LIVE-Blogging: Johnson and Johnson Q1 Earnings Conference Call, Tomorrow

UPDATED:

[Podcast available of Full Q1 Conference Call, here.]

▲ From the midpoint (@ 41:20) of the call -- Bruce Nudell, Senior Analyst, UBS:

". . . .and with regard to the 'Elephant in the Room' -- the Schering-Plough Remicade/Simponi rights, Ex-U.S. -- can you give us some insight about that, and do you expect a satisfactory resolution of that matter, at this point?"

Dominic J. Caruso, J&J CFO: "Bruce, we're not going to comment on that matter. Thanks so much -- next question. . . ."

▲ Well, that was less than enlightening, as to the state of the play on Remicade/Simponi rights, at least. Nothing mentioned in the press materials, or supplemental sales charts, either.

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I actually think this late-afternoon's "green-light", in Canada, for Simponi -- for rheumatoid arthritis, among other conditions -- will increase the likelihood of a challenge from Johnson & Johnson/Centocor. We'll see. And we may learn more, from CEO Weldon, or CFO Caruso, tomorrow morning. Do tune in.

I suppose "partial" live-blogging will turn out to be a more accurate headline. That is, I will bring real-time news of any remarks Mr. Weldon's team makes -- about the Remicade/Simponi reversion-of-rights -- right here. So, do tune in first thing tomorrow morning. Here's a wire-story's presaging snippet on the topic:

. . . .Meanwhile, industry watchers are waiting to see what J&J will do about Merck & Co.'s $41.1 billion buyout of Schering-Plough Corp. That's because Schering and J&J share rights to revenues from immune disorder drug Remicade and their contract has change-of-control provisions that could come into play. J&J has been keeping mum about its plans so far. . . .

We'll see tomorrow whether we learn anything more -- about J&J's plans.