Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Alkermes, Inc., Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Pfizer

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Alkermes, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKS), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE).

Get the most recent insight from Zacks Equity Research with the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=4579

Here are highlights from Thursday’s Analyst Blog:

Setback for Alkermes’ Pipeline

On Wednesday, Alkermes, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALKS) disclosed that it has received notification from Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Janssen Pharmaceutical International stating that Janssen does not intend to continue with the development of the four-week long-acting injectable formulation of risperidone. A phase I study with the four-week formulation had been initiated in January 2009.

Risperidone, which is marketed as Risperdal Consta, is Alkermes’ lead product. Risperdal Consta is the longer-lasting injectable version of Johnson & Johnson's schizophrenia drug Risperdal (risperidone).

Risperdal Consta uses Alkermes' proprietary Medisorb technology to deliver and maintain therapeutic medication levels in the body through just one injection every two weeks. The product is approved in more than 85 countries worldwide and is available in 60 countries.

Risperdal Consta is superior to the first-generation Risperdal in terms of efficacy, tolerability and frequency of dosage (one injection every two weeks). Given its improved profile, Risperdal Consta is a major player in the schizophrenia market. Worldwide sales of Risperdal Consta came in at $348 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

Risperdal Consta is the current growth driver of Alkermes’ top-line, and the company was looking to drive growth further through the development and approval of the once-monthly formulation. As such, J&J’s decision to discontinue development of the once-monthly injection is a major disappointment for Alkermes.

Although the schizophrenia market is huge, it is also highly competitive, with players like AstraZeneca (NYSE: AZN), Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) and Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) fighting for market share.

Want more from Zacks Equity Research? Subscribe to the free Profit from the Pros newsletter: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2649.

About Zacks Equity Research

Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.

Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.

Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today: http://at.zacks.com/?id=2677

About Zacks

Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978 by Leonard Zacks. As a PhD in mathematics Len knew he could find patterns in stock market data that would lead to superior investment results. Amongst his many accomplishments was the formation of his proprietary stock picking system; the Zacks Rank, which continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros at http://at.zacks.com/?id=4580.

Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

Disclaimer: Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investors should always research companies and securities before making any investments. Nothing herein should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any security.