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    Michael Riad

    Research Analyst at Morgan Stanley

    Michael Riad is an Executive Director and Equity Research Analyst at Morgan Stanley, specializing in the coverage of packaged food companies including Mondelez International, Kellogg, and Hershey. He has demonstrated analytical rigor and industry expertise, consistently delivering actionable investment insights with a strong track record of accuracy and returns, as recognized by institutional clients and industry rankings. Since joining Morgan Stanley in 2019, Riad has built a reputation for his thorough sector knowledge, previously honing his skills as a research associate at JPMorgan after earning his CFA charter and obtaining Series 7 and Series 63 licenses. His analytical acumen and commitment to research excellence have contributed to above-benchmark results for the companies he covers.

    Michael Riad's questions to Alector (ALEC) leadership

    Michael Riad's questions to Alector (ALEC) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Michael Riad of Morgan Stanley asked Dr. Darby if a successful outcome in FTD-GRN would increase confidence in using a progranulin-elevating approach for Alzheimer's disease. He also asked how the INFRONT3 analysis normalizes for inter-patient variability in baseline progranulin levels.

    Answer

    Dr. Ryan Darby stated that success would support the mechanism and open possibilities for other indications. CMO Giacomo Salvadore explained the analysis compares the active arm to placebo and that FTD-GRN mutations consistently cause a ~50% reduction in progranulin. CEO Arnon Rosenthal further clarified the specific genetic nature of FTD-GRN mutations.

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    Michael Riad's questions to ACADIA PHARMACEUTICALS (ACAD) leadership

    Michael Riad's questions to ACADIA PHARMACEUTICALS (ACAD) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Michael Riad, on for Sean Lammond, asked about the growth trajectory for Daybue's new patient additions, questioning whether the current steady rate is expected to accelerate.

    Answer

    Chief Commercial Officer Thomas Garner expressed satisfaction with the steady growth over the last three quarters, with active patients increasing from 920 in Q4 2024 to 987 in Q2 2025. He stated that the company's plan is for this growth to accelerate as the impact of the new customer model materializes, aiming for more new patient starts quarter-over-quarter.

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    Michael Riad's questions to NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES (NBIX) leadership

    Michael Riad's questions to NEUROCRINE BIOSCIENCES (NBIX) leadership • Q2 2025

    Question

    Michael Riad, on behalf of Sean Lammen at Morgan Stanley, asked for the current INGREZZA volume split by channel (neurology, psychiatry, LTC) and their respective contributions to growth.

    Answer

    CCO Eric Benevich reported strong growth across all three segments. He stated that psychiatry accounts for approximately 60-65% of the volume, with the remainder split fairly evenly between neurology and long-term care. He confirmed that all three channels are growing at a similar rate.

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    Michael Riad's questions to Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) leadership

    Michael Riad's questions to Jazz Pharmaceuticals (JAZZ) leadership • Q1 2025

    Question

    Michael Riad, on for Sean Laaman at Morgan Stanley, asked for a breakdown of Xywav narcolepsy patient adds (new vs. switches) and for commentary on Xywav's value proposition in IH against potential competition from LUMRYZ.

    Answer

    Renée Galá, President and COO, stated that recent narcolepsy adds were primarily new-to-oxybate patients. For IH, she highlighted Xywav's status as the only low-sodium option and its flexible dosing. Bruce Cozadd, CEO, added that a recent court ruling upholding their IP makes a near-term competitive launch of LUMRYZ in IH unlikely before their patent expires in 2036.

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    Michael Riad's questions to PTC THERAPEUTICS (PTCT) leadership

    Michael Riad's questions to PTC THERAPEUTICS (PTCT) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Michael Riad of Morgan Stanley asked if baseline characteristics for the CardinALS trial would be shared before the topline data and questioned the dynamics of the long-term vatiquinone extension studies.

    Answer

    CEO Matthew Klein confirmed that key baseline characteristics for CardinALS will be released with the topline results. Regarding vatiquinone, he clarified that the benefit was continuous, not delayed, showing a consistent ~50% slowing in disease progression at both 72 weeks and 3 years, demonstrating sustained preservation of function.

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    Michael Riad's questions to Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (RARE) leadership

    Michael Riad's questions to Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical (RARE) leadership • Q3 2024

    Question

    Michael Riad, on for Jeff Hung, asked if the UX111 BLA for Sanfilippo syndrome would include only heparan sulfate data or also downstream markers. He also questioned if the treatment effect seen in the setrusumab Phase 2 study would have been sufficient to trigger an early stop.

    Answer

    CEO Emil Kakkis confirmed the UX111 BLA will be supported by a chain of evidence, including heparan sulfate, gangliosides, NfL, and brain volume data, all the way to Bayley scores. Regarding setrusumab, he explained that hitting the first interim depends on both a high fracture rate and a large treatment effect, and the combination of these factors gives the analysis a chance to succeed early.

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    Michael Riad's questions to ITCI leadership

    Michael Riad's questions to ITCI leadership • Q4 2023

    Question

    Asked about the influence of background antidepressant therapy on the placebo effect in the MDD trials and whether the studies are balanced in this regard.

    Answer

    The studies allow various standard background therapies (SSRIs, SNRIs). The company takes measures to mitigate placebo response, such as patient adjudication. While not balanced for specific drugs, the overall approach to background regimens is consistent across the entire MDD program, similar to other approved drugs in the class.

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