Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares of ViroPharma (NASDAQ: VPHM), a biotechnology company specializing in treating rare diseases, rose as much as 14% after a report from Reuters noted preliminary buyout interest in the company.
So what: According to the report, three people familiar with the matter commented that several companies have shown early interest in acquiring ViroPharma to get a hold of its orphan drug pipeline, which includes hereditary angioedema drug Cinryze. The report also notes that ViroPharma is not currently pursuing a sale of the company.
Now what: I told you that you need to keep a close eye on ViroPharma! Cinryze sales still have plenty of room to run higher, and maribavir appears to be back from the dead. If maribavir's higher dosing proves effective enough in trials to gain approval, it, too, could add an additional $300 million in peak sales to ViroPharma's top line. While I wouldn't put too much faith in today's rumors that ViroPharma is on the auction block, I would certainly use this as an opportunity to get better acquainted with the company and its unique pipeline.
Craving more input? Start by adding ViroPharma to your free and personalized watchlist so you can keep up on the latest news with the company.
