BUZZ — India's Zydus Lifesciences to benefit from Novartis dropping rival ALS drug, says Bernstein

* Zydus Lifesciences to benefit from Novartis discontinuing its drug for neurodegenerative disorder ALS for failing to meet goals in mid-stage study, according to Bernstein analysts * ZYDU's candidate Usnoflast's demonstration of clinically meaningful slowing of disease progression in ongoing Phase II clinical trial to be key - Bernstein rated 5 out of 5 stars overall, per LSEG * Brokerage rates ZYDU "outperform", PT at street-high 1,457.48 rupees, per LSEG-compiled data * 15 of 29 analysts rate ZYDU "buy" or higher, median PT 1,205 rupees - LSEG-compiled data * ZYDU up 1.73% at 1,154.7 rupees; YTD, shares up about 26% (Reporting by Saikeerthi in Bengaluru) ((Saikeerthi@thomsonreuters.com; (+91) 8296756080)