Steady as she goes

Basilea reported a solid set of 2016 numbers ahead of guidance, driven by higher than expected product sales in H216 combined with lower than expected operating costs. Cresemba (for invasive mould infections), in particular, continues to pick up momentum both in the EU and the US through US partner Astellas. Zevtera’s US pivotal Phase III clinical trial programme for bacterial infections remains on track to initiate in mid-2017. Multiple distribution and commercialisation agreements signed in H216 should lead to international launches starting from 2018 for both products. We value Basilea at CHF1,048m or CHF97/share.