Human Genome kept at neutral by Merrill

Human Genome Sciences Inc. was kept at its neutral rating by Merrill Lynch analyst Hari Sambasivam as the company reported data from two trials for Albuferon plus ribavirin in treatment-experienced and treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. The data showed favorable efficacy for Albuferon after 12 weeks of therapy in treatment-naïve patients. Albuferon also elicited favorable efficacy at 12 weeks following 48-week dosing, in therapy-experienced patients. Despite this generally positive data, the stock price has declined, partly due to the lack of major new clinical data in the coming months. Merrill believes that Albuferon, with biweekly administration, should be competitive with existing pegylated interferons, given fewer injections, and the potential for less frequent flu-like symptoms. Shares of the Rockville, Md., biopharmaceutical services company were up 41 cents, or 3.76%, at $11.30 on volume of 11,977,966 shares versus the three-month running average of 3,995,630 shares. (Nasdaq: HGSI)

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