Leerink starts coverage of animal health firms, sees vet clinic visits improving
02/12/2024 18:32
** Brokerage Leerink Partners initiates coverage of three companies in the animal health
space, IDEXX IDXX.O , Zoetis ZTS.N , and Elanco ELAN.N
** Leerink says ELAN is set for a return to growth with the launches of newer drugs for
dogs, Zenrelia for itching and Credelio Quattro for parasitic infections, but the magnitude of
the growth remains a question
** Brokerage is also cautious on the go-to-market investments for the drugs and said that
its survey showed a lukewarm interest in Zenrelia
** IDXX, which offers diagnostics for animals, has been hurt by a slowdown in pet clinic
visits due to inflationary pressures alongside persistent staffing challenges at clinics
** "The slowdown in vet visits appears to be ameliorating per our survey, which gives us
more confidence in its growth prospects" — Leerink
** For ZTS, brokerage says it projects strong uptake of the company's newer osteoarthritis
pain products with continued strength in eczema and parasiticides
(Reporting by Puyaan Singh)
((Puyaan.Singh@thomsonreuters.com))