Ligand Pharmaceuticals (LGND) partner Novartis (NVS) announced this morning Q3 Promacta revenue of $295M, H.C. Wainwright analyst Joseph Pantginis tells investors in a research note. The sales missed his estimate of $318M and came close to the consensus of $295.8M. Importantly, in the first nine months of 2018, Promacta total sales were $844M, representing 37% growth for the first nine-month period in 2017, the analyst points out. He continues to be impressed with the Promacta franchise, which he notes represents a cornerstone of Ligand's royalty revenue for the long term. Pantginis believes the recent pullback in shares of Ligand presents an attractive entry point and "compelling accumulation opportunity." He reiterates a Buy rating on the name with a $280 price target.