Express Scripts Holding Company (ESRX), And More Favs From Janus Fund

Cystic Fibrosis

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) is probably the highest risk of the three stocks here. In 2011, the company’s Incivek was approved in The United States and abroad for the treatment of hepatitis C. That led to a massive revenue jump. This is the company’s main drug, accounting for 87% of sales in 2012.

However, it isn’t alone in the market and competition is fierce. In fact, the company expects sales of this drug to decline in the future. That means it has to come up with new drugs. Janus likes the company “for its cystic fibrosis drug, which is the only drug to treat the underlying cause of the disease.”

Although not a big seller today, it is only being used on a “subset of cystic fibrosis patients.” If its use expands, the drug could quickly turn into an important top- and bottom-line contributor. If that happens, Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:VRTX) shares could see a nice price advance.

Healthcare Opportunities

Healthcare is going to be an increasingly important aspect of life as the baby boom generation hits its peak medical expense years. All three of the above companies have unique situations that could help them benefit over the long term, despite price weakness in 2012. Growth minded investors should take a look at each.

The article 3 Healthcare Picks From Janus Fund originally appeared on Fool.com.

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