Alexion kept at buy by Merrill

Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. was maintained by Merrill Lynch analyst David Munno at buy on news that the Pexelizumab study is discontinued, as expected given the company's earlier guidance. The news should not impact the stock, according to the analyst. Alexion is now focused on Soliris. Shares of the Cheshire, Conn.-based biotechnology company were up 74 cents, or 2.11%, at $35.77 on volume of 632,628 shares versus the three-month running average of 376,528 shares. (Nasdaq: ALXN)

Merrill maintains MedImmune at neutral

MedImmune Inc. was kept at neutral by Merrill Lynch analyst Eric Ende. The analyst believes Merck's Gardasil Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine will be recommended by The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for use in 11-12 year old females at their pre-adolescent check up. It is also possible the vaccine will be recommended for girls age 13-26. Shares of the Gaithersburg, Md.-based biotechnology company were up 32 cents, or 1.19%, at $27.12 on volume of 4,393,198 shares versus the three-month running average of 2,986,640 shares. (Nasdaq: MEDI)

Merrill puts Nektar at buy

Merrill Lynch analyst Hari Sambasivam rated Nektar Therapeutics at buy on expectations that Pfizer will launch Exubera in the United States in mid-July. Compared to launches of other diabetes products, the analyst's end user sales estimates for 2007, 2008 and 2009 of $330 million, $650 million and $1 billion remain unchanged. Shares of the San Carlos, Calif.-based biopharmaceutical company were up 54 cents, or 3.11%, at $17.88 on volume of 1,620,047 shares versus the three-month running average of 1,716,430 shares. (Nasdaq: NKTR)

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