During Friday’s Morning trade, Shares of Spark Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:ONCE), gained 1.55% to $57.00.
Spark Therapeutics (ONCE) unveiled recently its first gene therapy program targeting a disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Findings published in the current issue of Science Translational Medicine provide preclinical proof of concept for Spark’s SPK-TPP1 program. The study demonstrates the potential of a one-time administration of Spark’s gene therapy to delay onset and progression of a form of Batten disease, a fatal neurological disorder that starts in early childhood.
The research team was led by Beverly L. Davidson, PhD, director of the Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and a Spark scientific co-founder. Their study showed in a naturally occurring large preclinical model of TPP1 deficiency that one-time administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector encoding for TPP1 produced steady expression of the enzyme in the cerebrospinal fluid, and resulted in demonstrable clinical benefits across multiple endpoints.
Administration of Spark’s AAV serotype 2 vector delivering the TPP1 gene to the ependymal cells of the brain ventricular system resulted in delayed onset of clinical symptoms and disease progression, protection from cognitive decline and extension of lifespan relative to untreated controls. Importantly, the novel delivery approach used in the study produced effective distribution of the enzyme throughout the central nervous system, as evidenced by immunohistochemistry and enzyme activity assay.
Spark Therapeutics, Inc. focuses on the development of gene therapy products for patients suffering from debilitating genetic diseases. The company is developing SPK-RPE65, which is in Phase III clinical trial for the treatment of inherited retinal dystrophies, a group of rare blinding conditions caused by non-sex linked, or autosomal recessive, mutations in the RPE65 gene.
Shares of GoPro Inc (NASDAQ:GPRO), declined -7.08% to $21.51, during its current trading session.
GoPro, Inc. (GPRO), enabler of some of engaging content, declared it is launching a new 360-degree video on Facebook: Tahiti Surf VR. Starting recently, Facebook users can experience the exclusive content right in News Feed on Android and iOS devices, and on the web. Facebook declared support for 360-degree videos on iOS devices earlier recently.
To experience GoPro’s new spherical content shot with its proprietary six-camera spherical rig declared earlier this year, check out Anthony Walsh and Matahi Drollet as they bring us inside some of the biggest barrels Tahiti has to offer in full 360-degrees.
Tahiti Surf VR is the latest in a series of GoPro 360-degree videos created and shared exclusively on Facebook. First declared in September, people on Facebook have enjoyed a variety of immersive experiences from the vantage point of GoPro, counting Moto VR with Ronnie Renner and Ski VR with Chris Davenport and Julia Mancuso.
Viewers will not need a headset to access the new GoPro videos on Facebook. People can discover these immersive 360 videos right in News Feed on web, iOS and Android, where viewers can choose what angle they want to see it from. On the web, the content can be explored by dragging the mouse around the video. On Android and iOS devices, viewers can drag their finger across the screen or turn the device on its side to navigate.
GoPro, Inc. develops hardware and software solutions to alleviate consumer pain points associated with capturing, managing, sharing, and enjoying engaging content. The company offers HERO line of capture devices, such as cameras; premium accessories, counting battery BacPac, smart remote, and LCD touch BacPac accessories; and mounts comprising equipment-based mounts compriseing of helmet, handlebar, roll bar, and grip and tripod mounts that enable consumers to capture content while engaged in a range of activities, in addition to mounts that enable customers to wear the mount on their bodies, such as wrist housings, chest harnesses, and head straps
Finally, Shares of Blue Buffalo Pet Products Inc (NASDAQ:BUFF), gained 6.08%, and is now trading at $18.14.
Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc. (the “Company”) (BUFF), the leading natural pet food company in the United States, recently declared its third quarter 2015 results.
Third Quarter Highlights
- Net sales of $259 million, up 10.5%
- Net income of $27 million, down 2.3%; Adjusted Net Income of $34 million, up 16.7%
- Adjusted EBITDA of $61 million, up 15.6%
- Diluted EPS of $0.14 in line with third quarter 2014; Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.17, up 16.5%
Full Year 2015 Outlook
- Net sales of $1.02 billion
- Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.60
“I am happy to report our third quarter results. Blue Buffalo delivered strong performance in the third quarter. We gained market share, expanded into new markets, improved our margins and continued to invest for the future. As a result of our strong performance, we are raising our full year EPS guidance,” said CEO Kurt Schmidt.
Third Quarter of 2015 Contrast to Third Quarter of 2014
Net sales raised $24.7 million, or 10.5%, to $259.4 million, driven primarily by volume growth. Net sales of Dry Foods raised $19.5 million, or 10.4%, to $207.5 million while net sales of Wet Foods, Treats and Other Products raised $5.1 million, or 11.0%, to $51.9 million.
Gross profit raised $14.1 million, or 14.9%, to $108.3 million and gross margin was 41.7%, up 160 bps contrast with 40.1% in the third quarter of 2014. The improvement in gross margin was driven primarily by lower supply chain costs associated with the completion of the Heartland ramp-up.
Selling, general, and administrative expenses raised $13.2 million, or 29.2%, to $58.7 million. Adjusted SG&A, which excludes litigation expenses and costs incurred in preparing for our initial public offering, raised $7.2 million, or 16.6%. This improvement was primarily due to our ongoing investments in advertising and marketing consistent with our strategy to continue to invest in our brand and investments made in planned initiatives.
Net income reduced $0.6 million, or 2.3%, to $27.1 million, or $0.14 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2015, as contrast to $27.7 million, or $0.14 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2014. Adjusted Net Income, which excludes litigation expenses and costs incurred in preparing for our initial public offering, raised $4.8 million, or 16.7%, to $33.8 million in the third quarter of 2015, contrast to $29.0 million in the third quarter of 2014. Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share in the third quarter of 2015 raised 16.5% to $0.17, contrast to $0.15 in the third quarter of 2014.
Blue Buffalo Pet Products, Inc. operates as a holding company, which through its auxiliaries, produces and distributes pet food. The company offers dog and cat food made with whole meats, fruits, and vegetables under its Blue brand.