Viropharma initiated with "market perform"

01/17/07 - Rodman & Renshaw

NEW YORK, January 17 (newratings.com) - Analysts at Rodman & Renshaw initiate coverage of Viropharma Inc (VPHM) with a "market perform" rating.

In a research note published yesterday, the analysts mention that the company’s share price is under pressure due to regulatory uncertainty related to generic Vancocin. Since Vancocin is Viropharma’s only marketed drug, the company may not be able to remain profitable, while investing into the clinical development of its pipeline, in case the drug faces generic competition, the analysts say.