This week, five pharmaceutical stocks are improving their overall rating on Portfolio Grader. Each of these rates an “A” (“strong buy”) or “B” overall (“buy”).

This week, Pernix Therapeutics Holdings, Inc. (PTX) is showing good progress as the company’s rating jumps from a B (“buy”) last week to an A (“strong buy”). Pernix Therapeutics Holdings manufactures pharmaceuticals. In Portfolio Grader’s specific subcategory of Sales Growth, PTX also gets an A. For more information, get Portfolio Grader’s complete analysis of PTX stock.

NuPathe Inc. (PATH) ups its rating to a B (“buy”) this week after earning a C (“hold”) in the week before. NuPathe develops pharmaceutical products used for the treatment and management of neurological and psychiatric diseases. For more information, get Portfolio Grader’s complete analysis of PATH stock.

The rating of Shire PLC Sponsored ADR (SHPG) moves up this week, rising from a B to an A. Shire, a biopharmaceutical company, researches, develops, manufactures, sells, and distributes pharmaceutical products. For more information, get Portfolio Grader’s complete analysis of SHPG stock.

This week, Watson Pharmaceuticals (WPI) pushes up from a B to an A rating. Watson develops, manufactures, markets, sells and distributes pharmaceutical products. For more information, get Portfolio Grader’s complete analysis of WPI stock.

Merus Labs International Inc.’s (MSLI) ratings are looking better this week, moving up to a B from last week’s C. Meru Labs International acquires and licenses niche branded pharmaceutical products in the United States and Canada. Shares of the stock have been changing hands at an unusually rapid pace, up 1018.7% from the week prior. For more information, get Portfolio Grader’s complete analysis of MSLI stock.

Louis Navellier’s proprietary Portfolio Grader stock ranking system assesses roughly 5,000 companies every week based on a number of fundamental and quantitative measures. Stocks are given a letter grade based on their results — with A being “strong buy,” and F being “strong sell.” Explore the tool here.