8 Healthcare Names Cowen & Co Are Talking About

Following a meeting with big cap pharma companies at its 35th Annual Health Care Conference, Cowen & Co published a report Tuesday detailing its key findings.

1. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY), rated Outperform: "Key IO milestones delivered and many others upcoming... IDO/TDO and TGF Beta work on the tumor microenvironment and can have a synergistic effect in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors."

"Bristol's recent acquisition of these early -stage assets from Flexus and Rigel strengthen the IO portfolio…BMY submitted 50 abstracts to ASCO, 75% in IO and more than 50% of these on Opdivo," the analysts wrote.

2. Eli Lilly and Co (NYSE: LLY), rated Outperform: "Ixekizumab may have efficacy and dosing advantages over some competitors in IL-17 race…Data from RA -BEAM (baracitinib versus Humira) are due in H2 and may be particularly important because it appears to be a well -designed trial allowing use of methotrexate and doses Humira at 40mg every 2 weeks…solanezumab Phase III could come sooner than we expected."

"Open -label cross -over data from EXPEDITION I and II which could illustrate disease modification will be published later this year…evacetrapib (CETPi) Phase III designed to enroll quickly, stroke endpoint key for EU adoption," the analysts added.

3. Merck & Co Inc (NYSE: MRK), rated Market Perform: "Broad biosimilars effort detailed including near-term filings; MRK not revealing population for which Keytruda will be filed in lung in mid 2015, but we assume both PD-1 + and - patients regardless of histology."

"MRK held launch meetings for Zerbaxa (antibiotic) and Belsomra (insomnia) recently. MRK states that there has been good formulary activity for Zerbaxa , and Belsomra had 1000 prescriptions in the first week…From the commercial standpoint, when asked what products in development were most exciting, MRK noted anacetrapib (lipid modulation) and MK -8931, the BACE inhibitor (Alzheimer's). Both products will generate first data in 2017," the report said.

4. Novartis AG (NYSE: NVS), rated Outperform: "Sandoz attributes its outperformance to focus on top three distributers accounting for 70% of generic scrips, supply disruptions at competitors, and benefits from new product launches (30 launches in 2013, and 28 in 2014); NVS portfolio includes 1,100+ compounds and 800+ in the pipeline. No details were provided on filing timeline for biosimilars."

5. Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE), rated Market Perform: "Ibrance off to solid start in breast cancer with triple digit number of patients already having been treated and 52% awareness among prescribers; Prevnar 13 opportunity in adults very large."

"PFE highlighted the strength of its IO effort with Merck/Serono. Multiple pivotal trials are underway, in areas including lung, gastric and ovarian, including many combinations. PFE is also developing an array of modalities, including CART cells, bi -functional antibodies, and cancer vaccines," the analysts commented.

6. Roche Holding AG (OTC: RHHBY), rated Outperform: "Esbriet off to great start despite free drug for initial 45 days; evaluation of Crenezumab continues: higher doses explored, regulatory discussions continue; lampalizumab Phase III enrollment on track; lebrikizumab data in 2016; key catalysts upcoming, particularly at ASCO."

7. Sanofi (NYSE: SNY), rated Market Perform: "Alirocumab offers flexibility advantage; Aubagio sales could be sustained into next decade; Lemtrada infusion centers increasing in number; novel IO strategy in the works; Dengue Vaccine well positioned versus competition."

8. Zoetis Inc (NYSE: ZTS), rated Market Perform: "Uniquely positioned to compete; Apoquel poised for increased supply; growth promoting antibiotics small part of business; oral flea and tick opportunity not in company guidance; Q1 winter not as bad as last year."