeneron's earnings per share estimates have increased from $20.20 to $20.38 for 2018 and from $21.65 to $21.74 for 2019 over the past 30 days. The company delivered a positive earnings surprise in all of the trailing four quarters with an average beat of 8.18%. The stock has rallied 3.0% so far this year.
Ligand's earnings per share estimates have moved up from $5.64 to $6.33 for 2018 and from $5.59 to $5.74 for 2019 in the last 30 days. The company delivered a positive earnings surprise in all of the trailing four quarters with an average beat of 59.54%. Share price of the company has increased 88.3% year to date.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD soared 26.6% after the FDAissued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of Nuplazid (pimavanserin) for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Quote Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Acadia is a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) stock. Click to get this free report Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND): Free Stock Analysis Report Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Quote Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Acadia is a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) stock. Click to get this free report Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND): Free Stock Analysis Report Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD soared 26.6% after the FDAissued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of Nuplazid (pimavanserin) for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. | Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD soared 26.6% after the FDAissued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of Nuplazid (pimavanserin) for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Quote Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Acadia is a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) stock. Click to get this free report Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND): Free Stock Analysis Report Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. | Shares of ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc.ACAD soared 26.6% after the FDAissued a clear statement reaffirming the positive benefit-risk profile of Nuplazid (pimavanserin) for patients with Parkinson's disease psychosis. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Quote Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider Acadia is a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) stock. Click to get this free report Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (LGND): Free Stock Analysis Report Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN): Free Stock Analysis Report Gilead Sciences, Inc. (GILD): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. |
35978.0 | 2018-09-20 00:00:00 UTC | Here's Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. Spiked Over 26% Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/heres-why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-inc-spiked-over-26-today-2018-09-20 | nan | nan | What happened
Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) spiked 26.6% on Thursday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it hadn't identified "any new or unexpected safety findings with Nuplazid, or findings that are inconsistent with the established safety profile currently described in the drug label."
So what
The FDA review comes after a CNN report in April -- though not mentioned by name in the review -- highlighted more than 700 deaths, including at least 500 where there was belief by the reporter that the drug might be involved with the death.
But the thing with postmarketing reports of deaths and serious adverse events is that they're biased toward new drugs like Nuplazid -- doctors are less likely to report known side effects of older drugs -- and drugs like Nuplazid that are distributed through patient support programs and specialty pharmacy networks are also more likely to be called out since there's more of a working relationship between the doctor/patient and the company. The reports also don't give an idea of the rates of death or side effects since people dont reportwhen drugs work without any issues.
When the FDA looked further into the reports, the agency determined that the postmarketing data was consistent with what was seen in the clinical trials Acadia Pharmaceuticals used to get the drug approved. That isn't to say Nuplazid is benign -- it still has a boxed warning that it can increase the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis -- but the rate doesn't appear to be higher than expected.
Now what
Today's news is certainly good for Acadia Pharmaceuticals, but whether it results in a return to business as usual remains to be seen. Despite the FDA concluding that the drug's benefits justify the risks, doctors may decide to use it only on their most psychotic patients, reducing Nuplazid's potential market. It'll take a few quarters for the news and its effect on prescriptions to work their way into Acadia's financial statements.
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Brian Orelli and The Motley Fool have no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | When the FDA looked further into the reports, the agency determined that the postmarketing data was consistent with what was seen in the clinical trials Acadia Pharmaceuticals used to get the drug approved. What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) spiked 26.6% on Thursday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it hadn't identified "any new or unexpected safety findings with Nuplazid, or findings that are inconsistent with the established safety profile currently described in the drug label." Now what Today's news is certainly good for Acadia Pharmaceuticals, but whether it results in a return to business as usual remains to be seen. | The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) spiked 26.6% on Thursday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it hadn't identified "any new or unexpected safety findings with Nuplazid, or findings that are inconsistent with the established safety profile currently described in the drug label." When the FDA looked further into the reports, the agency determined that the postmarketing data was consistent with what was seen in the clinical trials Acadia Pharmaceuticals used to get the drug approved. | What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) spiked 26.6% on Thursday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it hadn't identified "any new or unexpected safety findings with Nuplazid, or findings that are inconsistent with the established safety profile currently described in the drug label." 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. When the FDA looked further into the reports, the agency determined that the postmarketing data was consistent with what was seen in the clinical trials Acadia Pharmaceuticals used to get the drug approved. | What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) spiked 26.6% on Thursday after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said it hadn't identified "any new or unexpected safety findings with Nuplazid, or findings that are inconsistent with the established safety profile currently described in the drug label." When the FDA looked further into the reports, the agency determined that the postmarketing data was consistent with what was seen in the clinical trials Acadia Pharmaceuticals used to get the drug approved. Now what Today's news is certainly good for Acadia Pharmaceuticals, but whether it results in a return to business as usual remains to be seen. |
35979.0 | 2018-09-14 00:00:00 UTC | Noteworthy Friday Option Activity: FDX, WYNN, ACAD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/noteworthy-friday-option-activity-fdx-wynn-acad-2018-09-14 | nan | nan | Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in FedEx Corp (Symbol: FDX), where a total of 10,782 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 1.1 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 84.8% of FDX's average daily trading volume over the past month of 1.3 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $255 strike put option expiring September 14, 2018 , with 803 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 80,300 underlying shares of FDX. Below is a chart showing FDX's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $255 strike highlighted in orange:
Wynn Resorts Ltd (Symbol: WYNN) options are showing a volume of 22,010 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 2.2 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 84.5% of WYNN's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 2.6 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $135 strike call option expiring September 14, 2018 , with 1,632 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 163,200 underlying shares of WYNN. Below is a chart showing WYNN's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $135 strike highlighted in orange:
And Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw options trading volume of 13,340 contracts, representing approximately 1.3 million underlying shares or approximately 84.4% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.6 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $14 strike call option expiring December 21, 2018 , with 7,016 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 701,600 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $14 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for FDX options , WYNN options , or ACAD options , visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Today's Most Active Call & Put Options of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Especially high volume was seen for the $14 strike call option expiring December 21, 2018 , with 7,016 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 701,600 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing WYNN's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $135 strike highlighted in orange: And Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw options trading volume of 13,340 contracts, representing approximately 1.3 million underlying shares or approximately 84.4% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.6 million shares. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $14 strike highlighted in orange: For the various different available expirations for FDX options , WYNN options , or ACAD options , visit StockOptionsChannel.com. | Below is a chart showing WYNN's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $135 strike highlighted in orange: And Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw options trading volume of 13,340 contracts, representing approximately 1.3 million underlying shares or approximately 84.4% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.6 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $14 strike call option expiring December 21, 2018 , with 7,016 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 701,600 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $14 strike highlighted in orange: For the various different available expirations for FDX options , WYNN options , or ACAD options , visit StockOptionsChannel.com. | Below is a chart showing WYNN's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $135 strike highlighted in orange: And Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw options trading volume of 13,340 contracts, representing approximately 1.3 million underlying shares or approximately 84.4% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.6 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $14 strike call option expiring December 21, 2018 , with 7,016 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 701,600 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $14 strike highlighted in orange: For the various different available expirations for FDX options , WYNN options , or ACAD options , visit StockOptionsChannel.com. | Below is a chart showing WYNN's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $135 strike highlighted in orange: And Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw options trading volume of 13,340 contracts, representing approximately 1.3 million underlying shares or approximately 84.4% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.6 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $14 strike call option expiring December 21, 2018 , with 7,016 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 701,600 underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $14 strike highlighted in orange: For the various different available expirations for FDX options , WYNN options , or ACAD options , visit StockOptionsChannel.com. |
35980.0 | 2018-09-10 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 09/10/2018: ACAD,MRK,FOLD | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-09102018-acadmrkfold-2018-09-10 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ -0.12%
PFE +0.02%
ABT +0.59%
MRK +0.09%
AMGN +3.04%
Health care stocks were trending lower Monday, including a 0.2% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trading. Also, shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 were down more than 0.2% as a group although the Nasdaq Biotechnology index was inching about 0.1% higher.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was edging lower Monday afternoon, recovering from a nearly 2% decline earlier in the session that followed the company saying additional data from phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate may demonstrate it has the dementia-related psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The condition also can be present in other neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia associated with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson's disease, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia-spectrum disorders.
In other sector news:
(+) Merck & Co ( MRK ) still was narrowly higher in Monday trading, after the company said European regulators have approved a combination of its Keytruda cancer medication with Eli Lilly's ( LLY ) Alimta and chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer.
(-) Amicus Therapeutics ( FOLD ) was down almost 2% Monday afternoon, giving back a more than 1% gain that followed the company saying it has received written minutes from a recent meeting with US Food and Drug Administration officials detailing the regulatory path for its AT-GAA drug candidate after ruling Amicus' current clinical package is not sufficient to support accelerated approval of the prospective treatment for Pompe disease.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2016 MTNewswires.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was edging lower Monday afternoon, recovering from a nearly 2% decline earlier in the session that followed the company saying additional data from phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate may demonstrate it has the dementia-related psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. In other sector news: (+) Merck & Co ( MRK ) still was narrowly higher in Monday trading, after the company said European regulators have approved a combination of its Keytruda cancer medication with Eli Lilly's ( LLY ) Alimta and chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer. (-) Amicus Therapeutics ( FOLD ) was down almost 2% Monday afternoon, giving back a more than 1% gain that followed the company saying it has received written minutes from a recent meeting with US Food and Drug Administration officials detailing the regulatory path for its AT-GAA drug candidate after ruling Amicus' current clinical package is not sufficient to support accelerated approval of the prospective treatment for Pompe disease. | The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. Among health care stocks moving on news: (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was edging lower Monday afternoon, recovering from a nearly 2% decline earlier in the session that followed the company saying additional data from phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate may demonstrate it has the dementia-related psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Health care stocks were trending lower Monday, including a 0.2% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trading. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was edging lower Monday afternoon, recovering from a nearly 2% decline earlier in the session that followed the company saying additional data from phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate may demonstrate it has the dementia-related psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Health care stocks were trending lower Monday, including a 0.2% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trading. (-) Amicus Therapeutics ( FOLD ) was down almost 2% Monday afternoon, giving back a more than 1% gain that followed the company saying it has received written minutes from a recent meeting with US Food and Drug Administration officials detailing the regulatory path for its AT-GAA drug candidate after ruling Amicus' current clinical package is not sufficient to support accelerated approval of the prospective treatment for Pompe disease. | Among health care stocks moving on news: (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was edging lower Monday afternoon, recovering from a nearly 2% decline earlier in the session that followed the company saying additional data from phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate may demonstrate it has the dementia-related psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Top Health Care Stocks Health care stocks were trending lower Monday, including a 0.2% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trading. |
35981.0 | 2018-09-10 00:00:00 UTC | Health Care Sector Update for 09/10/2018: MYOK, ACAD, MRK, FOLD, LLY | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/health-care-sector-update-09102018-myok-acad-mrk-fold-lly-2018-09-10 | nan | nan | Top Health Care Stocks
JNJ +0.01%
PFE -0.11%
ABT +0.64%
MRK -0.04%
AMGN +3.20%
Health care stocks trended lower, including a slightly more than 0.2% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trade. Shares of health care companies in the S&P 500 were down almost 0.3% as a group in late trade although the Nasdaq Biotechnology index still was nearly 0.2% higher this afternoon.
Among health care stocks moving on news:
(+) MyoKardia ( MYOK ) jumped to a new record high on Monday, rising more than 5% to a best-ever $61.15 a share after analysts at Morgan Stanley began coverage of the biotech company with an Overweight investment rating and a $72 price target.
In other sector news:
(+) Merck & Co ( MRK ) still was narrowly higher in Monday trading after the company said European regulators approved a combination of its Keytruda cancer medication with Eli Lilly's ( LLY ) Alimta and chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer.
(-) Amicus Therapeutics ( FOLD ) was down almost 2% Monday afternoon, giving back a more than 1% gain made after the company said it has received written minutes from a recent meeting with U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials detailing the regulatory path for its AT-GAA drug candidate after ruling Amicus' current clinical package is not sufficient to support accelerated approval of the prospective treatment for Pompe disease.
(-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was edging lower Monday afternoon, recovering from a nearly 2% decline earlier in the session after the company said additional data from Phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate may demonstrate it has the dementia-related psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. The condition also can be present in other neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia associated with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson's disease, vascular dementia and frontotemporal dementia-spectrum disorders.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2016 MTNewswires.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was edging lower Monday afternoon, recovering from a nearly 2% decline earlier in the session after the company said additional data from Phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate may demonstrate it has the dementia-related psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) MyoKardia ( MYOK ) jumped to a new record high on Monday, rising more than 5% to a best-ever $61.15 a share after analysts at Morgan Stanley began coverage of the biotech company with an Overweight investment rating and a $72 price target. (-) Amicus Therapeutics ( FOLD ) was down almost 2% Monday afternoon, giving back a more than 1% gain made after the company said it has received written minutes from a recent meeting with U.S. Food and Drug Administration officials detailing the regulatory path for its AT-GAA drug candidate after ruling Amicus' current clinical package is not sufficient to support accelerated approval of the prospective treatment for Pompe disease. | The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was edging lower Monday afternoon, recovering from a nearly 2% decline earlier in the session after the company said additional data from Phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate may demonstrate it has the dementia-related psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Health care stocks trended lower, including a slightly more than 0.2% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trade. | (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was edging lower Monday afternoon, recovering from a nearly 2% decline earlier in the session after the company said additional data from Phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate may demonstrate it has the dementia-related psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Health care stocks trended lower, including a slightly more than 0.2% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trade. Among health care stocks moving on news: (+) MyoKardia ( MYOK ) jumped to a new record high on Monday, rising more than 5% to a best-ever $61.15 a share after analysts at Morgan Stanley began coverage of the biotech company with an Overweight investment rating and a $72 price target. | (-) ACADIA Pharmaceuticals ( ACAD ) was edging lower Monday afternoon, recovering from a nearly 2% decline earlier in the session after the company said additional data from Phase II testing of its pimavanserin drug candidate may demonstrate it has the dementia-related psychosis in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Top Health Care Stocks Health care stocks trended lower, including a slightly more than 0.2% decline for the NYSE Health Care Index in recent trade. |
35982.0 | 2018-08-09 00:00:00 UTC | Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Stock Is Tanking Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-stock-tanking-today-2018-08-09 | nan | nan | What happened
Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell by as much as 12.58% in pre-market trading today on light volume. What's driving this double-digit downturn?
Acadia reported disappointing second-quarter earnings after the bell yesterday. The company modestly missed consensus estimates for both its bottom- and top-line for the three-month period.
The bigger issue, however, is that Acadia also lowered its 2018 sales guidance for its Parkinson's disease psychosis drug Nuplazid by a healthy margin. Specifically, the company stated that Nuplazid's net sales are now expected to come in at between $210 million and $225 million for the full year. Previously, Acadia had the drug's annual sales ranging from $255 million to $270 million.
So what
During the accompanying conference call, Acadia's CEO Stephen Davis laid the blame for the lowered guidance on "reduced patient starts" during the second quarter resulting from a pair CNN articles questioning Nuplazid's risk-to-reward ratio. In brief, these CNN reports highlighted the fact that numerous patients continue to experience hallucinations while taking Nuplazid and a worrying number of patients have also died. These real world data also seem to echo the concerns of the Food and Drug Administration's own internal review prior to the drug's formal approval.
Now what
Acadia's management team spent a good portion of the conference call outlining their various efforts to educate patients and physicians alike on Nuplazid's clinical profile. Whether this strategy will boost Nuplazid's commercial momentum is anyone's guess, however. The bottom line is that primary caregivers do appear to be concerned about the drug's side effect profile, and it may take some time to change the narrative around this key issue. As such, investors might want to look for more compelling opportunities elsewhere for the moment.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
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George Budwell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | So what During the accompanying conference call, Acadia's CEO Stephen Davis laid the blame for the lowered guidance on "reduced patient starts" during the second quarter resulting from a pair CNN articles questioning Nuplazid's risk-to-reward ratio. Now what Acadia's management team spent a good portion of the conference call outlining their various efforts to educate patients and physicians alike on Nuplazid's clinical profile. What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell by as much as 12.58% in pre-market trading today on light volume. | The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell by as much as 12.58% in pre-market trading today on light volume. Acadia reported disappointing second-quarter earnings after the bell yesterday. | So what During the accompanying conference call, Acadia's CEO Stephen Davis laid the blame for the lowered guidance on "reduced patient starts" during the second quarter resulting from a pair CNN articles questioning Nuplazid's risk-to-reward ratio. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! | So what During the accompanying conference call, Acadia's CEO Stephen Davis laid the blame for the lowered guidance on "reduced patient starts" during the second quarter resulting from a pair CNN articles questioning Nuplazid's risk-to-reward ratio. * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! What happened Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) fell by as much as 12.58% in pre-market trading today on light volume. |
35983.0 | 2018-08-09 00:00:00 UTC | After Hours Most Active for Aug 9, 2018 : ABEV, QQQ, VER, BRK/B, F, DBX, KMI, WFC, ACAD, GRPN, EA, OSTK | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/after-hours-most-active-aug-9-2018-abev-qqq-ver-brkb-f-dbx-kmi-wfc-acad-grpn-ea-ostk-2018 | nan | nan | The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator is down -2.93 to 7,464.03. The total After hours volume is currently 38,299,294 shares traded.
The following are the most active stocks for the after hours session :
Ambev S.A. ( ABEV ) is +0.0081 at $5.06, with 2,969,987 shares traded. ABEV's current last sale is 87.21% of the target price of $5.8.
Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 ( QQQ ) is -0.04 at $181.87, with 1,679,483 shares traded. This represents a 29.74% increase from its 52 Week Low.
VEREIT Inc. ( VER ) is unchanged at $7.65, with 1,469,392 shares traded. VER's current last sale is 95.63% of the target price of $8.
Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK/B) is unchanged at $209.10, with 1,419,397 shares traded.
Ford Motor Company ( F ) is +0.0201 at $9.93, with 1,277,055 shares traded. F's current last sale is 74.94% of the target price of $13.25.
Dropbox, Inc. ( DBX ) is -0.98 at $33.45, with 1,245,247 shares traded. Investopedia Reports: Dropbox's Top Competitors
Kinder Morgan, Inc. ( KMI ) is +0.0443 at $17.98, with 890,399 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 4 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Sep 2018. The consensus EPS forecast is $0.21. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for KMI is in the "buy range".
Wells Fargo & Company ( WFC ) is unchanged at $58.44, with 877,903 shares traded. Over the last four weeks they have had 4 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Dec 2018. The consensus EPS forecast is $1.18. WFC's current last sale is 93.5% of the target price of $62.5.
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( ACAD ) is +0.12 at $14.03, with 811,041 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for ACAD is in the "buy range".
Groupon, Inc. ( GRPN ) is -0.02 at $4.44, with 700,970 shares traded. GRPN's current last sale is 80.73% of the target price of $5.5.
Electronic Arts Inc. ( EA ) is unchanged at $127.82, with 672,566 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for EA is in the "buy range".
Overstock.com, Inc. ( OSTK ) is +8.1 at $46.70, with 660,136 shares traded. GlobeNewswire Reports: Overstock.com Reports Q2 2018 Results
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( ACAD ) is +0.12 at $14.03, with 811,041 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for ACAD is in the "buy range". Investopedia Reports: Dropbox's Top Competitors Kinder Morgan, Inc. ( KMI ) is +0.0443 at $17.98, with 890,399 shares traded. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( ACAD ) is +0.12 at $14.03, with 811,041 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for ACAD is in the "buy range". Over the last four weeks they have had 4 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Sep 2018. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( ACAD ) is +0.12 at $14.03, with 811,041 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for ACAD is in the "buy range". Over the last four weeks they have had 4 up revisions for the earnings forecast, for the fiscal quarter ending Sep 2018. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. ( ACAD ) is +0.12 at $14.03, with 811,041 shares traded. As reported by Zacks, the current mean recommendation for ACAD is in the "buy range". The NASDAQ 100 After Hours Indicator is down -2.93 to 7,464.03. |
35984.0 | 2018-08-08 00:00:00 UTC | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Reports Q2 Loss, Lags Revenue Estimates | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-reports-q2-loss-lags-revenue-estimates-2018-08-08 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.51 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.45. This compares to loss of $0.55 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.
This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -13.33%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this drugmaker would post a loss of $0.56 per share when it actually produced a loss of $0.44, delivering a surprise of 21.43%.
Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates three times.
Acadia, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $57.06 million for the quarter ended June 2018, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.58%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $30.48 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates two times over the last four quarters.
The sustainability of the stock's immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management's commentary on the earnings call.
Acadia shares have lost about 52.9% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 6.9%.
What's Next for Acadia?
While Acadia has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock?
There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company's earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.
Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.
Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Acadia was unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company's just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here .
It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is -$0.39 on $69.50 million in revenues for the coming quarter and -$1.72 on $254.89 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Medical - Biomedical and Genetics is currently in the top 42% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1.
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ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.51 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.45. Acadia, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $57.06 million for the quarter ended June 2018, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.58%. Acadia shares have lost about 52.9% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 6.9%. | Acadia, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $57.06 million for the quarter ended June 2018, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.58%. Click to get this free report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.51 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.45. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.51 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.45. Acadia, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $57.06 million for the quarter ended June 2018, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.58%. Acadia shares have lost about 52.9% since the beginning of the year versus the S&P 500's gain of 6.9%. | While Acadia has underperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors' minds is: what's next for the stock? Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) came out with a quarterly loss of $0.51 per share versus the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $0.45. Acadia, which belongs to the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, posted revenues of $57.06 million for the quarter ended June 2018, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.58%. |
35985.0 | 2018-07-31 00:00:00 UTC | Will ACADIA (ACAD) Disappoint Investors in Q2 Earnings? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/will-acadia-acad-disappoint-investors-in-q2-earnings-2018-07-31 | nan | nan | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc . ACAD is scheduled to report second-quarter 2018 results on Aug 8 after the market closes .
The company's track record has been positive so far as its key metrics have surpassed estimates in all the last four quarters with an average beat of 16.25%. Last reported quarter, ACADIA beat on earnings with a positive surprise of 21.43%.
However, shares of ACADIA have tumbled 50.8% year to date, significantly wider than the industry 's decline of 5.3%.
Factors at Play
ACADIA is focused on developing products for treating unmet medical needs in central nervous system (CNS). The performance of its first approved drug, Nuplazid (pimavanserin), for treating hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease (PD) psychosis, has been impressive since its launch in April 2016. We expect this positive trend to continue in the soon-to-be reported quarter.
Nuplazid net sales for the second quarter of 2018 are likely to be in the range of $57-$61 million. The company predicts strong volume growth for Nuplazid in the coming quarters.
In June, the FDA approved a new capsule dose formulation and a new tablet strength of Nuplazid. This nod is projected to address a new patient population and drive sales for the drug. However, it will make no contribution to Nuplazid's sales in the second quarter.
Moreover, the company is also studying the drug for other CNS indications, namely dementia-related psychosis, schizophrenia inadequate response, schizophrenia negative symptoms and a major depressive disorder (MDD). ACADIA is anticipated to provide top-line results from a phase II study on MDD during the second half of the year.
We expect management to provide an update in detail on the progress of Nuplazid and its continuous label expansion on second-quarter earnings call.
ACADIA expects to end 2018 with more than $200 million of cash, cash equivalents and investment securities on its balance sheet.
What Our Model Indicates
Our proven model does not conclusively show that ACADIA will beat on earnings this earnings season. This is because a stock needs to have both - a positive Earnings ESP and a favorable Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) - for this to happen. However, that is not the case here as you will see below.
Earnings ESP: ACADIA has an Earnings ESP of -7.30%, which decreases the odds of an earnings surprise. This is because the Most Accurate Estimate stands at a loss of 49 cents while the Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at a loss of 46 cents. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they're reported with our Earnings ESP Filter .
Zacks Rank: ACADIA currently carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), which lowers the predictive power of ESP. Therefore, we caution against Sell-rated stocks (#4 or 5) going into an earnings announcement, especially when the company is seeing negative estimate revisions.
Stocks That Warrant a Look
Here are some biotech stocks that you may want to consider as per our model, these have the right combination of elements to beat on earnings beat this reporting cycle.
Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. PCRX has an Earnings ESP of +42.86% and a Zacks Rank #2. The company is scheduled to release second-quarter results on Aug 2 before the market opens. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .
Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. DRNA is expected to release second-quarter results on Aug 9. The company has an Earnings ESP of +30.95% and a Zacks Rank #3.
Aduro Biotech, Inc. ADRO has an Earnings ESP of +4.55% and a Zacks Rank of 3. The company is expected to release second-quarter results on Aug 1.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Factors at Play ACADIA is focused on developing products for treating unmet medical needs in central nervous system (CNS). ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc . ACAD is scheduled to report second-quarter 2018 results on Aug 8 after the market closes . | Click to get this free report Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (DRNA): Free Stock Analysis Report Aduro Biotech, Inc. (ADRO): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PCRX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc . ACAD is scheduled to report second-quarter 2018 results on Aug 8 after the market closes . | Earnings ESP: ACADIA has an Earnings ESP of -7.30%, which decreases the odds of an earnings surprise. Click to get this free report Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (DRNA): Free Stock Analysis Report Aduro Biotech, Inc. (ADRO): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PCRX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc . | Last reported quarter, ACADIA beat on earnings with a positive surprise of 21.43%. Click to get this free report Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (DRNA): Free Stock Analysis Report Aduro Biotech, Inc. (ADRO): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report Pacira Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (PCRX): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc . |
35986.0 | 2018-07-13 00:00:00 UTC | 5 Big Pharma Stocks Investors Love Right Now | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/5-big-pharma-stocks-investors-love-right-now-2018-07-13 | nan | nan | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips
Solid clinical results for Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB ) sent the stock up nearly 20% in a single day last week. That set the tone for a number of hot drug stock picks for July.
The bullish madness did not stop at Biogen last week. News of positive clinical data for its Alzheimer's study lifted the entire biotechnology sector. Oddly enough, markets largely ignored pharmaceutical stocks, choosing instead to invest in the riskier biotech sector. Still, companies on the cusp of launching a blockbuster product have tremendous revenue potential: they just need enough cash to fund research and development in the interim.
10 Strong Buy Stocks for Under $10
So what stocks in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector should investors consider? The following are Big Pharma stocks that should be on the radar of most investors.
Big Pharma Stocks Investors Love: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD)
Source: Shutterstock
Investors changed their mind on Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD ) on Monday, July 9 after Southern Investigative Reporting Foundation (SIRF) wrote a negative piece on it. Acadia is described as a biotechnology company that makes drugs targeting disorders in the central nervous system. But the Foundation believes that Acadia is not a biotech company at all, but instead a "ruthless marketing entity." It also cited an April CNN report that said that the FDA did not determine the safety of the drug.
The accusation is hard to believe. In the first quarter, Acadia generated $48.9 million in sales, up by over two-fold from last year. It forecast net sales of $255 million - $270 million for 2018. It is worth noting that R&D expenses rose to $39.3 million, up from $35.4 million. Acadia ended the quarter with $298.1 million, down from $341.3 million sequentially.
Prior to the negative report, Acadia announced that the FDA approved a new formulation and dosage of Nuplazid. The 34 mg daily dose is delivered in a single small capsule. With around 4 to 6 million Parkinson's disease sufferers, half of them exhibit symptoms of psychosis that this drug would address.
Big Pharma Stocks Investors Love: AbbVie (ABBV)
Source: Shutterstock
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV ) has an immense portfolio of drugs and many more in the pipeline. At a share price of around $97, the stock dropped sharply from its $125.86 yearly high when markets decided in late-June that the company could face generic competition for Humira. Credit Suisse analysts speculated that the drug, which treats arthritis, may face downward pressure as generics make a copy of the drug. Humira is a core AbbVie product that accounts for 60% of its total net present value.
CS concedes that AbbVie's patents are protected in the U.S. until 2023, but that biosimilars will start appearing in Europe in late-2018. Longtime ABBV stockholders have been aware of the risks of competition for nearly two years. Now, at a share price below $100, investors get paid to wait, with a dividend that yields nearly 4%. Management continues to spend well on R&D to boost its pipeline to offset the potential of generic competition.
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Humira's competitors have a long road to travel. It must first meet the FDA requirements for the product. Then it must show non-inferior efficacy. Only after those steps may physicians prescribe the drug. Unless the drug copies are cheaper, doctors will likely continue prescribing Humira.
Big Pharma Stocks Investors Love: Celgene (CELG)
Source: Shutterstock
Celgene (NYSE: CELG ), which develops drugs for the treatment of cancer and inflammatory diseases, continues to underperform on the markets. At around $84 a share, the stock is barely above the $74.13 52-week low. Although the stock moved slightly higher last week when Pfizer (NYSE: PFE ) raised prices for a number of its drugs by up to 10%, investors still have little confidence that the company will execute on its multi-year growth plans.
Celgene stretched its balance sheet in a bad way when it bought Juno Therapeutics for $9 billion back in January. While higher cash flow growth from the business is more than enough to manage interest payments to service the higher debt levels, Celgene has little room to stumble on new product launches. The "Refusal to File" it received for its multiple sclerosis candidate Ozanimod adds to its woes of having a number of consecutive pipeline drug failures. In October 2017, Celgene said mongersen, which treats Crohn's disease, failed. These missteps are uncharacteristic for a company that executed so well before the recent string of bad news.
And while the possibility of a patent expiry for Revlimid, a drug that treats multiple myeloma in 2022 poses a threat, if it goes off patent in 2027 and Celgene faces no further new product launch delays, then Celgene is clearly an undervalued drug stock at this share price.
Big Pharma Stocks Investors Love: Crispr Therapeutics (CRSP)
Source: Shutterstock
For the more adventurous biotechnology investor, gene therapy is attracting investors. Crispr Therapeutics (NASDAQ: CRSP ), whose shares traded at a low of $15.67 but closed at around $63, has the potential game-changing technology in gene editing that could change the way scientists approach curing various human diseases. But while CRISPR has the great science for a novel treatment method, it still has no product on the market.
Crispr ended the first quarter with $341.8 million in cash. It generated $1.4 million from collaboration revenue, but expenses jumped to $19.5 million, up from $14.8 million year-on-year. For the quarter, the company lost $28.3 million.
7 S&P 500 Stocks With Low P/E Ratios
Just three analysts cover Crispr, with two calling the stock a "buy" and another rating it as a "hold." The average price target, per TipRanks , is $69.75. This suggests the stock has upside of around 10%.
Big Pharma Stocks Investors Love: Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR)
Source: Shutterstock
Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ: NKTR ) may have lost around half its value in the last quarter but the drug targeting developer is still up nearly double from its yearly low. The stock fell after the company reported results of its PIVOT 02. The drug, which treats myeloma, had an ORR (or Overall Response Rate) of 50%. Investors had expected better results. Still, Nektar may proceed to Phase 3 of the study.
At an investor conference held by Jefferies on June 6, Nektar highlighted three things. It said it filed its NDA for NKTR-181 in late-May and that it is looking for partners for the program. In its NKTR-214 study, the company confirmed it will advance into the Phase 3 study. This will involve kidney and bladder cancer subjects. The third point it made was that the Takeda's TAK-659 Phase 1/2 study will have a second-half of the year launch.
On Wall Street, eight analysts cover the stock. On average, the price target is around $96, implying upside of over 100% .
Conversely, five finbox.io models suggest the fair value of NKTR stock is around $45, which is close to the current share price. Another negative for Nektar is the lack of insider buying. Prior to the stock dropping on May 16, several insiders sold the stock.
Despite the potential near-term risks, investors may look forward to Nektar posting initial early data its triplet study of NKTR-262, NKTR-214 and Opdivo in the fourth-quarter timeframe. As for funding for 2018, the company is financially sound. It expects to end the year with around $1.9 billion in cash. Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE: BMY ) paid a $1 billion upfront payment in April and made an $850 million premium equity investment.
As of this writing, Chris Lau did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Big Pharma Stocks Investors Love: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Source: Shutterstock Investors changed their mind on Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD ) on Monday, July 9 after Southern Investigative Reporting Foundation (SIRF) wrote a negative piece on it. Acadia is described as a biotechnology company that makes drugs targeting disorders in the central nervous system. But the Foundation believes that Acadia is not a biotech company at all, but instead a "ruthless marketing entity." | Big Pharma Stocks Investors Love: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Source: Shutterstock Investors changed their mind on Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD ) on Monday, July 9 after Southern Investigative Reporting Foundation (SIRF) wrote a negative piece on it. Acadia is described as a biotechnology company that makes drugs targeting disorders in the central nervous system. But the Foundation believes that Acadia is not a biotech company at all, but instead a "ruthless marketing entity." | Big Pharma Stocks Investors Love: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Source: Shutterstock Investors changed their mind on Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD ) on Monday, July 9 after Southern Investigative Reporting Foundation (SIRF) wrote a negative piece on it. Acadia is described as a biotechnology company that makes drugs targeting disorders in the central nervous system. But the Foundation believes that Acadia is not a biotech company at all, but instead a "ruthless marketing entity." | Big Pharma Stocks Investors Love: Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) Source: Shutterstock Investors changed their mind on Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD ) on Monday, July 9 after Southern Investigative Reporting Foundation (SIRF) wrote a negative piece on it. Acadia is described as a biotechnology company that makes drugs targeting disorders in the central nervous system. But the Foundation believes that Acadia is not a biotech company at all, but instead a "ruthless marketing entity." |
35987.0 | 2018-07-13 00:00:00 UTC | Better Buy: Acadia Pharmaceuticals vs. Eli Lilly | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/better-buy-acadia-pharmaceuticals-vs-eli-lilly-2018-07-13 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) aspires to become a big player in the neuroscience market. Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) already is one. But aside from their common interest in this therapeutic category, there's little in common between these two drugmakers.
Investors considering buying shares of Acadia or Lilly have a stark contrast -- beaten-down biotech, or relatively boring big pharma. Which stock is the better pick right now? Here's how Acadia Pharmaceuticals and Eli Lilly compare.
The case for Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Acadia Pharmaceuticals ranks as one of the worst-performing biotech stocks so far in 2018 . Its share price has dropped more than 40% year to date, and that could be perhaps the best argument for buying the stock.
This plunge stems from worries about Acadia's only approved product, Nuplazid (pimavanserin). In April, CNN reported that hundreds of patients who took the antipsychotic drug have experienced serious adverse effects, with Nuplazid listed as a potential factor in at least 500 deaths. A few weeks later, the FDA announced that it was taking another look at the safety profile for the drug .
The bullish case for Acadia is that the FDA will stand by its approval decision for Nuplazid in treating Parkinson's disease psychosis with no changes to the product label. If that happens, Acadia stock will likely rebound strongly.
This outcome could also bode well for the biotech's prospects of winning approvals for pimavanserin in additional indications. Acadia is currently evaluating the drug in two late-stage clinical studies targeting the treatment of dementia-related psychosis, and as a schizophrenia inadequate response adjunctive therapy. The company also has phase 2 clinical studies in progress for pimavanserin as a schizophrenia negative symptoms adjunctive therapy and a major depressive disorder adjunctive therapy.
There are at least a couple of reasons to think things could work out for Acadia. First, the FDA itself stated in April that, based on the data that had been examined thus far, no specific safety issues had been identified that aren't already referenced on the product label for Nuplazid. Second, even with the ongoing controversy, the FDA granted approval for a new capsule dose formulation and new tablet strength for the drug just a few weeks ago.
Thanks to Acadia stock's steep decline, the biotech's market cap currently stands at a little over $2 billion. If the safety concerns are addressed and Acadia wins approvals for additional indications, Nuplazid could eventually become a megablockbuster success -- and make the biotech worth a lot more than it's worth today.
The case for Eli Lilly
Eli Lilly doesn't have nearly as much drama as Acadia. The stock is up by a low single-digit percentage year to date, following a 15% rise last year. This relative stability is one reason investors have liked Lilly for a long time. It has also enabled the big pharma company to pay out an attractive dividend, which currently yields nearly 2.6%.
But income isn't the only thing Eli Lilly offers investors. The company claims several fast-growing drugs in its lineup. At the top of the list is Trulicity, which market research firm EvaluatePharma predicts will become the top-selling diabetes drug in the world within the next few years. Lilly also has three other diabetes drugs with solid sales momentum: Basaglar, Jardiance, and Tradjenta.
The drugmaker is making a splash in the immunology market as well. Sales for Taltz, which is approved for treating plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, soared more than 50% year over year in the first quarter. The drug appears to be well on its way to reaching $1 billion in annual sales.
There's also a lot to like in Lilly's pipeline. CEO Dave Ricks stated earlier this year that the company's "next chapter of growth" will be in treating pain. He could be right. Lilly awaits regulatory approval of migraine drug galcanezumab. The pharma company also has great expectations for another migraine drug, lasmiditan, which is in phase 3 clinical testing. In addition, Lilly and Pfizer are evaluating tanezumab in phase 3 studies for treating cancer pain, chronic back pain, and osteoarthritic pain.
Don't discount Lilly's prospects in oncology, either. The company hopes to win additional approvals for Cyramza in treating bladder cancer, liver cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer. In May, Lilly announced the acquisition of ARMO Biosciences for $1.6 billion. The deal brings several promising immunotherapies into Lilly's pipeline, notably including experimental pancreatic cancer drug AM0010.
Better buy
Acadia Pharmaceuticals could be a huge winner. But that will happen only if the biotech moves past the safety worries about Nuplazid. Lilly faces some risks of its own with sales declining for several of its current top drugs. However, the big drugmaker is a much safer pick than Acadia is right now.
Lilly already has a solid lineup that generates a lot of revenue. It has a pipeline loaded with promising drugs. Acadia has one approved drug that's also the only candidate in its pipeline. Like the old saying goes, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. My view is that Lilly is the better choice for investors between these two stocks.
Do I think Lilly is a stock to go out and buy right now? No. In my opinion, there are too many other stocks with better growth prospects and better dividends. Lilly isn't a bad stock, but it's certainly not the best.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Acadia is currently evaluating the drug in two late-stage clinical studies targeting the treatment of dementia-related psychosis, and as a schizophrenia inadequate response adjunctive therapy. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) aspires to become a big player in the neuroscience market. Investors considering buying shares of Acadia or Lilly have a stark contrast -- beaten-down biotech, or relatively boring big pharma. | If the safety concerns are addressed and Acadia wins approvals for additional indications, Nuplazid could eventually become a megablockbuster success -- and make the biotech worth a lot more than it's worth today. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) aspires to become a big player in the neuroscience market. Investors considering buying shares of Acadia or Lilly have a stark contrast -- beaten-down biotech, or relatively boring big pharma. | The case for Eli Lilly Eli Lilly doesn't have nearly as much drama as Acadia. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) aspires to become a big player in the neuroscience market. Investors considering buying shares of Acadia or Lilly have a stark contrast -- beaten-down biotech, or relatively boring big pharma. | Thanks to Acadia stock's steep decline, the biotech's market cap currently stands at a little over $2 billion. If the safety concerns are addressed and Acadia wins approvals for additional indications, Nuplazid could eventually become a megablockbuster success -- and make the biotech worth a lot more than it's worth today. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) aspires to become a big player in the neuroscience market. |
35988.0 | 2018-07-12 00:00:00 UTC | Dopamine and the Weather, Part 2 | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/dopamine-and-weather-part-2-2018-07-12 | nan | nan | (0: 45 ) - The Century of Biology
(8: 00 ) - Wonderful Dopamine: The Attention Drug
(21: 30 ) - Memory, Emotion and Learning Complete the Loop
(33: 00 ) - Dopamine in the Noisy Concert of Consciousness
(39: 05 ) - The Cerebral Symphony: Arouse, Orient, Detect, Execute
(43: 10 ) - Find Your Flow: 5 Ways To Learn More, Better, Faster
Welcome back to Mind Over Money. I'm Kevin Cook, your field guide and story teller for the fascinating arena of behavioral economics.
In part 1 of this "chautauqua," I attempted to connect several ideas about technology and science in the light of what we have learned in the past 30 years or so about human nature and human behavior.
Note the distinction between human nature and human behavior. Behavior varies widely across cultures where cooking, language, clothing, music, religion, technology, war and dozens of other customs have incredible diversity. But when we talk about human nature we mean the root causes and drivers of behavior that tend to be common among all humans as a species -- disease aside.
These would include brain structure and function, genetic predispositions or "programs" (i.e., our software), and various theories and puzzles about evolutionary psychology that inspire scientists to work backwards and attempt to solve for X.
In other words, cognitive, behavioral and social researchers ask questions like "Why do humans across cultures experience rage, jealousy, sorrow, joy, apathy, shame and laughter and what forces in our brains, our evolutionary past and our genetic make-up create these natural responses in social encounters?"
And what about language -- why is that a universal human trait with many similarities of syntax across cultures that have never had contact? We could also add music to this list. Think about the work of Mickey Hart, long-time drummer for the Grateful Dead who has spent a lifetime sharing and preserving the indigenous rhythms of cultures around the world.
If we have time, we'll come back to Mickey and his brain on music, as he now seeks to find rhythm-based cures for Alzheimer's.
This propensity to ask questions about fundamental human nature, and our challenges to understand and agree on it, are why in Part 1 I thought it was important to begin a discussion about brains and weather with a biological understanding of human nature.
I used an essay by Steven Pinker to help get us started. That essay was actually excerpts from his 2002 book The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature . You can find those excerpts and an interview with Pinker which condenses these ideas on the excellent thinking person's website Edge.org at this link...
A Biological Understanding of Human Nature
Amen for Brain Scans!
Now, why would the last 30 years of scientific research be more important than the previous 30 or 3,000 years in our quest to understand what we are, where we came from, and why we act the way we do? Because our knowledge of human nature and behavior has been vaulted exponentially since the explosion of research involving not only paleoanthropology and genetics, but almost as much by brain imaging. You need only listen to Dr. Daniel Amen on his own metamorphosis and life's work to understand this.
After the Army, Amen finished medical school and became a psychiatrist, the only medical field where doctors don't actually look at the organ they are treating. But he was also trained as an X-ray technician in the Army and developed a love for medical imaging. In 1991, he was able to marry to two fields and spent the next two decades building the world's largest database of brain scans.
His TEDx Talk from 2013 is called The most important lesson from 83,000 brain scans .
I highly recommend you watch it. Make it your most important 15-minutes on YouTube this week.
Professor Feynman Would Give Me an A+ in Failure
The physicist Richard Feynman used to say that the best way to learn something was to simply dive in and try to teach it to others. This has been a favorite strategy of mine most of my adult life and it has worked amazingly well for me in science, technology, history, and investing - especially after I fail at something.
It's part of my Chaos Theory of Learning. Or as Bill Nye might call it, "everything all at once."
So what was my failing? Part 1 of "Dopamine and the Weather" ran a little over-time at 51 minutes. As usual, sometimes I try to accomplish too much, try to connect too many ideas in a single podcast. As a result, I also did not do justice to dopamine in my explanation of it. I will repair that failing today in a moment.
But first, in my defense for trying to string together too many ideas in a single episode, let me say that the threads of the fabric I was trying to connect were already there. They had just been ripped apart by modern technology and society, where we don't learn some of the most important connections in the physical and social sciences because every subject is taught as a separate course, with great detail, at the expense of deep and wide connections.
This is our modern education system that seeks to create specialists first and foremost. That's where the jobs are, after all. And most kids are too busy being distracted by TV -- or maybe now it's social media and video games -- to get a real and full education in the sciences, even in college.
And so, given this challenge, it takes me a while once I get started weaving and re-weaving the fabric of a full education.
The ancients, from Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle to the Buddha, Lao Tse, and Confucius saw more connections and wholeness in knowledge and values than the average college graduate of the 20th century.
I am holding out hope for the college grads of the 21st C as it truly is the century of biology and the life sciences. I know, I know… the computer geeks think it's the century of artificial intelligence, but AI will just be a tool of genetic engineering.
And even if I've got that wrong and the future looks much different than I imagine, it will be a wild and fun ride for those who are educated in the sciences -- and for those who learn to invest in the companies creating the future that uses AI, brain science, and genetic technologies.
For these reasons, I am in investor in bleeding-edge companies like NVIDIANVDA , bluebird bioBLUE , and CRISPR TherapeuticsCRSP .
So my work as a technology investor, stock market trail-blazer, philosophy teacher and science preacher is to keep putting the strings back together into a fabric that makes sense, has integrity (i.e., it's truthful), and can be used to make your life incredibly rich.
And hopefully we make some money along the way too!
Three Cheers for Dopamine!
In Part 1, we talked about how the anticipation of most types of rewards increases the level of dopamine in the brain and how many addictive drugs increase dopamine release or block its reabsorption into neurons following release, thereby creating addiction by interfering with normal dopamine transmission.
What I didn't do a good job with in explaining dopamine is how it is often activated simply by the anticipation of reward, and not merely the arrival of the reward and its corresponding pleasure. This gets more to heart of why dopamine makes us feel good and what role feeling good has beyond merely compelling us to eat or seek out a mate.
And this is massively important because this puts dopamine at the center of attention, memory, motivation and, as we will see, learning. At the end of today's episode I am going to give you a 5-part strategy to learn more, better, and faster than you ever thought you could.
Some scientists call this whirlwind of neurobiology that dopamine is central to "incentive salience," which is a fancy, theoretical description for a multidimensional process that concerns the regulating of desire, attention and its corresponding motivation. Once our desire is aroused and alerted, dopamine keeps the anticipation going.
It's all about the physiological excitement, the wanting of something rewarding and pleasurable that is nearby or available in the near future. This is what sustains our attention and drives our behavior when dopamine kicks in and tells our brains how important something is to us, how good we will feel once we have attained it because we feel good even before we have it.
Before incentive salience became the textbook terminology, I simply learned about dopamine as "the attention drug" from the Harvard Medical School psychiatrist and brain expert (the two are not the same) Dr. John Ratey. I should be clear that Ratey didn't call dopamine "the attention drug." That's just what I'm calling it now after doing more homework on it with his help.
And now I've expanded that to call dopamine the "attention, memory, learning" drug.
You can hear my whole discussion of this, including the emotional connections in our midbrain structures that add intensity to the attention-memory-learning loop, in the podcast.
Plus, I share my 5-part strategy for learning more, better, and faster to achieve any goal of knowledge or skill. Or simply to be more productive and achieve your biggest goals.
The Spark of Dr. Ratey
In the podcast, I consult the excellent work of Dr. Ratey to help us get to a better understanding of our brain's own natural wonder drug. I shared some of the wonderful professor's excellent 2001 book A User's Guide to the Brain in an episode from August of 2017 titled What You See, and What You Get: The Neurology of Perception .
Dr. Ratey is an expert on ADD and ADHD and so he knows as much about the attention and reward systems of the brain as anyone. Here's an example of his gift to communicate complex neuroscience in easy to grasp terms as he explains the Arouse, Orient, Detect, Execute loop of human consciousness...
Once we are aroused and oriented, the reward and novelty system kicks in, governed by the mesolimbic pathway (a group of dopamine-containing neurons), which is a key driver of the limbic system. This system is integral not only to attention but to many other brain functions, notably the emotional and social brain.
Detecting novelty and seeking reward are the two primary forces that direct the selection of where to focus our attention. The novelty system takes note of new stimuli. The reward system produces sensations of pleasure, assigning an emotional value to stimulus, which also marks it for memory. If, later, the same stimulus reappears, the memory of these visceral emotions provides a response, from joy to disgust, which then directs the individual to seek out a plan of action.
Ratey also explains the interplay of dopamine with disorders like Parkinson's where "no dopamine means no muscular coordination." It also means a variety of non-motor neurological symptoms including cognitive problems with attention, planning, language, memory, and hallucinations, delusions, or even dementia.
Followers of my portfolios at Zacks know that I have been a frequent investor in Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), maker of NUPLAZID (pimavanserin), the first and only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis.
Run, Jump, Learn!
Dr. Ratey's latest work has focused on exercise as the key ingredient of a healthy brain. In 2008 he published the book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain .
And in 2012, he gave a must-watch TED Talk titled Run, Jump, Learn! How Exercise can Transform our Schools .
Earlier, I mentioned another creative teacher named Mickey Hart and his effort to help brains suffering from Alzheimer's. It appears that what Ratey is teaching with exercise, Hart has been doing with music at concerts where his cerebral lobes are connected to imaging equipment and displayed on massive screens overhead so that fans can see his "brain on music."
I have also been an investor in BiogenBIIB , maker of two different drugs in clinical trials to treat Alzheimer's. Unfortunately, I sold my position recently as the stock fell below $300. The stock vaulted to $350 last week on positive data for the company's amyloid plaque-targeting drug.
What threw me off was that almost every clinical trial in dementia-related R&D (about 99.6%, to be exact) has failed in the past decade or so. Even Pfizer "threw in the towel" recently in the search for new compounds.
And neuroscientist dementia experts have always questioned the narrow focus from Biotech companies on amyloid proteins as the cause-and-cure battleground.
Even now, this is a lot of excitement for a Phase 2 trial. The data was "statistically significant" evidence that BAN-2401, an antibody targeting the beta amyloid protein, can slow progression of the deadly disease in terms of both cognition and amyloid reduction. But most analysts are still predicting the final drug has only a 50 percent chance of getting approved after Phase 3 trials.
Aducanumab is Biogen's other Alzheimer's drug currently in Phase 3 trials that we won't see data from until 2020. When Biogen had to expand the study size (number of patients) in trials of both drugs, that's when sentiment turned so sour on BIIB shares. So this was a review of BAN-2401 at 18 months after it was originally deemed unsuccessful after 12 months. This time, the 856 patients in the trial "demonstrated a statistically significant slowing of disease progression" compared to those taking a placebo.
One company with a better than 50% chance of success with two drugs for Alzheimer's is probably an investment being reconsidered by many who sold the stock along with me below $300. As the manager of a model portfolio at Zacks called Healthcare Innovators, I posed this question to my subscribers last week...
Should We Have Exposure to Alzheimer's?
I think the answer is undoubtedly "YES." The most common form of dementia, it is believed by some experts that Alzheimer's could single-handedly bankrupt Medicare in a matter of decades. The degeneration of neural function is so rapid and debilitating that researchers will not give up the fight -- or the heavy R&D investment -- to find cures or even stabilizing treatments.
But until a cure is found, make sure you and yours know about exercise, music, and my 5-part strategy for learning more, better, and faster as the prevention for Alzheimer's. I've nicknamed my strategy "AMYL" which is also the first 4 letters of amyloid, the protein plaque that is believed to drown neurons in Alzheimer's.
Be sure to check out the podcast to hear what AMYL stands for!
Disclosure: I own share of NVDA for Zacks TAZR Trader and shares of BLUE and CRSP for Zacks Healthcare Innovators.
Kevin Cook is a Senior Stock Strategist for Zacks Investment Research where he runs the Healthcare Innovators and TAZR Trader services. Click Follow Author above to receive his latest stock research and macro analysis.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Followers of my portfolios at Zacks know that I have been a frequent investor in Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), maker of NUPLAZID (pimavanserin), the first and only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Click to get this free report Biogen Inc. (BIIB): Free Stock Analysis Report bluebird bio, Inc. (BLUE): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report CRISPR THERAPTC (CRSP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. These would include brain structure and function, genetic predispositions or "programs" (i.e., our software), and various theories and puzzles about evolutionary psychology that inspire scientists to work backwards and attempt to solve for X. | Click to get this free report Biogen Inc. (BIIB): Free Stock Analysis Report bluebird bio, Inc. (BLUE): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report CRISPR THERAPTC (CRSP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Followers of my portfolios at Zacks know that I have been a frequent investor in Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), maker of NUPLAZID (pimavanserin), the first and only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. (0: 45 ) - The Century of Biology (8: 00 ) - Wonderful Dopamine: The Attention Drug (21: 30 ) - Memory, Emotion and Learning Complete the Loop (33: 00 ) - Dopamine in the Noisy Concert of Consciousness (39: 05 ) - The Cerebral Symphony: Arouse, Orient, Detect, Execute (43: 10 ) - Find Your Flow: 5 Ways To Learn More, Better, Faster Welcome back to Mind Over Money. | Click to get this free report Biogen Inc. (BIIB): Free Stock Analysis Report bluebird bio, Inc. (BLUE): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report CRISPR THERAPTC (CRSP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Followers of my portfolios at Zacks know that I have been a frequent investor in Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), maker of NUPLAZID (pimavanserin), the first and only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. (0: 45 ) - The Century of Biology (8: 00 ) - Wonderful Dopamine: The Attention Drug (21: 30 ) - Memory, Emotion and Learning Complete the Loop (33: 00 ) - Dopamine in the Noisy Concert of Consciousness (39: 05 ) - The Cerebral Symphony: Arouse, Orient, Detect, Execute (43: 10 ) - Find Your Flow: 5 Ways To Learn More, Better, Faster Welcome back to Mind Over Money. | Followers of my portfolios at Zacks know that I have been a frequent investor in Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD), maker of NUPLAZID (pimavanserin), the first and only medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis. Click to get this free report Biogen Inc. (BIIB): Free Stock Analysis Report bluebird bio, Inc. (BLUE): Free Stock Analysis Report ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA): Free Stock Analysis Report CRISPR THERAPTC (CRSP): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. In part 1 of this "chautauqua," I attempted to connect several ideas about technology and science in the light of what we have learned in the past 30 years or so about human nature and human behavior. |
35989.0 | 2018-07-09 00:00:00 UTC | Why ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Stock Is Falling Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-stock-falling-today-2018-07-09 | nan | nan | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD ) stock fell more than 6% on Monday as one of the company's drugs is being investigated for its efficacy.
The Southern Investigative Reporting Foundation's Roddy Boyd said that he had major concerns about the benefits and risks of the company's sole drug, Nuplazid. He also had concerns regarding the company's sales tactics.
His report was published Monday morning and it was titled "Acadia Pharmaceuticals: This Is Not a Pharmaceuticals Company." The report discovered that the company used certain regulatory loopholes to get Nuplazid approved.
The medication is an anti-psychotic for Parkinson's disease and the company reportedly masked issues surrounding how safe the drug is and how well it works. Acadia Pharmaceuticals has been marketing the drug heavily for use in patients with dementia in long-term care facilities.
There is a warning on the medication about safety issues with that population, most of which are safety issues or adverse events linked to the drug. The report also questions the company's sales tactics, calling them: "In a word, Acadia didn't just open up its corporate wallet for doctors: It pointed a hose and sprayed cash at them."
It is unclear how well the drug works in treating patients with mental illness but the company stands by its efficacy.
ACAD stock was down about 6.8% on Monday following the news.
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The post Why ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Stock Is Falling Today appeared first on InvestorPlace .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The report also questions the company's sales tactics, calling them: "In a word, Acadia didn't just open up its corporate wallet for doctors: It pointed a hose and sprayed cash at them." InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD ) stock fell more than 6% on Monday as one of the company's drugs is being investigated for its efficacy. His report was published Monday morning and it was titled "Acadia Pharmaceuticals: This Is Not a Pharmaceuticals Company." | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD ) stock fell more than 6% on Monday as one of the company's drugs is being investigated for its efficacy. The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. His report was published Monday morning and it was titled "Acadia Pharmaceuticals: This Is Not a Pharmaceuticals Company." | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD ) stock fell more than 6% on Monday as one of the company's drugs is being investigated for its efficacy. His report was published Monday morning and it was titled "Acadia Pharmaceuticals: This Is Not a Pharmaceuticals Company." More From InvestorPlace 20 Red-Hot Tech Stocks to Consider The ABSOLUTE Best Way to Invest in the Marijuana Boom The Best Shot You'll Ever Have at Making 50 TIMES Your Money 4 Developments That Will Fuel the Mega Marijuana Market Compare Brokers The post Why ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Stock Is Falling Today appeared first on InvestorPlace . | InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD ) stock fell more than 6% on Monday as one of the company's drugs is being investigated for its efficacy. His report was published Monday morning and it was titled "Acadia Pharmaceuticals: This Is Not a Pharmaceuticals Company." Acadia Pharmaceuticals has been marketing the drug heavily for use in patients with dementia in long-term care facilities. |
35990.0 | 2018-07-08 00:00:00 UTC | The 3 Worst Biotech Stocks of 2018 (So Far) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-worst-biotech-stocks-2018-so-far-2018-07-08 | nan | nan | Some biotech stocks have enjoyed a tremendous year so far in 2018. But many haven't. More than 100 biotech stocks have dropped 30% or more.That total, however, includes many tiny biotech stocks. But there have also been quite a few relatively larger biotechs that have performed dismally in 2018 thus far.
The three worst biotech stocks of 2018 so far that claim market caps of at least $500 million are Prothena Corporation (NASDAQ: PRTA) , Tesaro (NASDAQ: TSRO) , and Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) . Here's why these stocks have taken a beating so far this year.
1. Prothena
Prothena's share price has plunged 60% so far in 2018. Nearly all of Prothena's huge loss came on one day .
On April 23, Prothena announced the worst news in the company's history. The biotech's lead candidate, NEOD001, failed miserably in a phase 2b clinical study targeting treatment of amyloid light-chain (AL) amyloidosis. Prothena's investigational antibody didn't meet the primary or secondary endpoints of the study. The company had no other option but to discontinue all clinical development for NEOD001, including a phase 3 study that had enrolled 260 patients.
In May, Prothena reorganized, slashing its workforce by 57%. The company refocused on its two remaining clinical programs. Experimental Parkinson's disease drug PRX002/RG7935 is being evaluated in a phase 2 clinical study. PRX004 is in a phase 1 study targeting transthyretin (ATTR) amyloidosis.
2. Tesaro
Tesaro stock has tanked 46% year to date. Unlike the situation for Prothena, though, it's been a relatively steady decline for the biotech throughout 2018 thus far.
The biotech started out the year on a down note, updating the label for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting drug Varubi to warn about potential adverse reactions. In February, Tesaro announced disappointing Q4 results . Investors were especially concerned that AstraZeneca 's Lymparza presented greater competition than expected for Tesaro's Zejula in treating ovarian cancer.
Tesaro has had some good news -- and good rumors -- that helped make the year be not as bad as it would have otherwise been. In March, the company reported positive results from a phase 2 study of Zejula in combination with Keytruda. More recently, there has been rampant speculation that Tesaro could be acquired , with the rumors driving the biotech stock higher.
3. Acadia Pharmaceuticals
Acadia Pharmaceuticals' share price has fallen more than 40% so far in 2018. Like a Shakespearean play, the biotech's decline came in three acts.
The first of these "acts" was Acadia's announcement of its Q4 results on Feb. 27, 2018. Investors were displeased that sales for the company's Parkinson's disease psychosis drug Nuplazid weren't growing as quickly as expected. A bad situation got much worse on April 9, though, when CNN reported patient deaths and adverse reactions potentially related to the use of Nuplazid. This CNN report led to the third act behind Acadia's miserable 2018 performance. On April 25, CNN reported that the Food and Drug Administration was reexamining the safety profile of Nuplazid .
It hasn't been a total tragedy for Acadia this year, however. The biotech's Q1 numbers announced in early May and reiteration of its full-year 2018 guidance helped reassure investors. Acadia also announced FDA approval for two new dosing formulations of Nuplazid on June 29, which provided a much-needed boost to the stock .
Most likely to bounce back
Which of these beaten-down biotech stocks is most likely to bounce back in a major way? Let's start first with the one that probably has the hardest path ahead -- Prothena. It's very difficult for a clinical-stage biotech to lose its lead candidate then come back. That's not saying it can't be done, but Prothena has the toughest climb of these three biotechs.
Tesaro's Zejula is a good ovarian cancer drug. I suspect that the rumors of an acquisition could become a reality. If so, Tesaro could again become a winner for investors.
However, my pick for most likely to bounce back in a big way is Acadia. Granted, a bad surprise from the FDA on Nuplazid could devastate the stock. I think, though, that it's more likely that the safety data on which Nuplazid won approval will hold up in the FDA's review. If I'm right and the FDA removes this dark cloud that's hanging over Acadia, the stock should skyrocket.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
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David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.
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Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | The three worst biotech stocks of 2018 so far that claim market caps of at least $500 million are Prothena Corporation (NASDAQ: PRTA) , Tesaro (NASDAQ: TSRO) , and Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) . Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals' share price has fallen more than 40% so far in 2018. The first of these "acts" was Acadia's announcement of its Q4 results on Feb. 27, 2018. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals' share price has fallen more than 40% so far in 2018. The three worst biotech stocks of 2018 so far that claim market caps of at least $500 million are Prothena Corporation (NASDAQ: PRTA) , Tesaro (NASDAQ: TSRO) , and Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) . The first of these "acts" was Acadia's announcement of its Q4 results on Feb. 27, 2018. | The three worst biotech stocks of 2018 so far that claim market caps of at least $500 million are Prothena Corporation (NASDAQ: PRTA) , Tesaro (NASDAQ: TSRO) , and Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) . 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals' share price has fallen more than 40% so far in 2018. | The first of these "acts" was Acadia's announcement of its Q4 results on Feb. 27, 2018. The three worst biotech stocks of 2018 so far that claim market caps of at least $500 million are Prothena Corporation (NASDAQ: PRTA) , Tesaro (NASDAQ: TSRO) , and Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) . Acadia Pharmaceuticals Acadia Pharmaceuticals' share price has fallen more than 40% so far in 2018. |
35991.0 | 2018-06-29 00:00:00 UTC | Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Is Soaring Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-soaring-today-2018-06-29 | nan | nan | What happened
After reporting the regulatory approval of two new dosing formulations for the company's one and only drug Nuplazid , shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, rose as much as 13% in early morning trading on Friday. Shares have since pulled back a bit but were still up about 7% as of 10:11 a.m. EDT on Friday.
So what
Acadia announced today that the FDA has approved two new dosing formulation of its Parkinson's disease psychosis drug Nuplazid. The two new capsules are a 34 mg and 10 mg formulation of the drug. The new 34 mg dosing option is designed to replace the two 17 mg tablets that many current patients take. The 10 mg version is designed to provide patients with a lower dosage version of the drug.
Dr. Joseph Friedman, a physician from Butler Hospital and Brown University, offered investors the following commentary about the approval:
The new capsules are expected to be available for sale by the middle of August.
Now what
2018 has been a rough year for Acadia's shareholders, so it's nice to see some positive news come from the company for a change. Offering healthcare providers new dosing options could help to spur additional usage of the drug and help Nuplazid reach blockbuster status.
However, the big question for Acadia's investors moving forward is how the FDA will respond the to reports of safety issues related to the use of Nuplazid. That question remains unanswered, so I continue to believe caution is warranted.
10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals
When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor , has quadrupled the market.*
David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys.
Click here to learn about these picks!
*Stock Advisor returns as of June 4, 2018
Brian Feroldi has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What happened After reporting the regulatory approval of two new dosing formulations for the company's one and only drug Nuplazid , shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, rose as much as 13% in early morning trading on Friday. So what Acadia announced today that the FDA has approved two new dosing formulation of its Parkinson's disease psychosis drug Nuplazid. Now what 2018 has been a rough year for Acadia's shareholders, so it's nice to see some positive news come from the company for a change. | What happened After reporting the regulatory approval of two new dosing formulations for the company's one and only drug Nuplazid , shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, rose as much as 13% in early morning trading on Friday. So what Acadia announced today that the FDA has approved two new dosing formulation of its Parkinson's disease psychosis drug Nuplazid. Now what 2018 has been a rough year for Acadia's shareholders, so it's nice to see some positive news come from the company for a change. | What happened After reporting the regulatory approval of two new dosing formulations for the company's one and only drug Nuplazid , shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, rose as much as 13% in early morning trading on Friday. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. So what Acadia announced today that the FDA has approved two new dosing formulation of its Parkinson's disease psychosis drug Nuplazid. | So what Acadia announced today that the FDA has approved two new dosing formulation of its Parkinson's disease psychosis drug Nuplazid. What happened After reporting the regulatory approval of two new dosing formulations for the company's one and only drug Nuplazid , shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , a commercial-stage biopharma focused on diseases of the central nervous system, rose as much as 13% in early morning trading on Friday. Now what 2018 has been a rough year for Acadia's shareholders, so it's nice to see some positive news come from the company for a change. |
35992.0 | 2018-06-14 00:00:00 UTC | Noteworthy Thursday Option Activity: ACAD, ETSY, INSY | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/noteworthy-thursday-option-activity-acad-etsy-insy-2018-06-14 | nan | nan | Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total of 24,816 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 2.5 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 125% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month of 2.0 million shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $20 strike call option expiring September 21, 2018 , with 10,053 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.0 million underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $20 strike highlighted in orange:
Etsy Inc (Symbol: ETSY) options are showing a volume of 22,190 contracts thus far today. That number of contracts represents approximately 2.2 million underlying shares, working out to a sizeable 117.7% of ETSY's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 1.9 million shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $40 strike call option expiring July 20, 2018 , with 4,346 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 434,600 underlying shares of ETSY. Below is a chart showing ETSY's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $40 strike highlighted in orange:
And Insys Therapeutics Inc (Symbol: INSY) saw options trading volume of 7,303 contracts, representing approximately 730,300 underlying shares or approximately 117.2% of INSY's average daily trading volume over the past month, of 622,865 shares. Especially high volume was seen for the $8 strike call option expiring June 15, 2018 , with 1,381 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 138,100 underlying shares of INSY. Below is a chart showing INSY's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $8 strike highlighted in orange:
For the various different available expirations for ACAD options , ETSY options , or INSY options , visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Today's Most Active Call & Put Options of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Particularly high volume was seen for the $20 strike call option expiring September 21, 2018 , with 10,053 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.0 million underlying shares of ACAD. Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total of 24,816 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 2.5 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 125% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month of 2.0 million shares. | Particularly high volume was seen for the $20 strike call option expiring September 21, 2018 , with 10,053 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.0 million underlying shares of ACAD. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $20 strike highlighted in orange: Etsy Inc (Symbol: ETSY) options are showing a volume of 22,190 contracts thus far today. Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total of 24,816 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 2.5 million underlying shares. | Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total of 24,816 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 2.5 million underlying shares. Particularly high volume was seen for the $20 strike call option expiring September 21, 2018 , with 10,053 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.0 million underlying shares of ACAD. That amounts to about 125% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month of 2.0 million shares. | Particularly high volume was seen for the $20 strike call option expiring September 21, 2018 , with 10,053 contracts trading so far today, representing approximately 1.0 million underlying shares of ACAD. Among the underlying components of the Russell 3000 index, we saw noteworthy options trading volume today in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD), where a total of 24,816 contracts have traded so far, representing approximately 2.5 million underlying shares. That amounts to about 125% of ACAD's average daily trading volume over the past month of 2.0 million shares. |
35993.0 | 2018-06-07 00:00:00 UTC | July 27th Options Now Available For Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/july-27th-options-now-available-acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-2018-06-07 | nan | nan | Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the July 27th expiration. At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 27th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest.
The put contract at the $17.00 strike price has a current bid of 10 cents. If an investor was to sell-to-open that put contract, they are committing to purchase the stock at $17.00, but will also collect the premium, putting the cost basis of the shares at $16.90 (before broker commissions). To an investor already interested in purchasing shares of ACAD, that could represent an attractive alternative to paying $17.65/share today.
Because the $17.00 strike represents an approximate 4% discount to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the put contract would expire worthless. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 100%. Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change, publishing a chart of those numbers on our website under the contract detail page for this contract . Should the contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 0.59% return on the cash commitment, or 4.29% annualized - at Stock Options Channel we call this the YieldBoost .
Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $17.00 strike is located relative to that history:
Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $18.00 strike price has a current bid of 20 cents. If an investor was to purchase shares of ACAD stock at the current price level of $17.65/share, and then sell-to-open that call contract as a "covered call," they are committing to sell the stock at $18.00. Considering the call seller will also collect the premium, that would drive a total return (excluding dividends, if any) of 3.12% if the stock gets called away at the July 27th expiration (before broker commissions). Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $18.00 strike highlighted in red:
Considering the fact that the $18.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. The current analytical data (including greeks and implied greeks) suggest the current odds of that happening are 99%. On our website under the contract detail page for this contract , Stock Options Channel will track those odds over time to see how they change and publish a chart of those numbers (the trading history of the option contract will also be charted). Should the covered call contract expire worthless, the premium would represent a 1.13% boost of extra return to the investor, or 8.27% annualized, which we refer to as the YieldBoost .
Meanwhile, we calculate the actual trailing twelve month volatility (considering the last 252 trading day closing values as well as today's price of $17.65) to be 64%. For more put and call options contract ideas worth looking at, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Top YieldBoost Calls of the S&P 500 »
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Of course, a lot of upside could potentially be left on the table if ACAD shares really soar, which is why looking at the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, as well as studying the business fundamentals becomes important. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $18.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $18.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the July 27th expiration. | Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $18.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $18.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the July 27th expiration. At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 27th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. | Below is a chart showing the trailing twelve month trading history for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc, and highlighting in green where the $17.00 strike is located relative to that history: Turning to the calls side of the option chain, the call contract at the $18.00 strike price has a current bid of 20 cents. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $18.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $18.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the July 27th expiration. | At Stock Options Channel , our YieldBoost formula has looked up and down the ACAD options chain for the new July 27th contracts and identified one put and one call contract of particular interest. Below is a chart showing ACAD's trailing twelve month trading history, with the $18.00 strike highlighted in red: Considering the fact that the $18.00 strike represents an approximate 2% premium to the current trading price of the stock (in other words it is out-of-the-money by that percentage), there is also the possibility that the covered call contract would expire worthless, in which case the investor would keep both their shares of stock and the premium collected. Investors in Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc (Symbol: ACAD) saw new options begin trading today, for the July 27th expiration. |
35994.0 | 2018-05-23 00:00:00 UTC | Is Acadia Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) a Buy? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-pharmaceuticals-acad-buy-2018-05-23 | nan | nan | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) stock has plunged more than 40% so far in 2018. Is Acadia stock ready for a rebound? Or is it what investors refer to as a falling knife that you shouldn't try to catch?
Those questions aren't easy to answer. Actually, they raise even more questions. Whether or not Acadia is a buy depends on the answers to the following three questions.
1. What will happen with an FDA evaluation of Nuplazid?
One major reason behind Acadia stock's big drop this year stems from reports of safety problems for the biotech's Parkinson's disease psychosis drug, Nuplazid. CNN reported in early April that Nuplazid was listed as "suspect" in 500 reported patient deaths. The cable news channel also interviewed physicians and medical experts who expressed concern about the safety of the drug.
The situation for Acadia worsened a few weeks later . FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb was asked about Nuplazid in a Congressional budget hearing. Gottlieb replied that the FDA would "take another look" at Acadia's drug. The FDA subsequently confirmed that it was "conducting an evaluation of available information about Nuplazid."
Of course, the FDA has already conducted an extensive review of the safety data for Nuplazid. The drug couldn't have won approval otherwise. It's also important to note that the FDA issued a statement saying that adverse events reported with Nuplazid "typically involve geriatric patients with advanced-stage Parkinson's disease, as well as numerous medical conditions, who are frequently taking concomitant medications with risks for serious adverse events, including death."
2. Will sales momentum for Nuplazid pick up steam?
Assuming nothing bad happens as a result of the FDA's evaluation of Nuplazid, the question for Acadia would then primarily concern the commercial success of the drug. Acadia reported net sales of $48.9 million for the drug in the first quarter. That reflected a 220% year-over-year jump and was 12% higher than sales in the fourth quarter of 2017.
Some analysts projected that Nuplazid would reach sales of $1 billion by 2021. There's a long way to go to reach that level. The negative publicity from the CNN reports and latest FDA evaluation will no doubt make it much more difficult for Nuplazid to pick up momentum.
It is still early, though. Acadia continues to conduct a disease awareness campaign that appears to be having some success in educating patients and caregivers. Despite the challenges, Acadia still projects $255 million to $270 million in sales this year.
3. How will Nuplazid fare in clinical studies?
Nuplazid isn't just Acadia's lead product. It's the company's only pipeline candidate. A significant part of the valuation for Acadia relates to the potential for the drug in treating additional indications.
Acadia has four clinical studies in progress. Two are phase 3 studies evaluating Nuplazid in treating dementia-related psychoses and schizophrenia inadequate response. The other two are phase 2 studies of the drug in treating schizophrenia negative symptoms and major depressive disorder.
One of these studies could provide a catalyst to Acadia in the near future. The company plans to announce top-line results from the phase 2 study targeting major depressive disorder in the second half of 2018. In addition, Acadia should report results from its phase 3 study targeting schizophrenia inadequate response and the phase 2 study targeting schizophrenia negative symptoms next year.
Is Acadia a buy?
The problem is that it's impossible to answer these three questions with certainty. At best, we can speculate about the most likely answers. That's the nature of investing, though. If there were total certainty and no risk, there would be no potential for rewards.
What will happen with the FDA's evaluation of Nuplazid? My view is that the odds are higher that Nuplazid remains on the market than the chances are that Acadia will have to withdraw the drug. It's possible the FDA could find troubling data that leads to a more dire consequence, but as of now, there doesn't appear to be any compelling reason to expect that outcome.
As for Nuplazid's sales momentum, it seems likely that the drug will continue to generate higher sales -- assuming, of course, Acadia moves past the current safety questions. However, I don't think Nuplazid is going to become a blockbuster by 2021, like some predicted.
With clinical studies, I usually just go with the historical probabilities. The chances of a neurology drug in phase 3 testing ultimately winning approval are a little under 50%. Those odds drop to around 14% for a neurology drug in phase 2.
I won't be surprised if Acadia bounces back if the FDA evaluation ends with no action. However, for me -- and probably for most other investors -- there's just too much risk in buying Acadia right now. In my view, the best course of action is to stand on the sidelines and see what happens.
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Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | One major reason behind Acadia stock's big drop this year stems from reports of safety problems for the biotech's Parkinson's disease psychosis drug, Nuplazid. Assuming nothing bad happens as a result of the FDA's evaluation of Nuplazid, the question for Acadia would then primarily concern the commercial success of the drug. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) stock has plunged more than 40% so far in 2018. | One major reason behind Acadia stock's big drop this year stems from reports of safety problems for the biotech's Parkinson's disease psychosis drug, Nuplazid. In addition, Acadia should report results from its phase 3 study targeting schizophrenia inadequate response and the phase 2 study targeting schizophrenia negative symptoms next year. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) stock has plunged more than 40% so far in 2018. | One major reason behind Acadia stock's big drop this year stems from reports of safety problems for the biotech's Parkinson's disease psychosis drug, Nuplazid. Assuming nothing bad happens as a result of the FDA's evaluation of Nuplazid, the question for Acadia would then primarily concern the commercial success of the drug. As for Nuplazid's sales momentum, it seems likely that the drug will continue to generate higher sales -- assuming, of course, Acadia moves past the current safety questions. | Assuming nothing bad happens as a result of the FDA's evaluation of Nuplazid, the question for Acadia would then primarily concern the commercial success of the drug. In addition, Acadia should report results from its phase 3 study targeting schizophrenia inadequate response and the phase 2 study targeting schizophrenia negative symptoms next year. * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! |
35995.0 | 2018-05-18 00:00:00 UTC | Better Buy: Acadia Pharmaceuticals vs. Biogen | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/better-buy-acadia-pharmaceuticals-vs-biogen-2018-05-18 | nan | nan | This has been a bad year for Biogen (NASDAQ: BIIB) so far -- the biotech's stock has dropped more than 10% since it began. But 2018 has been horrible for Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , which has seen its share price plunge nearly 40%.
What goes down can go up again, though. Which of these two neuroscience-focused biotech stocks is more likely to enjoy a nice rebound? Here's how Acadia and Biogen compare.
The case for Acadia
The reason to consider buying Acadia stock can be summed up in one word: Nuplazid. It's the biotech's only approved drug -- and its only pipeline candidate.
Acadia reported net sales of $48.9 million for Nuplazid in the first quarter of 2018 -- a 220% year-over-year jump. However, the drug won FDA approval for treating Parkinson's disease (PD) psychosis in April 2016, so Q1 of last year was still very early for Nuplazid.
Actually, the drug is still in its early stages. Acadia CEO Stephen Davis stated earlier this year that significant patient education will be needed in order for Nuplazid to reach its potential. More than half of PD patients experience PD psychosis, but many of them aren't aware that they do. Others don't tell their healthcare providers that they're experiencing PD psychosis symptoms. Acadia has been working on multiple fronts to teach patients about PD psychosis and the benefits of Nuplazid.
There's more potential for the drug in treating other neurological conditions. Acadia is evaluating Nuplazid in phase 3 clinical studies for treating dementia-related psychosis and as a schizophrenia inadequate-response adjunctive therapy. There are also phase 2 studies underway examining it as an adjunctive therapy for both schizophrenia negative symptoms and major depressive disorder.
Just how big of a success could Nuplazid be? Some think the drug could reach sales of $1 billion over the next few years in the PD psychosis indication alone. There's a long way to go, though: Acadia projects net sales between $255 million and $270 million in 2018. Given that its market cap stands close to $2.3 billion, Acadia stock could have a huge ramp ahead of it if the drug gets anywhere close to that sales target.
The case for Biogen
By contrast, the investment thesis for Biogen can't be rolled into one word. The company has been a leader in treating multiple sclerosis (MS) for years, with three blockbuster franchises -- Tecfidera, Tysabri, and its interferon products.
More recently, though, it has expanded into a promising new indication. Biogen and partner Ionis Pharmaceuticals won FDA approval for Spinraza as a treatment for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in December 2016. The drug has already been a big winner, racking up sales of nearly $884 million last year, and appears to be on track to generate sales of $1.5 billion or more in 2018.
Biogen's pipeline could really change the dynamics for the company. While Biogen only has three phase 3 candidates, one of them holds the potential to become one of the most successful drugs ever. Market research firm EvaluatePharma ranks experimental Alzheimer's disease drug aducanumab as the most valuable pipeline asset in the biopharmaceutical industry .
The biotech also has several promising phase 2 pipeline candidates. Perhaps the most intriguing of those is MS drug opicinumab, which uses the antibody anti-LINGO-1 to (hopefully) reverse and prevent damage to the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers.
Thanks to the strong cash flow generated by its current MS products and Spinraza, Biogen had over $5.9 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities at the end of the first quarter. This puts the company in a good position to augment its pipeline and fuel its growth.
Better buy
To be clear, it's not all sunshine and roses for either of these companies. Biogen's MS franchises are under pressure from competing treatments. There is also a high level of risk the aducanumab won't pan out -- Alzheimer's has proven a particularly tough disease for big pharma to make headway on. But Acadia faces the more concerning issue.
A few weeks ago, reports surfaced that the FDA is reexamining the safety profile of Nuplazid after several patients taking the drug died and others experienced adverse events. It's possible that this reevaluation won't lead to anything dire for Acadia, but investors can't ignore the risks associated with this development.
I think Biogen is by far the safer pick, especially in light of the FDA investigation. However, I wouldn't go so far as to call its stock a buy. The biotech's fate hinges too heavily on aducanumab to give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. It could well be a huge winner over the next few years, but my view is that it's best to stay on the sidelines with Biogen stock for now.
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Keith Speights has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Biogen and Ionis Pharmaceuticals. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | But 2018 has been horrible for Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , which has seen its share price plunge nearly 40%. Here's how Acadia and Biogen compare. The case for Acadia The reason to consider buying Acadia stock can be summed up in one word: Nuplazid. | But 2018 has been horrible for Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , which has seen its share price plunge nearly 40%. Here's how Acadia and Biogen compare. The case for Acadia The reason to consider buying Acadia stock can be summed up in one word: Nuplazid. | The case for Acadia The reason to consider buying Acadia stock can be summed up in one word: Nuplazid. Given that its market cap stands close to $2.3 billion, Acadia stock could have a huge ramp ahead of it if the drug gets anywhere close to that sales target. But 2018 has been horrible for Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , which has seen its share price plunge nearly 40%. | But 2018 has been horrible for Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) , which has seen its share price plunge nearly 40%. Here's how Acadia and Biogen compare. The case for Acadia The reason to consider buying Acadia stock can be summed up in one word: Nuplazid. |
35996.0 | 2018-05-07 00:00:00 UTC | Are These 2 Biotech Laggards Ready to Rebound? | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/are-these-2-biotech-laggards-ready-rebound-2018-05-07 | nan | nan | Biotech hasn't been a great place to invest your money in 2018. The iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index , after all, is down by over 4% at present, and summer has historically been a down time for this high-risk space. So, there's little reason to believe a widespread rally is coming anytime soon.
Even against this dour backdrop, however, several former top biotech stocks have turned out to be particularly disappointing investing vehicles this year. Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) , for instance, are both trading near their 52-week lows right now. That's a surprising turn of events given that Acadia and Celgene were two of the absolute best-performing growth stocks since about the start of 2010.
Should investors take advantage of this weakness in these two former highfliers? Let's dig deeper to find out.
Is Acadia's risk overstated?
Acadia stock has suffered from two interrelated issues this year. First off, the company's valuation at the start of the year seemed to reflect an unwarranted optimism surrounding the commercial potential of Nuplazid, Acadia's FDA-approved drug for Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP).
In short, investors were clearly expecting Nuplazid to achieve blockbuster status almost right out of the gate. As the drug has a questionable risk-to-reward ratio, however, it's not all that surprising that Nuplazid has so far failed to live up to these lofty expectations.
And the drug's murky risk-to=reward ratio is at the heart of the company's second major issue. A recent report by CNN suggested that Nuplazid's substantial risks outweigh its modest rewards, which, in turn, caused the FDA to take a deeper look at the drug's emerging safety profile since coming on the market.
Although the FDA is unlikely to pull Nuplazid for a variety of reasons, investors are still concerned about this existential threat. Nuplazid, after all, is Acadia's only product, and it doesn't have much of a clinical pipeline to fall back on.
On the bright side, Acadia's management has stuck by its annual 2018 sales guidance for Nuplazid of between $255 million and $270 million, and the company has been adamant about its position that this drug is an important new treatment option for PDP.
The core problem here, though, is that Acadia's valuation is still way out of line with its peers -- even after this year's downward move. At present, Acadia's shares are trading at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 7.9 at the high end of its estimated revenue guidance. The historical average for biotechs with traditional small-molecule drugs like Nuplazid, by contrast, is closer to 6.
With a possible black swan event lurking in the shadows (Nuplazid getting pulled from the market), it's hard to justify buying this stock right now. At best, Acadia's shares are now only slightly overvalued, and a buyout scenario appears to be moot issue with Nuplazid's current regulatory risk.
Can Celgene overcome these missteps?
Celgene stock has plunged this year due to the unexpected regulatory setback for its multiple sclerosis drug candidate ozanimod, as well as the questionable acquisitions of Impact Biomedicines and Juno Therapeutics that cut deeply into the biotech's cash reserves. The long and short of it is that Celgene is under immense pressure to find an heir apparent to its flagship multiple myeloma drug Revlimid.
Now, ozanimod was supposed to be that drug, given its potential to generate upwards of $6 billion in peak sales. With the drug's commercial launch delayed by at least a year, however, ozanimod could end facing a far tougher competitive landscape by the time it finally hits the market.
And that's why Celgene's management was quick to note the sizable commercial potential of Juno's and Impact's lead product candidates -- JCAR017 and fedratinib respectively -- during its first-quarter conference call last week. Unfortunately, these two product candidates do have their own set of unique problems that could significantly dampen their commercial prospects, too.
Overall, the picture that's emerging with Celgene is a company that's lost its way to some degree. The ozanimod fiasco triggered a change in key leadership positions, and the biotech's acquisitions of Juno and Impact appear, in hindsight, to be questionable moves at best. Valued at a mere 8.55 times forward earnings, though, Celgene stock is probably worth the risk at these levels.
Are these two stocks worth owning right now?
Acadia could be in for some dark days in the near future. There's no telling what the ultimate fallout from that CNN report regarding Nuplazid's risk-to-reward ratio will be, and there's now the remote chance that the FDA could even pull the drug from the market. As such, this speculative biotech stock arguably isn't worth the potential headaches that could come with owning it.
Celgene, on the other hand, probably deserves the benefit of the doubt. The company has made some regrettable errors this year, but management has been proactive at dealing with them head-on. The company also has a top-notch clinical pipeline that should be able to keep the growth going for at least another five to 10 years -- even if Juno and Impact both fail to live up to expectations. So with Celgene's shares trading at rock-bottom prices from a historical perspective, investors may want to consider taking advantage and scooping up some shares.
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George Budwell has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Celgene. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | First off, the company's valuation at the start of the year seemed to reflect an unwarranted optimism surrounding the commercial potential of Nuplazid, Acadia's FDA-approved drug for Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP). Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) , for instance, are both trading near their 52-week lows right now. That's a surprising turn of events given that Acadia and Celgene were two of the absolute best-performing growth stocks since about the start of 2010. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) , for instance, are both trading near their 52-week lows right now. That's a surprising turn of events given that Acadia and Celgene were two of the absolute best-performing growth stocks since about the start of 2010. Is Acadia's risk overstated? | First off, the company's valuation at the start of the year seemed to reflect an unwarranted optimism surrounding the commercial potential of Nuplazid, Acadia's FDA-approved drug for Parkinson's disease psychosis (PDP). Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) , for instance, are both trading near their 52-week lows right now. That's a surprising turn of events given that Acadia and Celgene were two of the absolute best-performing growth stocks since about the start of 2010. | Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) and Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) , for instance, are both trading near their 52-week lows right now. That's a surprising turn of events given that Acadia and Celgene were two of the absolute best-performing growth stocks since about the start of 2010. Is Acadia's risk overstated? |
35997.0 | 2018-05-04 00:00:00 UTC | ACADIA Posts Narrower than Expected Loss in Q1, Sales Beat | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/acadia-posts-narrower-than-expected-loss-in-q1-sales-beat-2018-05-04 | nan | nan | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc .ACAD focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines to address unmet medical needs in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The company has a portfolio of product opportunities led by its key drug, Nuplazid (pimavanserin), which was approved by the FDA in April, 2016 for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson's disease psychosis, (PD) Psychosis, and is the only drug approved in the United States for this condition. The company has worldwide commercialization rights to Nuplazid. The company plans to continue to study the use of Nuplazid in multiple disease states.
The company's track record has been impressive. Over the last four quarters, the company has beaten estimates on all four occasions. Overall, ACADIA has posted an average positive earnings surprise of 11.24% for the trailing four quarters.
Currently, ACADIA has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), but that could definitely change following the company's earnings report which was just released. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below:
Earnings: ACADIA posted narrower than expected loss in the first quarter of 2018. Our consensus called for loss per share of 56 cents, and the company reported loss of 44 cents.
Revenue: Revenues, also, beat expectations. ACADIA posted revenues of $48.9 million, compared to our consensus estimate of $47 million.
Key Stats: Nuplazid delivered strong performance in the first quarter of 2018 and reported sales of $48.9 million in the quarter, an increase of 220% year over year.
2018 Guidance: The company reiterates its guidance for full-year Nuplazid net product sales for 2018 and expects it to be in the range of $255 million and $270 million. For the second quarter of 2018, ACADIA expects Nuplazid net sales to be between $57 million and $61 million. The company expects strong volume growth for Nuplazid.
Share Price Impact: Share went up 7.5% in pre-market trading .
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price and Consensus
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price and Consensus | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Quote
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ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ACAD): Free Stock Analysis Report
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc .ACAD focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines to address unmet medical needs in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. We have highlighted some of the key stats from this just-revealed announcement below: Earnings: ACADIA posted narrower than expected loss in the first quarter of 2018. Overall, ACADIA has posted an average positive earnings surprise of 11.24% for the trailing four quarters. | For the second quarter of 2018, ACADIA expects Nuplazid net sales to be between $57 million and $61 million. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price and Consensus ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price and Consensus | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Quote Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc .ACAD focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines to address unmet medical needs in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. | For the second quarter of 2018, ACADIA expects Nuplazid net sales to be between $57 million and $61 million. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price and Consensus ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price and Consensus | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Quote Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc .ACAD focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines to address unmet medical needs in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. | ACADIA posted revenues of $48.9 million, compared to our consensus estimate of $47 million. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price and Consensus ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Price and Consensus | ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc. Quote Today's Stocks from Zacks' Hottest Strategies It's hard to believe, even for us at Zacks. ACADIA Pharmaceuticals, Inc .ACAD focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative medicines to address unmet medical needs in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. |
35998.0 | 2018-05-04 00:00:00 UTC | Earnings Reaction History: ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc, 66.7% Follow-Through Indicator, 9.2% Sensitive | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/earnings-reaction-history-acadia-pharmaceuticals-inc-667-follow-through-indicator-92 | nan | nan | Expected Earnings Release: 05/04/2018, Premarket
Avg. Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $4,834,451
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. Given its history, traders can expect light trading in the issue immediately following its quarterly earnings announcement. Historical earnings event related premarket and after-hours trading activity in ACAD indicates that the price change in the extended hours is likely to be of significant value in forecasting additional price movement by the following regular session close.
Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions
Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 60%
Average next regular session additional gain: 3.5%
Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 60.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.5%.
Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions
Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 100%
Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8%
Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 100.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Copyright (C) 2016 MTNewswires.com. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is strictly prohibited.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 60% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.5% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 60.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.5%. Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 100% Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8% Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 100.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close. Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $4,834,451 ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. | Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 60% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.5% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 60.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.5%. Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 100% Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8% Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 100.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close. Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $4,834,451 ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. | Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 60% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.5% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 60.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.5%. Last 12 Qtrs Negative Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours losses: 100% Average next regular session additional loss: 4.8% Over that same historical period, when shares of ACAD dropped in the extended-hours in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 100.0% of the time (4 events) the stock dropped further, adding to the extended-hours losses by an average of 4.8% by the following regular session close. Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $4,834,451 ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. | Extended-Hours Dollar Volume: $4,834,451 ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc ( ACAD ) is due to issue its quarterly earnings report in the upcoming extended-hours session. Last 12 Qtrs Positive Only Price Reactions Percent of time added to extended-hours gains: 60% Average next regular session additional gain: 3.5% Over the prior three fiscal years (12 quarters), when shares of ACAD rose in the extended-hours session in reaction to its earnings announcement, history shows that 60.0% of the time (3 events) the stock posted additional gains in the following regular session by an average of 3.5%. Historical earnings event related premarket and after-hours trading activity in ACAD indicates that the price change in the extended hours is likely to be of significant value in forecasting additional price movement by the following regular session close. |
35999.0 | 2018-05-04 00:00:00 UTC | Why Acadia Pharmaceuticals Jumped 11% Higher Today | ACAD | https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/why-acadia-pharmaceuticals-jumped-11-higher-today-2018-05-04 | nan | nan | What
Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) closed up 11% on Friday after announcing solid enough first-quarter revenue from its Parkinson's disease drug Nuplazid before the bell this morning.
Of course, with the share price at almost half of where it started the year at thanks to a negative CNN report in April, it shouldn't have taken much to get investors excited.
So what
Nuplazid revenue was up 12% quarter over quarter, which is certainly some solid growth. But it's working off a low base, so the growth only raised quarterly sales to $48.9 million, a far cry from a blockbuster.
Investors are likely also cheering management's guidance in which it reiterated expectations for Nuplazid sales between $255 million and $270 million this year. For the second quarter, the goal is for sales of $57 million to $61 million, which would be about 20% quarter-over-quarter growth at the midpoint. More importantly, it still leaves additional growth for the second half of the year to reach the annual goal.
Now what
In addition to growing sales, investors can look forward to results from a phase 2 trial testing Nuplazid in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), which is due out in the second half of this year. As a much larger potential market, MDD could give Acadia a major revenue boost, although sales for that indication would still be years away since the company would still need to run a phase 3 confirmatory program.
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Brian Orelli has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. | What Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) closed up 11% on Friday after announcing solid enough first-quarter revenue from its Parkinson's disease drug Nuplazid before the bell this morning. As a much larger potential market, MDD could give Acadia a major revenue boost, although sales for that indication would still be years away since the company would still need to run a phase 3 confirmatory program. 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. | As a much larger potential market, MDD could give Acadia a major revenue boost, although sales for that indication would still be years away since the company would still need to run a phase 3 confirmatory program. The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc. What Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) closed up 11% on Friday after announcing solid enough first-quarter revenue from its Parkinson's disease drug Nuplazid before the bell this morning. | 10 stocks we like better than Acadia Pharmaceuticals When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. What Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) closed up 11% on Friday after announcing solid enough first-quarter revenue from its Parkinson's disease drug Nuplazid before the bell this morning. As a much larger potential market, MDD could give Acadia a major revenue boost, although sales for that indication would still be years away since the company would still need to run a phase 3 confirmatory program. | * David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Acadia Pharmaceuticals wasn't one of them! What Shares of Acadia Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ACAD) closed up 11% on Friday after announcing solid enough first-quarter revenue from its Parkinson's disease drug Nuplazid before the bell this morning. As a much larger potential market, MDD could give Acadia a major revenue boost, although sales for that indication would still be years away since the company would still need to run a phase 3 confirmatory program. |
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