Idenix Pharmaceuticals Shares Skyrocketed Again: What You Need to Know

Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of hepatitis-C drug hopeful Idenix Pharmaceuticals (NAS: IDIX) are continuing their rally for a second day, currently up 21%, as speculation swirls that it will be the next takeover candidate.

So what: First, Gilead Sciences (NAS: GILD) ponied up $11 billion for Pharmasset (NAS: VRUS) , a company that has yet to get a molecule out of phase 2 clinical trials but has had promising trial results thus far. Then yesterday, Bristol Myers-Squibb (NYS: BMY) unveiled its intention to purchase Inhibitex (NAS: INHX) for $2.5 billion, a 163% premium over its previous closing price despite its blockbuster INX-189 only getting through stage 1 clinical trials. Idenix is simply riding Pharmasset's and Inhibitex's coattails higher.

Now what: I fully understand that the dreaded patent cliff is becoming a reality for many of the largest pharmaceutical companies out there, but that's no reason for Tulipmania to take over. Just when I thought Gilead was taking a big gamble by purchasing Pharmasset, Bristol-Myers did its best yesterday to try and trump that move. Warren Buffett has always warned investors to be fearful when others are greedy, and this is a perfect example. I wouldn't buy into Idenix's buyout rumors here, and I am absolutely maintaining my underperform CAPScall on the stock.

Craving more input? Start by adding Idenix Pharmaceuticals to your free and personalized watchlist so you can keep up on the latest news with the company.

At the time thisarticle was published Fool contributorSean Williamshas no material interest in any companies mentioned in this article. You can follow him on CAPS under the screen nameTMFUltraLong, track every pick he makes under the screen nameTrackUltraLong, and check him out on Twitter, where he goes by the handle@TMFUltraLong.Motley Fool newsletter serviceshave recommended buying shares of Gilead Sciences. Try any of our Foolish newsletter servicesfree for 30 days. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has adisclosure policy.

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