Regeneron raises Eylea guidance

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:REGN) gained $17.09 to $377.73 on Thursday after it reported earnings and raised 2016 guidance for sales of its ophthalmic drug Eylea aflibercept. The company now expects 20-25% growth in Eylea's U.S. sales compared to 2015; it had previously guided to 20% growth. U.S. sales of the drug were $781 million in 1Q16, up 44% from $541 million in 1Q15.

Sales of cholesterol-lowering PCSK9 inhibitor Praluent alirocumab were $13 million, up sequentially from $7 million in 4Q15. Regeneron and partner Sanofi (Euronext:SAN; NYSE:SNY) launched Praluent in the U.S. in 3Q15 and in the EU in 4Q15. ...