The Medicines Company’s (MDCO) third-quarter loss per share of 6 cents missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 5 cents. Although Angiomax continues to contribute significantly to revenues, we are concerned about the product losing exclusivity in the U.S. in September 2010.
The entry of generics would be devastating for the company. Therefore, the onus is on management to acquire and develop the next generation of products to drive the top-line. One of those products was expected to be Cangrelor. However, the failure of the phase III CHAMPION program was a significant setback.
Meanwhile, the Cleviprex sales ramp has also been slow. We recommend avoiding the name until we gain more visibility on the Angiomax patent situation, the Cleviprex ramp and the future of Cangrelor and Oritavancin.Zacks Investment Research
