If you think pharmaceutical companies have a license to print money, think again.
Of
say 5,000 compounds that could possibly treat a disease, only about 250
(or 5%) will have sufficient potential to be tested on mice or other
animals. Of these 250, 10 will then be tested on humans in Phase 1
trials. Of these 10, roughly two will eventually be approved for
marketing. Even then, the chances of producing a blockbuster drug with
more than $1 billion in annual sales are slim.
Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ: GILD)
is a biotech play with the potential to generate a blockbuster -- one
with potential sales of $20 billion. The drug is called sofosbuvir, and
it is an oral treatment for the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
Gilead
specializes in treatments for HIV and hepatitis C. Already, the company
is one of the world's largest providers of HIV treatments. And it could
soon become an even bigger force. On May 28, the biotech firm announced
the European Commission granted approval for Stribild, its HIV
treatment tablet. (more)
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