We noticed with Pfizer they made some great purchases recently... well maybe they paid too much but they swallowed up some good bios...(BHVN)
And I have no proof of this but I believe we are on the cusp of a big M&A spree in Bio.>>>
Will Novartis pick up the Dice?
The wildcard -,
Dice Therapeutics (
DICE ), focuses on blocking a molecule called IL-17. Inhibition of IL-17 suppresses an overactive immune system -- something that's important to do when combating a variety of autoimmune disorders, such as plaque psoriasis.
Currently, a number of monoclonal antibody therapies seek to suppress IL-17.
Novartis, in fact, just posted $1.2 billion in sales in the first quarter for its own IL-17-inhibiting injectable treatment, Cosentyx.
Dice is developing a treatment too,
but this would be an oral one, which patients might prefer. The potential is great given that the injectable IL-17 biologics market is projected to exceed
$11 billion in sales by 2026. While Dice does not yet have clinical trial results, phase 1 data for its IL-17 blocking pill, DC-806, is expected in
mid-2022.<-- Tic Tic Tic!
Historically, the IL-17 injectables have offered 77% to 90% efficacy for psoriasis. While we don't yet know what efficacy Dice's potential therapy might show, existing oral treatments, such as
Amgen's Otezla, have managed to generate $1.8 billion in sales last year -- and that despite a 29% to 33% efficacy rate for psoriasis.<-- LOW BAR!!!!
With Cosentyx as its top-selling drug in the quarter, Novartis might be wise to protect its position in the IL-17 market with a potential oral treatment as well. And it could do so without breaking the bank by purchasing Dice, which currently has a market cap of around $750 million.
OOOoooooomph. DICE IS A BUY FOLKS.......