Another Day, Another Impertinent Analysts' Note About Pfizer and Nektar

Regular readers are already aware that this blog has been following the saga of Exubera (start here and feel free to click backwards), in which Pfizer managed to launch a bong-like new diabetes drug that no one wants. (Given the burgeoning scale of diabetes in the U.S., this is a bit like standing in a rainstorm and somehow failing to get wet.)

Today, once again, WR Hambrecht analyst Andrew Forman chimes in. He follows Nektar,  Pfizer's  bong supplier:

"As for Nektar (NKTR: Buy), which found yet another new low yesterday, we are introducing what we are calling our 'grassroots' catalyst: sooner or later, shorts are going to cover; sooner or later, DTC begins. Well, this 60s hit which we realize we may be only a few out there may recall including, we suspect, Nektar's new CEO, is worth humming about now if Pfizer actually launches DTC (which at ADA we had heard the week of July 17 may coincide with a new NKTR low), which might be a catalyst for shorts to cover. Of course, our Exubera calls have been too soon with many investors selling before it was too late. It may be too soon to buy, but now too late to sell ."

You have to admire his persistence. I'd love to see him elaborate on why he thinks Pfizer's DTC is going to make Nektar's stock go up. Exubera has been on the market for months now. Sales reps have been detailing it for that long. The diabetes community is already familiar with it and its many flaws. It's hard to see how ads on TV are going to make all those people turn around and say, "You know, what? I was completely wrong! I really do want to huff from a bong before every meal in a restaurant!"

Comments

[Jack Friday]

Insulin for Rastafarians?

A niche market?