Latest news with #Paxlovid
Globe and Mail
12-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
PFE's New & Acquired Drugs Hold Key to Revenue Growth Amid Headwinds
With the end of the pandemic, sales of Pfizer 's PFE COVID products, Comirnaty and Paxlovid, have declined. Though COVID revenues are declining, Pfizer's non-COVID operational revenues improved in 2024 and so far in 2025, driven by its key in-line products like Vyndaqel, Padcev and Eliquis, new launches and newly acquired products like Nurtec and those from Seagen. Year 2023 was a record year for Pfizer in terms of new drug approvals. It received nine new medicine/vaccine approvals in 2023 that have begun to contribute to top-line growth. In 2024, it gained approval for some interesting new products like two gene therapies for hemophilia, Hympavzi (marstacimab) and Beqvez/Durveqtix (fidanacogene elaparvovec). The December 2023 acquisition of Seagen strengthened Pfizer's position in oncology by adding four antibody-drug conjugates or ADCs — Adcetris, Padcev, Tukysa and Tivdak. The acquired Seagen products contributed meaningfully to Pfizer's revenues in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. Seagen also has some next-generation ADC candidates in its pipeline. Pfizer faces its share of challenges, including declining sales of its COVID-19 products, U.S. Medicare Part D headwinds, the upcoming loss of exclusivity cliff, uncertainties around tariffs and a volatile macro environment. However, its new products/late-stage pipeline candidates and newly acquired products, including those acquired from Seagen, position it strongly for operational growth in 2025 and beyond. Competition in the Oncology Space Other large players in the oncology space are AstraZeneca AZN, Merck MRK and Bristol-Myers BMY. For AstraZeneca, oncology sales now comprise around 41% of total revenues. Sales in its oncology segment rose 13% in the first quarter of 2025. AstraZeneca's strong oncology performance was driven by medicines such as Tagrisso, Lynparza, Imfinzi, Calquence and Enhertu (in partnership with Daiichi Sankyo). Merck's key oncology medicines are PD-LI inhibitor, Keytruda and PARP inhibitor, Lynparza, which it markets in partnership with AstraZeneca. Keytruda, approved for several types of cancer, alone accounts for around 50% of Merck's pharmaceutical sales. Bristol-Myers' key cancer drug is PD-LI inhibitor, Opdivo, which accounts for around 20% of its total revenues. PFE's Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates Pfizer's stock has declined 4.4% so far this year compared with an increase of 3.1% for the industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, Pfizer appears attractive relative to the industry and is trading below its 5-year mean. Going by the price/earnings ratio, the company's shares currently trade at 7.97 forward earnings, lower than 15.54 for the industry and the stock's 5-year mean of 10.91. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings has risen from $2.98 per share to $3.06 per share, while that for 2026 has gone up from $3.00 to $3.09 per share over the past 60 days. Pfizer has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. 5 Stocks Set to Double Each was handpicked by a Zacks expert as the #1 favorite stock to gain +100% or more in 2024. While not all picks can be winners, previous recommendations have soared +143.0%, +175.9%, +498.3% and +673.0%. Most of the stocks in this report are flying under Wall Street radar, which provides a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor. Today, See These 5 Potential Home Runs >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AstraZeneca PLC (AZN): Free Stock Analysis Report Bristol Myers Squibb Company (BMY): Free Stock Analysis Report Pfizer Inc. (PFE): Free Stock Analysis Report Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK): Free Stock Analysis Report
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
How basic precautions, timely care can help keep high-risk individuals safe amid COVID-19 surge
Amid rising COVID-19 cases and fatalities, experts have advised that high-risk groups, including those above 65 years and people with comorbidities, such as diabetes, chronic lung or kidney disease, and heart conditions, need to be extra careful. According to Dr Viny Kantroo, senior consultant, respiratory, critical care and sleep medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, COVID-appropriate behaviour is essential for such people. This includes wearing a mask in crowded places, while traveling, or if you have respiratory symptoms, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding touching your face, controlling chronic conditions like diabetes to avoid complications, and practising respiratory etiquette — sneezing or coughing into a tissue or your elbow. India is witnessing a fresh uptick in coronavirus infections, with 4,866 active infections and seven recent deaths, including that of a five-month-old infant with cerebral palsy. While the surge deserves attention, medical experts emphasise that the current variants cause milder illness in most individuals. The key to navigating this phase lies in awareness, adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour, and timely care for vulnerable groups, says Dr Kantroo. With around 28-30 patients currently hospitalised in Delhi, most admissions are precautionary or involve high-risk individuals. The majority of infections continue to be mild or moderate, and the healthcare system is well-prepared to handle such cases. For those who test positive and have high-risk conditions, doctors may prescribe antiviral treatment like Paxlovid, ideally within five days of the onset of symptoms and after checking liver and kidney function. High-risk groups remain most vulnerable to complications. You should be more vigilant if you fall in the following categories: • Senior citizens (65+ years) • Diabetics and those with heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease • Immunocompromised individuals, including cancer and transplant patients and those on steroids or immunosuppressants • Pregnant women with comorbidities • People with a history of severe COVID infection Seek early medical care if you experience: • Shortness of breath • Low oxygen saturation • Persistent symptoms beyond seven days • A fever that is not responding to treatment As of now, booster vaccines are not recommended for the general population in India. There are no updated COVID-19 boosters available locally, and authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) are still assessing the evolving behaviour of the virus. However, high-risk individuals should consult their physicians regarding preventive care, the focus should remain on overall health, masking, and early detection. The current surge is driven by new Omicron sub-variants such as JN.1, NB.1.8.1, LF.7, and XFC, which have shown increased transmissibility but mostly mild symptoms. The WHO currently classifies these as 'Variants Under Monitoring' — not of concern yet, but requiring caution. These viruses are known for their ability to mutate, similar to influenza, which is why vigilance and seasonal updates remain relevant. The current COVID-19 phase does not warrant panic, says Dr Kantroo, but calls for caution, preparedness, and responsible behaviour. Following basic health measures, staying updated, and seeking timely care can go a long way in keeping ourselves and our communities safe.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) Exceeds Sales Milestone With Cresemba In Asia Pacific And China
Pfizer announced robust sales for the antifungal drug Cresemba in partnership with Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd, marking significant growth in key Asian markets. Despite this achievement, Pfizer's stock price was relatively flat last week, reflecting a broader market trend rather than significant movements unique to the company. The company's announcements, including significant clinical trial results and strategic drug market expansions, provided positive context. However, these events primarily added weight to the overall market's modest rise, suggesting a stable, yet unremarkable impact on Pfizer's share price amid ongoing economic and trade developments. Be aware that Pfizer is showing 3 risks in our investment analysis. The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 26 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement. Pfizer's recent announcement concerning Cresemba's sales growth in Asian markets is a positive indicator for its revenue outlook. However, despite these gains, Pfizer's shares have remained flat, reflecting broader market trends rather than company-specific news. This lack of movement underscores persistent challenges, such as competition and declining utilization of key drugs like Paxlovid and Vyndaqel, potentially impacting future revenues and earnings forecasts. Over the past five years, Pfizer's total shareholder return, including dividends, was a decrease of 13.55%. This decline highlights performance concerns, particularly as Pfizer underperformed the broader US market, which recorded an 11.6% gain over the last year. Despite becoming profitable this year, Pfizer's forecasted revenue contraction of 2.1% per year over the next three years reflects ongoing challenges within the pharmaceutical industry. Pfizer's current share price at approximately US$24.41 shows a sizable discount compared to the consensus analyst price target of US$29.24. This gap suggests moderate investor skepticism about future growth, as analysts expect profit margins to rise yet predict revenue and earnings pressures. While Pfizer aims to stabilize through R&D advancements and international market penetration, these efforts will need to counteract competition's influence to align closer with the anticipated price target. Unlock comprehensive insights into our analysis of Pfizer stock in this financial health report. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Companies discussed in this article include NYSE:PFE. This article was originally published by Simply Wall St. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@ Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Global Virus Network Issues Scientific Guidance on New COVID-19 Variant NB.1.8.1 and Vaccine Protection
Scientific collaboration, accurate public communication, and continued investment in prevention tools are critical in navigating the evolving COVID-19 landscape TAMPA, Fla., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Virus Network (GVN) is closely monitoring the emergence of a newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, NB.1.8.1, a sublineage of the Omicron family. This variant was first identified in January 2025 and has rapidly spread across Asia and into other regions, including parts of the United States. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated NB.1.8.1 as a Variant Under Monitoring due to its increasing prevalence and potential public health implications. Based on current evidence, GVN advises vigilance, not alarm, and reinforces the critical role of vaccination in preventing severe disease and death. Similar to previous Omicron subvariants, NB.1.8.1 contains spike protein mutations associated with increased transmissibility. However, no evidence suggests that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness or significantly evades vaccine-induced or natural immunity. Early laboratory and clinical data indicate that updated COVID-19 vaccines, including bivalent and XBB-based boosters, protect against severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death. There is no evidence at this time that NB.1.8.1 causes more severe illness than previous variants. Breakthrough infections may occur, particularly among individuals with waning immunity or those who are unvaccinated. Nevertheless, vaccines remain highly effective in reducing serious illness and death. Antiviral treatments such as nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) and remdesivir demonstrate efficacy against a range of Omicron subvariants, including BQ.1, BQ.1.1, and XBB.1.5. NB.1.8.1 has been linked to significant increases in COVID-19 cases across several countries. According to the WHO, as of May 18, 2025, the NB.1.8.1 variant has been identified in 22 countries, accounting for 10.7% of global SARS-CoV-2 sequences submitted to the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) during epidemiological week 17 (April 21–27, 2025). This marks a significant increase from 2.5% four weeks prior. As of June 4, 2025, India reported 4,302 active COVID-19 infections, with nearly 300 new cases recorded within the previous 24 hours. States such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Gujarat, and especially Kerala have experienced a steady rise in cases. During the week of April 27 to May 3, 2025, nearly 6,000 individuals in Taiwan sought medical assistance at hospitals due to COVID-19-related symptoms. This marked a 78% increase from the previous week and represented the fourth consecutive week of rising case numbers. As of early June 2025, in the U.S., more than a dozen cases of the NB.1.8.1 subvariant have been identified in Washington State. The variant was first detected in the U.S. between late March and early April through routine screenings of international travelers at airports in California, Washington State, Virginia, and New York. Subsequent cases have been reported in Ohio, Rhode Island, and Hawaii. In the U.S., there have been about 300 deaths per week from COVID-19 in 2025 through May. Periodic summer surges are anticipated, consistent with seasonal patterns observed in previous years. GVN Supports the Following COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations: Adults aged 65 and older, and individuals with underlying conditions, should receive an updated COVID-19 booster tailored to circulating variants. All individuals 6 months and older, including children and adolescents, are encouraged to stay current with vaccinations, especially ahead of the fall and winter respiratory seasons. Children 6 months to 17 years of age should receive an age-appropriate, updated COVID-19 vaccine dose if they have not already done so within the past year, as protection from earlier vaccines may wane over time. Pediatric vaccination helps prevent severe outcomes, including hospitalization and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Pregnant individuals are strongly encouraged to stay current on COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination during pregnancy reduces the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization in infants by 61% and protects newborns for up to six months after birth—an especially important window given the high rate of emergency department visits for COVID-19 among infants. Studies have consistently shown that infection during pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth, miscarriage, fetal death, and long-term neurodevelopmental issues. No safety concerns have been identified regarding vaccination in pregnancy or neonatal outcomes. Those not receiving a COVID-19 booster in the past year should consult a healthcare provider about updated vaccine timing and eligibility. Co-administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines is recommended when appropriate. Side effects from both COVID-19 and influenza vaccines are rare, and the cost-benefit of vaccination is heavily in favor of vaccination. The principal benefits of vaccination are preventing severe disease, rather than preventing infection itself. The rapid global spread of NB.1.8.1 underscores the ongoing need for proactive surveillance, timely data sharing, and pandemic preparedness. The appearance of new variants is expected and does not signal a public health emergency. Instead, it is a call to action for continued scientific vigilance and proactive health measures. GVN reiterates that this is an opportunity to prepare, not a reason to panic. Scientific collaboration, accurate public communication, and continued investment in prevention tools will remain critical in navigating the evolving COVID-19 landscape. Media Contact: Nora Samaranayakensamaranayake@ About the Global Virus Network The Global Virus Network (GVN) is a worldwide coalition comprising 80+ Virology Centers of Excellence and Affiliates across 40+ countries, whose mission is to facilitate pandemic preparedness against viral pathogens and diseases that threaten public health globally. GVN advances knowledge of viruses through (i) data-driven research and solutions, (ii) fostering the next generation of virology leaders, and (iii) enhancing global resources for readiness and response to emerging viral threats. GVN provides the essential expertise required to discover and diagnose viruses that threaten public health, understand how such viruses spread illnesses, and facilitate the development of diagnostics, therapies, and treatments to combat them. GVN coordinates and collaborates with local, national, and international scientific institutions and government agencies to provide real-time virus informatics, surveillance, and response resources and strategies. GVN's pandemic preparedness mission is achieved by focusing on Education & Training, Qualitative & Quantitative Research, and Global Health Strategies & Solutions. The GVN is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, please visit in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Better High-Yield Dividend Stock to Buy Now: Pfizer vs. Prologis
Super-high-yield stocks often deliver heaps of passive income early on, but they aren't famous for rapid payout raises. Pfizer offers a sky-high yield, but its payout has been rising slowly. Prologis offers a decent yield, and it's been raising its payout at an exciting pace. 10 stocks we like better than Prologis › Investors looking for sources of passive income to fuel their retirement dreams face a dilemma. Should you chase high yields from slow-growing businesses or invest in lower-yield providers with more predictable cash flows? Lately, Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and Prologis (NYSE: PLD) have been perfect examples of the trade-off between attractive yields and dividend growth. Pfizer offers a sky-high yield that's climbing slowly. Prologis offers a much lower yield, but it's been raising its payout at a remarkable pace. Here's a closer look at both to help you decide which one fits your goals. Shares of Pfizer have fallen about 62% from their COVID-19 pandemic highs. The stock is way down, but the company has raised its payout every year since 2009. At its beaten-down price, this stock offers an eye-popping 7.3% dividend yield. Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine, Comirnaty, and antiviral treatment, Paxlovid, drove adjusted earnings up to $6.58 per share in 2022. Sinking demand for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments reduced adjusted earnings to just $3.11 per share last year. In 2025, Pfizer expects a significant earnings contraction. At the midpoint of the guided range management provided this April, adjusted earnings are expected to fall by 6.8% this year. The $2.80 per share management expects at the low end of the guided range is more than enough to support a dividend payout currently set at an annualized $1.72 annually, but there could be further contractions ahead. Eliquis is a next-generation blood thinner that Pfizer markets in collaboration with Bristol Myers Squibb. It's currently responsible for 14% of Pfizer's total revenue and is likely to lose ground to generic competition in the lucrative U.S. market in 2028. Long before Eliquis loses ground to generic competition, the company's lead growth driver, Vyndaquel, could stumble. BridgeBio launched a competing treatment called Attruby in late 2024, and it's been exceeding expectations. Pfizer's facing patent cliffs, but it also has one of the most productive development pipelines in the industry. Last year alone, the Food and Drug Administration issued more than a dozen approvals to new Pfizer treatments and several that are already on the market. With plenty of new products to market, the drugmaker has a good chance to continue its payout-raising streak in the decade ahead. As more folks do their shopping online, demand for warehouses that can support e-commerce has soared. By anticipating the demand, Prologis has become the world's largest real estate investment trust (REIT) that everyday investors can buy shares of. Fear and uncertainty regarding the taxes businesses need to pay when importing goods to the U.S. have pressured the stock. It's down about 12% from a peak it set in March. At its beaten-down price, it offers a 3.7% yield. Prologis has been able to raise its dividend by 11.7% annually over the past five years. At this pace, investors who buy at recent prices could begin receiving a double-digit yield on cost in less than a decade. Amazon, Home Depot, and FedEx are Prologis' largest customers. These three tenants are responsible for only 8.2% of the rent payments Proligis receives every month. This high level of diversification is a big reason it can boast industry-leading credit ratings. With an A2 rating from Moody's and an A rating from S&P Global, the weighted average interest rate on Prologis' outstanding debts was just 3.1% at the end of March. Acquiring and developing properties is an important part of this REIT's business, but it also acts as a lender. With an enviable credit rating, it can produce a strong profit while offering rates that its smaller competitors can't match. For companies that own their warehouses, selling them to Prologis and leasing them back is often their lowest-cost source of capital. With the vast majority of the world's logistics real estate still owned by the companies that use it, Prologis could continue growing at a rapid pace for decades to come. Pfizer offers a yield that's almost twice as high as Prologis's, but the pharmaceutical giant has been raising its payout at less than half the pace of the logistics REIT. Pfizer might be a good option for folks near retirement age. For income-seeking investors, though, Prologis seems like the better dividend stock to buy now. Before you buy stock in Prologis, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and Prologis wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $656,825!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $865,550!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 994% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 172% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join . See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of June 2, 2025 John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Cory Renauer has positions in Amazon. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon, Bristol Myers Squibb, FedEx, Home Depot, Moody's, Pfizer, Prologis, and S&P Global. The Motley Fool recommends BridgeBio Pharma and recommends the following options: long January 2026 $90 calls on Prologis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Better High-Yield Dividend Stock to Buy Now: Pfizer vs. Prologis was originally published by The Motley Fool Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
