Merck ready for first patent hurdle?
Executive Summary
Merck expects to beat top end of analysts consensus estimates for 2000 earnings per share ($2.81), company announces. The projection takes into account an expected rapid drop-off in sales of the ACE inhibitor Vasotec (enalapril) following patent expiration in August, Merck said. The company faces four more significant patent expirations (Mevacor, Pepcid, Prilosec and Prinivil) over the next two years