Repros Therapeutics Inc. (RPRX Quick QuoteRPRX - Free Report) reported a loss of 17 cents per share in the third quarter of 2016, significantly narrower than the year-ago loss of 27 cents primarily due to lower expenses related to the development of the company's pipeline candidates – enclomiphene and Proellex, as well as lower payroll and benefits, and legal expenses.

Revenues (interest income) increased to $10,000 from $1,000 in the year-ago period.

Quarter in Detail

Research & development (R&D) expenses decreased 42.2% year over year to $3.2 million due to the 2015 submission of a new drug application (NDA) for enclomiphene in the U.S., as well as lower R&D payroll and benefits expenses, lower legal expenses and expenses related to the development of Proellex.

Likewise, general and administrative expenses fell 9.4% to approximately $1 million due to lower non-cash stock-based compensation.

Pipeline Update

Given that Repros has no approved product in its portfolio at the moment, investor focus will remain on pipeline updates by the company. Repros’ pipeline presently comprises enclomiphene and Proellex.

In Oct 2016, Repros announced that the European Medicines Agency has accepted for review the company’s marketing authorization application for enclomiphene. The company is looking to get enclomiphene for the treatment of secondary hypogonadism. Repros expects to receive Day 120 questions related to the application by the end of Jan 2017.

Meanwhile, Repros is conducting a placebo-controlled, double-blind, proof-of-concept phase II study (ZA-205) on enclomiphene in obese secondary hypogonadal men to assess its impact on metabolic parameters and quality of life with a routine diet and exercise. Six-month interim data from the study were reported in Aug 2016.

Repros also plans to hold a discussion with the FDA for phase III studies on Proellex for the treatment of women suffering from painful menstruation. In addition, the company is evaluating Proellex for the treatment of uterine fibroids.

REPROS THERAPEU Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

REPROS THERAPEU Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise | REPROS THERAPEU Quote

Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider

Repros currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Some better-ranked stocks in the healthcare sector include Infinity Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Anika Therapeutics (ANIK Quick QuoteANIK - Free Report) and Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL Quick QuoteEXEL - Free Report) . Both Infinity and Anika sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while Exelixis is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here

Exelixis’ loss estimates narrowed from 71 cents to 54 cents for 2016 and from a loss of 16 cents to earnings of 4 cents for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company has posted a positive surprise thrice in the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 38.52%. Its share price has skyrocketed above 100% year to date.

Anika’s earnings estimates increased from $1.96 to $2.06 for 2016 and from $2.03 to $2.09 for 2017 over the last 60 days. The company has posted a positive surprise in all of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 33.14%. Its share price has gained 13.1% year to date.

Infinity’s loss estimates narrowed from $3.84 to $3.79 for 2016 over the last 60 days. The company has posted a positive surprise in all of the four trailing quarters with an average beat of 67.62%.

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