Expert likely to prescribe more ensifentrine than dupixent, says Jefferies

Jefferies analyst Andrew Tsai tells investors in a research note that the firm’s pulmonologist who treats 75-80 COPD patients per month is “excited” about Verona Pharma’s ensifentrine as a potential add-on therapy and plans to prescribe the novel PDE 3/4 nebulizer to 5% of all of his patients to start, which could increase to 10%-12% by year 3, implying an upside to the firm’s $1B peak sales assumption. The pulmonologist’s ensifentrine prescriptions should exceed dupixent’s in COPD, the firm says. The firm made no change to its Buy rating or $38 price target on Verona Pharma shares.