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VTRS Down on Late-Stage Study Failure of Eye Disease Drug
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Key Takeaways
Viatris shares fell 4.21% after MR-139 failed to meet its primary endpoint in blepharitis patients.
The MR-139 study showed no significant resolution of eyelid debris after six weeks of dosing.
Viatris may revise its phase III program as it reassesses next steps for MR-139 development.
Viatris, Inc. (VTRS - Free Report) announced that a late-stage study on pipeline candidate MR-139 (pimecrolimus0.3%), ophthalmic ointment, failed to meet the primary endpoints in subjects with blepharitis.
Consequently, shares of VTRS tumbled 4.21% following the announcement.
VTRS’ share price has dropped 26.8% year to date compared with the industry’s 9% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
More on VTRS’ Ophthalmology Drug
MR-139 3001 is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked prospective phase III study. Approximately 477 patients were randomized to receive either MR-139 or placebo, self-administered to the eyelids twice daily, treated and observed over 12 weeks.
However, the study did not meet its primary endpoint of complete resolution of debris after six weeks of twice daily dosing.
Hence, VTRS is evaluating the appropriate next steps for the phase III program, which may include revising the planned additional phase III study.
VTRS ophthalmology portfolio comprises novel therapies like Tyrvayaand Ryzumvi. The company is also progressing a differentiated pipeline that addresses unmet needs in anterior segment conditions.
In June 2025, Viatrisannounced positive top-line results from its phase III LYNX-2 trial of MR-142 in keratorefractivepatients experiencing visual disturbances under mesopic, low-contrast conditions.
The company also announced positive top-line results from its second pivotal phase III VEGA-3 Trial of MR-141 in treating presbyopia.
VTRS Efforts to Strengthen Portfolio
Viatris has also created an ophthalmology franchise with the acquisitions of Oyster Point Pharma and FamyLife Sciences.
Viatrisboasts of a broad and diverse portfolio, which it is revamping with strategic acquisitions and divestitures. Branded drug sales benefit from the company’s portfolio expansion in Emerging Markets, along with robust growth in Greater China and Developed Markets.
The company is seeking to restructure its business following the sale of its biosimilar portfolio. Viatrisalso divested its over-the-counter and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients businesses in India and its women's healthcare to streamline its core operations. The proceeds from these divestitures will be used to pay debt.
BAYRY’s 2025 EPS estimate has increased from $1.19 to $1.30 for 2025 over the past 90 days, while that for 2026 has gone up from $1.28 to $1.35 over the same timeframe. Year to date, shares of Bayer have surged 63.5%.
BAYRY’s earnings beat estimates in one of the trailing four quarters, matched twice and missed on the remaining occasion, the average negative surprise being 13.91%.
J&J’s EPS estimate for 2025 has risen from $10.60 to $10.83 over the past 60 days, while that for 2026 has increased from $10.98 to $11.33 over the same timeframe.
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VTRS Down on Late-Stage Study Failure of Eye Disease Drug
Key Takeaways
Viatris, Inc. (VTRS - Free Report) announced that a late-stage study on pipeline candidate MR-139 (pimecrolimus0.3%), ophthalmic ointment, failed to meet the primary endpoints in subjects with blepharitis.
Consequently, shares of VTRS tumbled 4.21% following the announcement.
VTRS’ share price has dropped 26.8% year to date compared with the industry’s 9% decline.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
More on VTRS’ Ophthalmology Drug
MR-139 3001 is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked prospective phase III study. Approximately 477 patients were randomized to receive either MR-139 or placebo, self-administered to the eyelids twice daily, treated and observed over 12 weeks.
However, the study did not meet its primary endpoint of complete resolution of debris after six weeks of twice daily dosing.
Hence, VTRS is evaluating the appropriate next steps for the phase III program, which may include revising the planned additional phase III study.
VTRS ophthalmology portfolio comprises novel therapies like Tyrvayaand Ryzumvi. The company is also progressing a differentiated pipeline that addresses unmet needs in anterior segment conditions.
In June 2025, Viatrisannounced positive top-line results from its phase III LYNX-2 trial of MR-142 in keratorefractivepatients experiencing visual disturbances under mesopic, low-contrast conditions.
The company also announced positive top-line results from its second pivotal phase III VEGA-3 Trial of MR-141 in treating presbyopia.
VTRS Efforts to Strengthen Portfolio
Viatris has also created an ophthalmology franchise with the acquisitions of Oyster Point Pharma and FamyLife Sciences.
Viatrisboasts of a broad and diverse portfolio, which it is revamping with strategic acquisitions and divestitures. Branded drug sales benefit from the company’s portfolio expansion in Emerging Markets, along with robust growth in Greater China and Developed Markets.
The company is seeking to restructure its business following the sale of its biosimilar portfolio. Viatrisalso divested its over-the-counter and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients businesses in India and its women's healthcare to streamline its core operations. The proceeds from these divestitures will be used to pay debt.
VTRS’ Zacks Rank and Stocks to Consider
Viatris currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the pharma/biotech sector are Bayer (BAYRY - Free Report) and Johnson & Johnson (JNJ - Free Report) , both carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
BAYRY’s 2025 EPS estimate has increased from $1.19 to $1.30 for 2025 over the past 90 days, while that for 2026 has gone up from $1.28 to $1.35 over the same timeframe. Year to date, shares of Bayer have surged 63.5%.
BAYRY’s earnings beat estimates in one of the trailing four quarters, matched twice and missed on the remaining occasion, the average negative surprise being 13.91%.
J&J’s EPS estimate for 2025 has risen from $10.60 to $10.83 over the past 60 days, while that for 2026 has increased from $10.98 to $11.33 over the same timeframe.