Novartis "buy"

01.06.06 - Dresdner Kleinwort Wasser.

LONDON, June 1 (newratings.com) - Analysts at Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein maintain their "buy" rating on Novartis (NOVN). The target price is set to CHF80.

In a research note published yesterday, the analysts mention that the comparison of the data on Novartis? Galvus and Merck?s Januvia has been made possible with the publication of pre-ADA abstracts. Galvus appears to have a slight edge over Januvia in terms of efficacy and weight profile, the analysts say. Despite not being clinically significant and Merck taking the lead in terms of timing in filing, Novartis looks better positioned than Merck in the tussle for the DPP4 market share, Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein adds.