GRIFOLS: VERTEX STOPS PHASE II TRIAL FOR THE TREATMENT OF ALPHA-1 ANTITRYPSIN DEFICIT (ANÁLISIS BANCO SABADELL)
The US laboratory Vertex announced yesterday that it abandons its phase II trial VX-814 for the treatment of alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency for safety reasons (elevated liver enzimes in patients). The alpha 1 antitrypsin deficit is one of the main causes of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
MARKET IMPACT
Very positive news, as shown by the positive share price reaction (+7% vs. IBEX). We recall that VX-814 was the main competitive threat for GRF, as alpha 1 antitrypsin sales account for 15%-16% of its total sales BS(e) and, probably, an even larger portion of its EBITDA. GRF is a market leader in this segment thanks to Prolastin, and we estimate it has a global market share of ~67%.