Aspire Data A Big Plus For Amgen And Celgene

Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) released data from a planned interim analysis of the Aspire study that could lead to a significant sales boost. The late-stage multiple myeloma trial blew the doors off its primary endpoint of progression-free survival, or PFS. Patients receiving Kyprolis in combination with Celgene's (NASDAQ:CELG) Revlimid and low-dose dexamethasone -- abbreviated KRd -- reached a median 26.3 months without their disease worsening. That's 8.7 months longer than patients receiving Revlimid and dexamethasone without Kyprolis. Despite the fantastic results, the trial will continue as the positive trend toward overall survival hasn't reached statistical significance.

Fulfilling expectations
This is great news for Amgen as it jostles for a spot in the blossoming oncology space. It picked up the proteasome inhibitor just under a year ago, along with the rest of Onyx Pharmaceuticals, for about...

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SA: Momenta Pharmaceuticals Heading For A Repeat

While most promising young biotechs devote all resources to development of new drugs, Momenta Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:MNTA) is adopting a fairly unusual strategy of aiming for the middle. Its plan for developing biosimilars -- generic versions of complex biologics -- yielded short lived success in the past, and another winner is likely on the way.

Unlike small molecule generics, biosimilars have a much higher barrier to entry, offering jucier margins in return. Deep-pocketed partners Baxter (NYSE:BAX) and Novartis (NYSE:NVS) are eager to exploit Momenta's proprietary platform, as it may offer significant savings on development costs. If those savings don't materialize, Momenta could find itself in trouble.

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