Tuzistra XR steady growth in Rx run rate

Vernalis has provided a year-end trading and operational update ahead of its FY17 results due to be announced on 12 September. Total revenues are expected to be ahead of current market expectations, largely due to higher than anticipated R&D-related milestones. This and tighter cost control means that operating loss for the full year is expected to be lower than consensus estimates. In terms of prescription (Rx) growth, Tuzistra XR continued its steady growth in volumes y-o-y; reported net revenue will depend on the impact of rebates and vouchers on gross revenues for the year. Our valuation remains unchanged at £399m (76p per share).