Stifel analyst Derek Archila expects shares of Amarin (AMRN) to be up today on news that AstraZeneca (AZN) discontinued Epanova's STRENGTH cardiovascular outcomes trial given the low likelihood it would demonstrate a cardiovascular benefit. While the STRENGTH study had a low probability of a positive outcome, its failure "no doubt reinforces the importance" of the pure eicosapentaenoic acid hypothesis and Vascepa's REDUCE-IT results, Archila tells investors in a research note. In addition, Acasti Pharma (ACST) reported that its Phase 3 TRILOGY 1 study results for its lead candidate, CaPre, in patients with hypertriglyceridemia failed, Archila points out. He notes that this program was also viewed as a potential competitor to Amarin's Vascepa. The analyst believes that with both of these failures, investor fears over near-to-medium term branded competition to Vaspeca should subside. Archila has a Hold rating on Amarin with a $28 price target. The stock in premarket trading is up 6% to $20.05.

Bearish flow noted in AstraZeneca with 3,362 puts trading, or 1.7x expected. Most active are 4/26 weekly 70 puts and May-24 70 calls, with total volume in those strikes near 3,600 contracts. The Put/Call Ratio is 1.72, while ATM IV is up nearly 2 points on the day. Earnings are expected on April 25th.

Amarin Corporation announced shareholder approval of all proposed resolutions specified at its 2024 Annual General Meeting. Importantly, shareholders approved each of the two proposals required for the Company to proceed with its previously announced intent to pursue a share repurchase program of up to $50 million. This permits the Company to request U.K. High Court approval, as required under U.K. company law, and if approved by the U.K. High Court, commence the share repurchase program by the end of the second quarter of 2024. As part of the Annual General Meeting, shareholders also approved the following resolutions: Re-elected Mr. Patrick Holt, Mr. Louis Sterling III and Ms. Patrice Bonfiglio as directors of the Company; Approved the compensation of the Company's "named executive officers" as described in full in the "Executive Compensation Discussion and Analysis" section of the Company's definitive proxy statement; Approved the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as auditors of the Company until the conclusion of the next general meeting; Approved the proposed amendment to the Company's 2020 Stock Incentive Plan; Authorized and approved the amended and restated articles of association to require all directors to retire and seek re-election at each annual general meeting of the Company.