Leerink starts Viatris at 'outperform' on improving growth

Viatris

09/09/2026 12:48

** Leerink Partners initiates coverage on drugmaker Viatris VTRS.O with an "outperform" rating and price target of $20
** Brokerage expects revenue and adjusted EBITDA to grow in 2026 after three consecutive years of declines, with its estimates near the high end of company forecast and market expectations
** Sees new branded-drug launches, including fast-acting pain drug meloxicam and contraceptive patches, supporting growth as Viatris' generics business stabilizes
** Says VTRS is targeting generic versions of about 70% of the $175 billion in branded-drug sales set to lose patent protection through 2030, while expanding into complex generics that face less competition and slower price declines
** Leerink models $1.2 billion in risk-adjusted 2036 sales for selatogrel, an experimental fast-acting injection designed for high-risk patients to self-administer at the first sign of a heart attack
** Models $700 million in risk-adjusted 2036 sales for experimental lupus drug cenerimod, but remains cautious as treatments for the autoimmune disease have historically struggled in clinical trials
** As of last close, VTRS up 33.4% YTD 

 (Reporting by Kunal Das in Bengaluru)
 ((Kunal.Das2@thomsonreuters.com;))