(MRK) Pharma & Biotech Stock Outlook – Apr 2013 – Zacks Analyst Interviews

The pharmaceutical industry has been showing signs of recovery from one of the biggest patent cliffs in recent times. The last few quarters saw major blockbusters like Merck’s (MRK) Singulair, Pfizer’s (PFE) Lipitor, Forest Laboratories’ (FRX) Lexapro, Sanofi/Bristol-Myers’ (SNY/BMY) Plavix and Eli Lilly’s (LLY) Zyprexa losing patent protection. These products alone represented branded sales worth more than $15 billion. However, the effect of the genericization of these products was felt mostly in 2012. While the industry won’t be completely free from genericization, the major patent expiries are over and done with. New products should start contributing significantly to results and increased pipeline visibility and appropriate utilization of cash should increase confidence in the sector. Some products that are slated to lose patent protection in 2013 include: Collaborations and Acquisitions The