Tuesday, June 10, 2025
UnitedHealth (UNH) Eyes $1 Billion Exit From Latin America Amid Crisis Fallout
UnitedHealth Group (UNH, Financials) is pursuing a $1 billion divestiture of its Latin American unit Banmedica as the U.S.-based insurer retreats from international markets and works to stabilize its leadership and operations, sources told Reuters.
The company has received four non-binding bids for Banmedica, which operates in Chile and Colombia. Interested parties include Acon Investments, Christus Health, Patria Investments (PAX, Financials), and Auna. Binding offers are expected in July.
The move follows a series of blows to UnitedHealth, including a surprise CEO ouster, a reported criminal probe into Medicare billing practices, and the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Shares are down 40% year to date, including a 25.5% drop in May alone.
Banmedica, acquired in 2018, remains profitable with more than $200 million in annual EBITDA and over 2.1 million policyholders. However, it is seen as non-core amid UnitedHealth's renewed U.S.-centric strategy. The group exited Brazil last year and Peru in March, incurring $8.3 billion in charges.
The divestiture is being managed by BTG Pactual. UnitedHealth declined to comment.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/unitedhealth-unh-eyes-1-billion-174211763.html
Novo Climbs After FT Reports Activist Parvus Amassed Stake
Novo Nordisk A/S shares rose to the highest level in more than two months after a report that activist hedge fund Parvus Asset Management has built a stake as the Danish drugmaker struggles to keep its lead in the obesity market.
The stock climbed as much as 3.5% in Copenhagen trading. London-based Parvus is interested in influencing the appointment of a new chief executive officer, according to the Financial Times.
Monday, June 9, 2025
BioCryst at Goldman Sachs Conference
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:BCRX) participated in the Goldman Sachs 46th Annual Global Healthcare Conference on Monday, 09 June 2025. The company, led by CEO John Stonehouse, presented a robust strategic overview highlighting its commercial successes, notably with its flagship product Orlodayo, and its plans for growth. While BioCryst is accelerating towards profitability, it also faces challenges in pipeline development and market expansion.
Key Takeaways
- BioCryst is on track to achieve net income and cash flow positivity for the full year.
- Orlodayo’s success is driven by its efficacy and convenient oral administration.
- The company aims for a 20% annual revenue growth and a 5% increase in expenses.
- BioCryst is developing new treatments for Netherton syndrome and DME.
- Strategic goals include reaching $1 billion in Orlodayo revenue and expanding the drug pipeline.
Financial Results
- BioCryst has accelerated its path to profitability, expecting net income and cash flow positivity for the year.
- Orlodayo is the primary revenue driver, with expectations of a compound annual growth rate of 20% from 2025 to 2027.
- Expenses are projected to increase by 5% annually within the same period.
- The company projects having $600 million in cash by the end of 2027.
- In April, BioCryst paid down $75 million of Pharmakon debt, saving an estimated $23 million in interest over the loan’s lifetime.
- Revenue guidance for 2025 is set between $580 million and $600 million.
- The paid therapy rate for Orlodayo patients stands at 84%, with a goal of reaching 85%.
Operational Updates
Orlodayo continues to see strong demand, attributed to increased confidence among physicians and patients.
- The company is focused on transitioning patients from free drug programs to paid therapy.
- A pediatric NDA for Orlodayo has been submitted, with a PDUFA date set for September 12.
- No significant commercial expansion is needed for the pediatric launch.
- BioCryst is developing BCX17725 for Netherton syndrome and Avorostat for DME, with patient data expected by the end of the year.
Future Outlook
- BioCryst aims to achieve $1 billion in Orlodayo revenue and secure approval for a second product, potentially BCX17725.
- The company is exploring external corporate development opportunities to complement its existing pipeline.
- Management is focused on maintaining a continuous engine for discovering and developing new drugs.
Q&A Highlights
- BioCryst utilizes a sole-source specialty pharmacy to gather insights about patients, aiding in market research and decision-making.
- The company is addressing friction points that prevent patients from switching to Orlodayo.
- BioCryst plans to generate data to address skepticism surrounding its pipeline programs.
- Management is confident in the potential of BCX17725 to alter the course of Netherton syndrome.
BioCryst Pharmaceuticals Inc. remains focused on executing its commercial program and delivering on its strategic goals. For more details, refer to the full transcript below.