Verona Pharma Share Discussion Threads

[vasilis] 12/1/2016 15:12

You always need to look very carefully at the wording of any RNS when an executive member of a BOD resigns - noting what IS said, and equally important, what is NOT said. Points I would note in the case of our ex-CFO are :-

1 Where there is no mention of 'regret' or 'disappointment' made by the CEO - especially when the encumbent has only been in post for 15/16 months - I take that to mean something has changed since the appointment. However, we are not told anything else - and certainly no mention of the CFO leaving for another company. In any case, Biresh appears to have some other things to do -

2 Whilst it is true that Biresh Roy is staying on to 'pass over the books' - he is already being referred to 'in the past' on that Bloomberg site. In essence, Biresh is now 'history' however you dress it up.

3 We will know more when the replacement is in situ - especially from their CV and areas of expertise. My hunch - bearing in mind how important a year 2016 is going to be for VRP - is that the BOD may have been looking at this issue for a little while now and perhaps decided that a 'heavier hitter' was required to negotiate anticipated 'deals' this year - especially with Big Pharma. Note the words 'has commenced' and not 'will commence' stated in yesterday's RNS :-

'The Board has commenced a search for his successor and a further announcement will be made in due course.'

Interesting to know exactly when the recruitment search consultants were actually approached - officially or unofficially..........

[timbo003] 12/1/2016 11:40

I don’t know what to make of it either Tolmers. The chairman is effusive in his tribute, so presumably Biresh is not departing under a cloud, furthermore he is going to stay on in a non-director role for six months. Perhaps his circumstances have changed in some way which could have disqualified him as a director? This seems unlikely but possible I suppose.

I do sometimes wonder whether small life science companies such as Verona, which subcontract most of their R&D activities, really require a full time FD and whether the role could be fulfilled by someone on a part time basis. Perhaps Biresh just didn’t have enough things to do to occupy his time and decided it was time to move on.

[127tolmers] 11/1/2016 18:18

Interesting that there was absolutely no price movement after the resignation /stand down of the CFO. The announcement did not show up on Investegate this morning.

Timbo, any thoughts?

[vasilis] 08/1/2016 12:53

Corbs

I think you'll find this GSK link useful -

Good luck on getting put back onto the transplant programme!

Vas

[corbine] 08/1/2016 11:16

yes- and noting rpl 554 can be used up to 16 times? current trial doses? without any side effects?.
breo whos recently been released has a lot of side effects too and thats supposed to be the latest up to date drug of choice coming thru the pipes?
u got a link to breos dangers? Vas?
regards
ps on a personal note im trying to get put back onto transplant programme. although i lost it in may 2014.
:-)

[vasilis] 08/1/2016 10:35

Corbs

Thanks for that link. Yes, and I also particularly like the line ( and the word 'reasonable'!) saying that Daxas (roflumilast) -

'appears to be a reasonable treatment option for patients with severe to very severe COPD associated with chronic bronchitis and a history of exacerbations.'

Nevertheless, however you present Daxas as a medicine you still need to take into account the known negative side effects neatly shown here under item 4.8 :-



As the latest Hardman report states, it's the safety/no known significant side effects of RPL554 that will differentiate it from other competing medicines if all goes well this year.

[corbine] 08/1/2016 09:49

this is out re romflumilast? (has it really took them that long to realise this? and if so why didnt they work that out during pre production trialling of patients?

[vasilis] 08/1/2016 09:21

Thanks to mol42 on Interactive Investor for bringing this latest Hardman report to our attention. VRP is on page 25 - and note especially the 'Investment Summary' at the end -



Tim - no doubt you will put the link in the header above.

[vasilis] 29/12/2015 17:48

Well spotted Tim!

If some folks find these things a bit daunting then I would suggest hitting the 'Description' tab and then scrolling down to 'Summary of the Invention'. It's worth quoting the first paragraph in that section:-

'It is a surprising finding of the present invention that RPL554 is active in modulating CFTR activity. RPL554 has been found to activate CFTR in primary human bronchial epithelial cells and also CFBE (immortalised CF human bronchial epithelial cell line) monolayers stably expressing WT CFTR. Furthermore, RPL554 does not have the side effect of diarrhoea commonly associated with other drugs active at CFTR.'

The 'surprising finding' is clearly somewhat serendipitous - as many inventions often are - and therefore classified as a novel activity of RPL554. I would expect the patent application to be successful on this basis.

The other significant finding is that a potentially serious and debilitating side effect for CF patients, ie diarrhoea, is not associated with the CFTR activity of RPL554. A clear 'plus' for RPL554.

It may take a little while, but sooner or later Big Pharma will have to wake up to these ongoing CFTR developments.

Well done Kathy Abbott-Banner et al!

[timbo003] 29/12/2015 10:57

I see that another Verona patent application has recently published (November 19th 2015):


This one concerns a method to treat CF (and other respiratory diseases) using a CFTR activity modulator (such as VRP 554 or Ivacafto) in combination with a Leukotiene inhibitor (such as Pranlukast or Montelukast).

There are several marketed Leukotrine inhibitors out there for the treatment of asthma, they are administered orally and are not that effective as monotherapy so they are often administered with other (see link below for prescribing info on Montelukast)


Interesting that they have included Ivacaftor (CFTR activity modulator) in the application, this is the only real breakthrough drug for CF launched in the last few years, its worth billions of dollars, see post 301 in this thread:

[haroldthegreat] 28/12/2015 20:42

there cannot be any discussions re a takeover as a director has just purchased shares. if there were any discussions a purchase under those circumstances would be insider trading. so we can assume that there are no discussions at the moment. sorry!

[just_banter] 23/12/2015 21:49

Ebsworth has not ruled out a sale of Verona pharma if the price is right. Interview given to a German outlet

[fatgreek] 21/12/2015 00:52

ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on December 17, 2015https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02307162Apologies if posted and any current relevance...

[corbine] 18/12/2015 12:16

Vasili & Timbo great finds- thanks :-)

[fatgreek] 17/12/2015 22:04

VRP.LLSEVERONA PHARMALast Signal:BUYLast Close:+2.83Change:+0.1000Percent change+3.67%Signal UpdateOur system's recommendation today is to BUY. The pattern finally received a confirmation because the prices crossed above the confirmation level which was at 2.73, and our valid average buying price stands now at 2.73. 

[timbo003] 16/12/2015 22:10

Astra Zeneca acquire worldwide rights for Roflumilast (the only marketed PDE4 inhibitor) from Takeda, they already market it in the US and pay a royalty to Takeda for that market.



Its costing them $575M, sales last year were $198M.

At almost 3X sales, it seems to me that they are paying top dollar. Rofluminast seems to have been around for years, I wonder when the patent expires?

I know where they can get hold of another one which has lots of nice new IP attached and it seems to have a much better side effect profile too.

[fatgreek] 16/12/2015 13:52

Will put my neck out....a 1 trade from experience (which has just popped up means RNS imminent).....From experience so don't hold me to it...

[fatgreek] 15/12/2015 13:08

spoke too soon

[vasilis] 11/12/2015 11:49

Thanks for posting that Fatgreek.

I do wonder though who actually is responsible for writing the statement in that piece -

'Upper respiratory tract disorders can be treated with antibiotics and decongestants. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, codeine, guaifenesin, dexamethasone and prednisone are some of the antibiotics that are prescribed to the patients suffering from upper respiratory tract disorders.'

Antibiotics? Woops!

[fatgreek] 11/12/2015 10:43

Sorry to go on...last post. ..then you wonder why the direct buys 370,000 shares....writing is on the wall what he is thinking and so am I

[fatgreek] 11/12/2015 10:39

If trials are a success which so far so good. It wont be a matter of just when will we be swallowed up, it will be how much as there will be a queue waiting to bid for us and the more bidders the higher the price.

[fatgreek] 11/12/2015 10:38

This research piece expects this marker to grow quite substantially.....VRP mentioned also.For us to be mentioned in the same breathe as Merck & Co and Glaxo amongst others it's quite easy to see what success will do. A small AIM stock in same sentence as these two and many other big names. MedgadgetUpper Respiratory Tract Disorder Diagnostics and Therapeutics Market Segment Forecasts up to 2020, Research Reports- Transparency Market ResearchDECEMBER 10TH, 2015 TMRRELEASES Upper-Respiratory-Tract-Disorder-Diagnostics-and-TherapeuticsRespiratory disease is a medical condition that includes pathological conditions that affect tissues and organs which assist in making gas exchange possible in the organisms. Respiratory disease ranges from self-limiting and mild, such as the common cold, to life-threatening conditions such as lung cancer, pulmonary embolism and bacterial pneumonia. Various respiratory disease conditions include disorder of upper respiratory tract, bronchi, bronchioles, trachea, pleura and pleural cavity, alveoli, and the nerves and muscles of breathing.Upper respiratory tract disorder or infection (URI or URTI) is a medical condition caused by acute infection that involves upper respiratory tract such as sinuses, nose, larynx or pharynx. Pharyngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, laryngitis, common cold, and otitis media are some of the most common upper respiratory tract disorders. Upper respiratory tract disorders are caused by direct invasion of the mucus membrane (inner respiratory tract lining) by bacteria or virus. Rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, sore throat, cough, fever, odynophagia and malaise are some of the most common symptoms observed in the patient diagnosed with upper respiratory tract disorder. Some other symptoms of the disease are headache, foul breath, hyposmia, sinus pain, shortness of breath, conjunctivitis, vomiting diarrhea, nausea, and body ache.Browse Full Report With TOC:-Upper respiratory tract disorder can be diagnosed by physical examination, laboratory tests and review of symptoms. In physical examination, physicians look for redness and swollen inside the wall of nasal cavity, white secretions on the tonsils, redness of the eyes, redness of the throat, and enlarged lymph nodes around neck and head. Laboratory testing is usually not performed for examining upper respiratory tract disorders as most of the upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses and no specific treatment for different types of viral upper respiratory tract disorder is available in current scenario. Some of the laboratory tests that are performed for diagnosing upper respiratory tract disorder include imaging tests (X-ray and CT scan), blood tests and sputum tests.Upper respiratory tract disorders can be treated with antibiotics and decongestants. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, diphenhydramine, dextromethorphan, codeine, guaifenesin, dexamethasone and prednisone are some of the antibiotics that are prescribed to the patients suffering from upper respiratory tract disorders. Oxymetazoline, phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are some of the most commonly prescribed decongestants for the treatment of upper respiratory tract disorders. Antibiotics are rarely used as a treatment option for upper respiratory tract disorders as they are associated with many side effects and also can initiate secondary infections and bacterial resistance.The market for upper respiratory tract disorder diagnostics and therapeutics is expected to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020 owing to increasing incidences of respiratory disorders across the globe. Similarly, constant changing climate condition due to global warming and pollution has further accentuated the risk for developing upper respiratory tract disorders. This in turn is expected to drive the growth of upper respiratory tract disorder diagnostics and therapeutics market. Currently, North America accounts for the largest share of the global upper respiratory tract disorder diagnostics and therapeutics market. This is due to the fact that the U.S. has witnessed for large patient pool suffering from upper respiratory tract disorders.Some of the major players operating in upper respiratory tract disorder diagnostics and therapeutics market include Alcon, Inc., Merck & Co., Inc., Collegium Pharmaceutical, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc and Verona Pharma Plc among other significant players across the globe.This research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies, and current market trends.Geographies analyzed under this research report includeNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldThis report provides comprehensive analysis ofMarket growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for upcoming yearsGet Sample Report:-This report is a complete study of current trends in the market, industry growth drivers, and restraints. It provides market projections for the coming years. It includes analysis of recent developments in technology, Porter's five force model analysis and detailed profiles of top industry players. The report also includes a review of micro and macro factors essential for the existing market players and new entrants along with detailed value chain analysis.About Us:-Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a next-generation provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMR's global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.

[fatgreek] 11/12/2015 08:42

We have to remember Director himself has been buying at a higher price than today. So he sees today's price as irrelevant in the bigger picture.

[drradcliffe] 10/12/2015 12:34

It looks like the 4p rise is deferred. There has been a large seller for most of the week, effectively capping the affect of any buys.