Tag: NVAX

  • Novavax Inc. (NVAX)’s Covid Vaccine Might Hit U.S. Market Soon But there are Many Concerns

    The outbreak of Covid-19 ushered the world into utter chaos, followed by continuous fear. Pharma giants rushed to make a viable vaccine for the virus that was not slowing down despite worldwide mobility restrictions and lockdowns. While developing a vaccine was a challenge in itself, a viable one even more so, and to top it off, commercial availability was another. Still, Moderna and Pfizer, along with BionNTech came out victorious with their Covid jabs in 2020, falling behind was Novavax Inc. (NVAX). While the two giants were winning authorizations for their vaccines, NVAX was still dealing with a formal submission. However, the company is soon to announce the all-important FDA authorization of its Nuvaxovid after the review ends in early June. But even if the company wins the authorization, there are many concerns that have investors and experts worried.

    NVAX Stock’s Losses

    Since hitting its pandemic high of $331.68 a share, NVAX has retraced over 80%. Down more than 67% year to date, the stock is currently valued at a price of $47.00 per share as of May 26. In this week alone, the stock lost nearly 19.5% as investors weigh in on its future. Much of this downfall comes from management’s delays in the filings and applications regarding the vaccine, while negative investor sentiment also played a role this year.

    While this severely beaten-down price of the Covid vaccine maker does bring a good entry point, there are many factors to analyze before making the decision. Even if the company achieved the much-awaited authorization for its vaccine, would it be much meaningful at all now that the market is highly saturated? Let’s have a look at what it is and what it might be!

    NVAX’s Covid-19 Vaccine

    The company’s covid-19 vaccine NVX-CoV2373 is known as Nuvaxovid. Unlike the mRNA vaccines dominantly present in the U.S., Nuvaxovid is a protein-based vaccine. So far, the vaccine has shown great potential with all of its three pivotal, large-scale studies proving its efficacy. Last year, two trials in adults in the U.S., Mexico, and the U.K. yielded vaccine efficacies of 89.7% and 90.4%, respectively. The third trial in adolescents resulted in a vaccine efficacy of 80%, which was announced earlier this year. This makes NVAX the third drug maker to reach the threshold of 90% VE in Covid-19 trials. This also signals green to the possibility of its vaccines becoming a standard for initial inoculations and booster shots.  

    Saturated Market

    An FDA advisory committee is set to review NVAX’s Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on June 7, 2022. Even if it is approved, this will still be way behind its rivals and a huge number of dollars short. According to the company, management is confident that the vaccines will receive authorization due to their strong efficacy results.

    Following its anticipated approval, the Covid jab will enter the U.S. market when 76% of adults are already fully vaccinated and the market is shared by giants like Pfizer and Moderna. Luckily for NVAX, Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine use was brought down by the FDA recently. However, the over-saturated market situation does not leave the company’s vaccine with much space.

    New Variants

    Another downside to entering the market at this point is the fact that the FDA is considering redesigning Covid shots to target its mutations. All the existing vaccines target the spike protein of the original strain, while today many new variants like delta and omicron are roaming-free. With the emergence of these new variants, the existing Covid vaccines have become less effective. Although the company is conducting studies on its modified vaccine in omicron, it is still a long way.

    The Upside

    On the upside, there are people who prefer protein-based vaccines over the recently accepted mRNA ones. Protein-based vaccines are based on older and potentially more trusted technology than mRNA jabs. There is even a debate going on regarding the downsides of mRNA vaccines. Moreover, the possibility of NVAX’s vaccine being a booster dose and approved for ages 12-17 also exists. This would help the company tap into the huge unmet need for a Covid shot for children in the U.S. More importantly, the company is projecting a full-year sales forecast of $4 billion to $5 billion.

    Financial Overview

    For Q1 2022, NVAX reported revenue of $704 million, which shot up by over 57% YOY. This included $586 million in sales of the Covid vaccine. However, the sales still fell short of the consensus estimate of $845 million.

    As a commercial-stage company, NVAX posted its first profitability with earnings of $203 million or $2.56 per diluted share. Much better than the loss of $233 million ($2.56/share) a year ago, the earnings still were below the expected $2.69 per share.

    The company is said to have delivered just 42 million doses of the Covid vaccines in Q1 while it maintains its full-year expectations of $4-$5 billion in sales. Management said demand is expected to pick up in Q2, while it still has to receive an order from Gavi. The advance purchase agreement with Gavi calls for the company to deliver 350 million doses. The company’s doses commitments are as below:

    Source: Company Investor Presentation

    Future Possibility

    While the company might not be able to beat advanced rivals Pfizer and Moderna right now, there’s huge potential and a big possibility in the future. A tremendous lift to the company can come from the fact that it is working on a combined coronavirus-flu candidate. With its coronavirus and flu candidates each having completed phase 3 trials with primary endpoints, NVAX is most likely to get to market first in this. The phase 2 trial of the combined candidate is set to be launched by the end of this year, while Phase 1 reported positive results. Moderna, which is also developing a combined candidate, is still in the preclinical stage. On top of it, the company does have a cash stockpile of $1.6 billion, more than enough to fund all its clinical programs.

    According to experts, Covid-19 is here to stay and in the future people would most likely be getting annual coronavirus shots along with flu shots. Thus, people would most definitely choose one combined shot over two separate ones.

    Conclusion

    While headwinds to the company exist due to lagging behind its advanced rivals, NVAX still has much potential for growth due to a number of reasons. Even if the current market is saturated, its protein-based technology does give it a little edge and its potential vaccine authorization for children opens a huge opportunity. A huge plus to the company becoming a leader in the future comes from its combined flu and coronavirus candidate, which has shown much potential so far. Hence, maybe the stock might not be the best buy right now, the future holds great prospects.

  • Novavax Inc (NVAX) stock lost 7.04% in the after-market. Here’s why

    The stock of Novavax Inc (NVAX) followed a bearish pattern in the after-market after releasing its financial outlook for Q4 and FY21. In the after-market, NVAX lost 7.04% to $77.5. NVAX closed the regular trading session at $83.37, gaining 2.13% from the previous trading session. The market capitalization of NVAX is $6.30 billion with 75.61 million shares pending.

    NVAX fiscal 2021

    On 28 February 2022, Novavax Inc released the financial performance for its Q4 and FY21, which concluded on 31 December 2021. Some important points are

    • The revenue for NVAX reduced by 20.5% to $222.2 million in Q4 of FY21 compared to $279.6 million in the corresponding period of last year. The yearly revenue grew by 141% from $475.5 million in 2020 to $1.14 billion in 2021.
    • The total loss of the company was reported to be $846.2 million in Q4 of FY21 in contrast to $177.5 million in Q4 of FY20. This marks a growth of 376.6% in the loss. The yearly loss was also up by 316.9% to $1.7 billion in 2021 versus $418.2 million in 2020.
    • The loss of $11.18 and $23.44 per stock in Q4 and FY21, respectively.

    Novavax Inc (NVAX) started the vaccine shipments worldwide in FY21. Also, NVAX extended clinical proof for NVX-CoV2373 across a few studies. Moreover, NVAX produced the COVID-19 vaccine, especially for the Omicron variant.

    NVAX News

    Also, On 28 February 2022, the company shared the expanded investigation from its Phase 3 clinical preliminary led in the United Kingdom (UK), showing a significant degree of adequacy for its protein-based COVID-19 vaccine, NVX-CoV2373. Further, the investigation showed immunization viability of 82.5% in assurance against all COVID-19 variants.

    The president of Research and Development, Gregory M. Glenn, commented that vaccine offers the defense against symptomatic and asymptomatic infection of COVID-19. He further added that the vaccine keeps an undeniable degree of sturdy adequacy.

    Fiscal 2022 outlook

    Novavax Inc (NVAX) estimated the revenue for FY22 to be in the range of $4 billion to $5 billion.

  • Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) stock Continues to Gain Premarket. Here’s why?

    Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) stock Continues to Gain Premarket. Here’s why?

    Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) gained a further 9.56% at $238.10 premarket, at the last check on Monday. The stock has been gaining on the news of its Covid-19 vaccine getting Emergency Use Listing from WHO.

    In the previous market session, the stock gained 11.49% at its closing price of $217.32 with 11.12M shares exchanging. NVAX has continued gaining on the news and had increased by $25.00 at the time of writing.

    Currently, the 75.61 million outstanding shares of the company trade at a market capitalization of $16.43 billion.

    Emergency Use Listing for NVX-CoV2373

    On November 17, NVAX and Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (SII) announced NVAX-CoV2373 has been granted Emergency Use Listing by the WHO. Moreover, the NVAX-CoV2373 is a Covid-19 vaccine for 18 years and older individuals. Furthermore, the EUL was granted to the vaccine manufactured and marketed as COVOVAXTM by SII. COVOVAX is marketed in India along with its licensed areas. In addition, another EUL filing is being reviewed by WHO for the marketing of the vaccine as NuvaxovidTM by Novavax.

    Furthermore, WHO granted the EUL to the vaccine, based on the preclinical, manufacturing, and clinical trial data. Hence, the quality, safety, and efficacy of the vaccine proved to be of the required standards to qualify and attain the EUL.

    According to President and CEO of Novavax, Stanley C. Erck, the EUL authorization is a crucial step for worldwide access to a protein-based Covid-19 vaccine. Previously, COVOVAX was issued EUA in Indonesia and the Philippines. Currently, it is under review by various regulatory authorities throughout the world.

    NVAX’s PREVENT-19 Trial

    On December 15, NVAX published the results of its Phase 3 clinical trial of NVX-CoV2373 in the New England Journal of Medicine. Furthermore, the paper was published under the title ‘Efficacy and Safety of NVX-CoV2373 in Adults in the U.S. and Mexico’.

    According to the results, the NVX-CoV2373 showed:

    • 100% protection against moderate and severe disease
    • 2% efficacy in case of variants of concern
    • 4% efficacy against Covid-19 of any severity
    • mild-to-moderate and transient solicited adverse events
    • no safety concerns

    NVAX’s Financial Highlights

    On November 04, the company reported its financial results for the third quarter of 2021. Accordingly, NVAX had a net loss of $4.31 per share on revenue of $178.8 million in the third quarter of 2021. This compares to a net loss of $3.21 on revenue of $157.0 million in the year-ago quarter.

  • How Vaccine Stocks performed after prolonged FDA Approval

    Things are getting interesting in the COVID-19 vaccine space. Pharmaceutical firms are fighting against the global pandemic. Big US pharma’s who are part of this vaccine manufacturing drive have their stocks in the gold mine.

    Last Monday on August 23, shares of Pfizer (PFE) soared massively following the formal approval of its vaccine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. You rarely see a market that’s this straightforward, but anything with any cyclicality roared on the Pfizer story. This news almost took Pfizer stock to its all-time high.

    Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine stands at the top of the table among other companies. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is also the first COVID-19 vaccine to be fully approved by the FDA.

    With the first vaccine approval, other companies also got in line with the FDA approval. Moderna also got approved.

    So, there are a lot of upsides for vaccine stocks. For investors, this is a golden opportunity to avail. Before we kick off with the vaccine stocks. We’d like to clear that Pfizer and BioNTech are two different companies that have collaborated on this vaccine project.

    Pfizer (PFE)

    Pfizer shares really took off last week when the news of FDA approval was announced. What does this vaccine approval mean for Pfizer investors?

    The recent reaction of investors to the vaccine approval was obvious. The market reacts favorably to positive news, especially these days when it’s related to the COVID-19 pandemic. But there’s much more to it.

    The vaccine approval will provide legal backing for the vaccine mandates a lot of companies and government organizations are planning to implement. Moreover, it’ll help get meaningful results on making people more comfortable getting the vaccine.

    The COVID vaccine has been a massive boon to Pfizer’s business. The firm expects $33.5 billion in revenue from Covid-19 vaccines this year. Pfizer stock has already touched the $50 mark on August 2021. It could break that once again following more good news.

    And, the company has announced one. Pfizer isacquiringthe cancer drug company Trillium Therapeutics for $18.50 per share, at a compound value of $2.3 billion. Pfizer invested nearly $25 million in Trillium in 2020, so they are enhancing their portfolio.

    BioNTech (BNTX)

    Before we begin with BNTX stock, let’s get this clear. COVID vaccine stocks are here to last much longer than expected. Analysts are counting on a long tail for COVID vaccines.

    One of the biggest mistakes investors make is seeing a stock go up and thinking they missed the boat. Guess what you haven’t. You will always have time to get into the market, but the best is to do it at the right time. That’s why it’s important to consider a stock like BioNTech.

    So far, BNTX stock has rallied up to 962% since the beginning of 2020. But a lot has happened since. The company’s future might be even brighter than its recent past. If so, there could be a lot of gains left for shareholders and potential investors.

    Over the past three weeks, BioNTech shares have fallen. There’s a lot of debate going on in the US on booster doses. BioNTech along with Pfizer can make easy money via the supply of boosters.

    Moderna (MRNA)

    Moderna (MRNA) is really making some pump as the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weighs in on if America should get the third dose. Currently, the company estimates about $19 billion in revenue from the shots in 2021. And, if the US government authorizes the booster shots, Moderna will really add a huge chunk of money to its revenue.

    Earlier in August this year, Moderna stock crossed the $410 mark. At the moment, it trades around $386. Analysts are expecting Moderna to pump either way, as it depends on the government regarding the third shot.

    In the long-term, Moderna looks like a solid vaccine stock and it will continue its momentum. Moreover, the company has also applied for full FDA approval.

    So, Moderna’s vaccine is expected to become the second COVID vaccine that the FDA would approve.

    The company expects to advance its cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine candidate into late-stage testing in 2021. So, for Moderna, there is much going on at the moment.

    Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)

    Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine was the third to secure U.S. authorization for emergency use. Unlike the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, JNJ’s vaccine takes full effect after only a single dose.

    Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine has had issues, and it has faced some backlash. The company had some manufacturing problems at a contractor’s facility, and concerns about blood clotting. This issue caused a temporary halt in the U.S. of the vaccine’s administration.

    However, this hasn’t been a big concern for the Johnson & Johnson investors. The company is selling its COVID-19 vaccine at cost during the pandemic, meaning that it doesn’t much affect Johnson & Johnson’s financial performance.

    In contrast, Johnson & Johnson surpassed Wall Street’s second-quarter forecasts and JNJ stock topped a buy point.

    Johnson & Johnson is so big that its success doesn’t depend on one product. Analysts believe JNJ stock looks good in the long term regardless of vaccine issues. Although there are still questions being asked regarding its vaccine.

    Novavax (NVAX)

    Novavax (NVAX) stock hasn’t performed the way they accepted it for a vaccine stock. Rather, it has reacted abruptly. Novavax hasn’t yet won any authorization or approval for its COVID-19 vaccine. So, it makes some sense why the stock has been up and down in 2021 so far.

    The company plans to file for regulatory authorizations in the U.S., U.K., and Europe in the third quarter of 2021. Recently, the company again delayed its timeline for seeking U.S. authorization for its vaccine. The company expects to become a major distributor to lower and middle-income countries this year.

    Following a late-stage clinical study conducted in the U.S. and Mexico, Novavax reported an overall efficacy of 90.4% for its experimental coronavirus vaccine.

    The COVID-19 keeps on reappearing with new variants every time. Novavax can enter the vaccine game late, but it could still be a big winner in the COVID-19 vaccine market.

  • 7 Biotech Stocks to Buy in 2021

    7 Biotech Stocks to Buy in 2021

    Change is inevitable in every aspect of life because it results from human exploration and applying knowledge to improve life quality. This is why many industries have shown significant growth with time, and the biotech industry is one of them. The biotech industry has extraordinarily impacted healthcare, biological science, economy, and business in recent years. The plethora of biotech stocks continuously put their efforts into developing therapeutics and vaccines that are effective and less toxic, and easily accessible for individuals. With the rise of COVID-19, the Biotech industry has gained more importance. Many biotech stocks have developed and commercialize vaccines in the battle against the deadly pandemic. Now many investors are looking for biotech stocks to get high profits in the future. Here are the 7 biotech stocks to buy in 2021.

    Pfizer (PFE)

    The first and foremost stock to watch in 2021 is Pfizer (PFE), one of the first biotech stocks to market the COVID-19 vaccine. Since then, it has contracted with many governments and supplied millions of doses and looking forward to providing more than this in the future. The U.S government has a plan to vaccinate all of its adult population, and Pfizer is likely to contribute a lot to this cause. While many other biotech stocks only focus on older patients, Pfizer is also developing a COVID-19 vaccine for children, which is another positive sign for future growth. The company has a market cap of more than $220 billion and annual revenue of more than $40 billion. Hence Pfizer stock can be a good bet in 2021. 

    Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN)

    The second stock that could prove fruitful for investors in 2021 is Regeneron Pharmaceuticals(REGN). The company has a market cap of more than $55 billion and is engaged in discovering, developing, and manufacturing various therapeutics to treat medical conditions worldwide. One of the two authorized antibody treatments to treat COVID patients belongs to Regeneron. Its recent first-quarter results show that its quarterly revenue showed 38% growth year over year. Its COVID-19 antibody treatment alone generated $262 million in the first quarter of 2021. Besides this, Eylea, a drug to treat eye diseases, also impacts its increased sales over time. Hereafter, investors need to keep an eye on this stock.

    Novavax (NVAX)

    On Number three, we have Novavax (NVAX)It is another biotech stock engaged in the development of commercialization of vaccines to prevent infectious diseases. Novavax has significantly outperformed in the COVID-19 era and still giving a tough time to its competitors. Its COVID-19 vaccine candidate NVX-CoV2373 could bring massive profits in the future. Novavax is about to finalize the major supply deal with the European Union, which means the supply of 500 million or more doses. So, a lot of money on the line is expected for Novavax stock. 

    Moreover, it has also inked supply deals with many countries in which India is also included, which has more than 1.3 billion population. Novavax generated a breathtaking $447 million in revenue in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $3 million in the same quarter of last year. This significantly increased revenue shows its success over the year. In a nutshell, investors should keep an eye on this stock.

    Bio N Tech SE (BNTX)

    On Number four, we have Bio N Tech (BNTX), which is a biotechnology company engaged in discovering and developing therapeutics to treat various infectious diseases. Bio N Tech is the partner of Pfizer in the battle against COVID-19. BNTX stock expects $26 billion in sales for the COVID-19 vaccine and its partner in 2021 and estimates roughly $3 billion in earnings. Millions of the mutually prepared COVID-19 vaccine doses have been delivered to many countries so far. Both partners are negotiating with many other countries to supply COVID-19 vaccine doses worth $3 billion by 2022, which points to the bright future of BioNTech stock. So it can be a good bet for investors in the future.

    Ocugen (OCGN)

    Ocugen (OCGN), stands at number five on our list. It is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics to cure blindness and other retinal diseases. Ocugen stock is working with Bharat Biotech to develop COVAXIN and the vaccine used to treat COVID patients. The phase-3 study results of COVIXIN showed 100% efficacy against severe coronavirus and 78% efficacy against mild and moderate COVID-19 disease. The Indian government has given emergency use authorization to Bharat Biotech which is a positive sign for Ocugen stock. Ocugen stock is looking forward to developing the COVID-19 vaccine for other markets and can be a good bet for investors in the future.

    Seagen (SGEN) 

    Seagen Inc is an American-based biotech stock focused on developing and commercializing therapeutics to treat cancer patients, and it’s in the Number six position on our list. Seagen has shown significant growth in 2020 as compared to 2019. Its revenue for 2020 totaled $2.2 billion, which shows 140% growth over the year. The revenue for the year 2019 was $916.7 billion. The company has achieved global success with Adcetris, an antibody medicine used to treat lymphoma, and is in an excellent position to invest more in developing newer medications. Therefore, Seagen is one of the biotech stocks to watch in 2021.

    Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX)

    The seventh biotech stock to watch in 2021 is Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX), which is mainly focused on developing and commercializing therapeutics to treat cystic fibrosis. Trikafta is the most important drug of Vertex pharmaceutical that treats roughly 90% of patients with cystic fibrosis. Estimates show that 70,000 cystic fibrosis patients are there globally, and Trikafta is the only medication available for this disease. Vertex stock has generated significant revenue through Trikafta and some other products, which will continue to rise in the future. The company has partnered with CRISPR Therapeutics and announced impressive results from a clinical trial of gene therapy for two rare blood diseases. Consequently, its continued success against cystic fibrosis and clinical developments suggests that this stock could outperform in the long run.

    The following three biotech stocks are with the lowest 12-month trailing price-to-earnings ‎ratio (P/E). Dividends and buybacks are two ways a company can return profits to ‎shareholders, so a low P/E ratio shows you are paying less for every dollar of profits ‎generated.

    The Agios Pharmaceuticals (AGIO)‎

    The Agios Pharmaceuticals Inc. platform is a pharmaceutical company dedicated to ‎developing drugs for genetic diseases such as hemolytic anemias and sickle cell disease. In Q1 ‎‎2021, the company reported a net income of $1.9 billion, a far cry from its Q1 2020 loss. ‎Agios’ oncology portfolio was sold to Servier Pharmaceuticals LLC in the first quarter, which ‎had an impact on revenue.

    Sage Therapeutics, Inc.. (SAGE)

    Sage Therapeutics has developed treatment for issues related the central nervous system, including schizophrenia and major depression. The company reported positive results from its SAGE-718 clinical trial, a drug that may be used to treat Huntington disease, in Q1 2021.

    Innoviva Inc. (INVA)

    Innoviva is a healthcare-oriented asset manager that holds portfolios of royalties for many pharmaceuticals.

  • Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) Stock on the Rise Following Massive Success of PREVENT-19 Study

    Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) Stock on the Rise Following Massive Success of PREVENT-19 Study

    Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) stock prices were up by a marginal 2.31% as of the market closing on June 11th, 2021, bringing the price per share up to USD$209.68 at the end of the trading day. Subsequent pre-market fluctuations have seen the stock surge by 6.57%, bringing it up to USD$223.45.

    Success of PREVENT-19

    The company announced a massively positive outcome for NVX-CoV2373, demonstrating 100% protection against moderate and severe forms of the disease. The treatment also reported an overall efficacy of 90.4% and met its primary endpoint in the PREVENT-19 pivotal Phase 3 trial. The study consisted of a total of 29,960 participants, spanning 119 sites across Mexico and the U.S. The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of the treatment, with an emphasis on representation in the recruitment of communities and demographic groups most impacted by the disease.

    Treatment Poised to Proliferate

    With the world hurtling towards global immunizations as the global coronavirus pandemic continues to take its toll on economies, Novavax is closer to addressing the critical and persistent global public health need. The company continues to work at full capacity to facilitate the completion of regulatory submissions and deliver the vaccine. NVAX has secured a well understood platform with an established track record, through which they will facilitate the provision of the much needed vaccines.

    Next Steps for NVAX

    NVAX anticipates filing for regulatory authorizations in the third quarter of 2021, following the completion of the final phases of process qualification and assay validation needed to meet chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) requirements. Following the approval, the company will see growth to a manufacturing capacity of 100 million doses per month by the end of the third quarter of 2021. The end of the fourth quarter is expected to mark the ramping up of manufacturing capacity to 150 million doses a month.

    Government Support

    PREVENT-19 has consolidated the tolerability and safety profile of NVX-CoV2373, with data having shown consistent, high levels of efficacy and reaffirm the treatment’s capability to prevent Covid-19 as increasing variants of the virus proliferate international communities. To this end, the treatment has received support from the U.S government, including the DoD, BARDA, parts of the HHS, the NIAID, and more. As per a DoD agreement, BARDA will provide NVAX with USD$1.75 billion.

    Future Outlook for NVAX

    Armed with the fortuitous surge in the value of their equity, NVAX is poise to push for the commercialization and proliferation of its proprietary treatment. The company is keen to continue its trajectory of success and usher in more organic growth over the long-term. Current and potential investors are hopeful that the management will leverage the resources at their disposal to facilitate significant and sustained increases in shareholder value.

  • 3 of the Best Biotech Stocks to Buy for 2021

    3 of the Best Biotech Stocks to Buy for 2021

    Due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic all over the world Biotech stocks have gained great attention in the market. There is great competition between biotech giants, and this makes investors confuse to predict which stock will be more fruitful for them in terms of revenue. But one should not ignore the fact that other diseases and medical challenges still exist even if they are not like that much popular as the COVID-19 is.

    Moderna Inc (NASDAQ: MRNA)

    Moderna, Inc. (MRNA) is a leading mRNA Technology platform that aims on using messenger RNA (mRNA) to produce a new generation of transformative drugs for patients.

    2020 proved to be a good year for Moderna because its share price has reached up to the mark of more than 500%.Covid-19 mRNA-1273 is mainly responsible for this rise as this vaccine has shown very effective results. Further this vaccine has gained the trust of about 30 countries’ regulatory bodies as they have approved it for use.

    According to MichaelYee, a Wall Street analyst, Moderna has already signed $11.7B in contracts in which dose range is from 510M to 525M. The company is looking forward to signing additional contracts for 2021 and 2022 where the capacity will reach up to 1.2B doses.

    Moderna has to compete with its competitors especially Pfizer and JNJ(which is going to share results 3rd trial phase of Covid-19 Vaccine shortly) to maintain its reputation but due to the very high demand for vaccine in the globe, at least five companies can sell at full capacity to fulfill the need of vaccine in the globe. Moderna has also stepped in the 2nd phase study of the age group from 12 to 17 and U.S. Food and Drug may authorize vaccine for teens which could add more value to Moderna’sannual revenue.

    Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ: VRTX)

    Vertex Pharmaceutics Inc.(VRTX) is focused on discovering, developing & manufacturing small molecule drugs for the cure of cystic fibrosis, viral infections, bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders.

    The company is playing the lead role in the cure of cystic fibrosis as it is estimated that 50% of patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in many countries are using Vertex’s medications. Vertex’s main product is Trikafta which is approved by the FDA at the end of 2019. Trikafta has already generated $3b revenue alone and is expected to generate more in the future as the company is putting serious effort to get the approval of this product for different age groups.

    Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX)

    Novavax, Inc. (NVAX) is a late-stage company that aims in improved global health through the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative vaccines to prevent infectious disease. The company’s main contributions in preventing diseases include COVID-19, seasonal influenza, RSV, Ebola, Mers, and SARS.

    The company has recently announced that it has contracted with the Government of Canada to supply 76Million doses of NVX-CoV2373, a company’s recombinant protein-based COVID-19 vaccine, to control the pandemic in the region. This contract will help the company to generate a handsome revenue in future.

    Besides the COVID-19 vaccine, the company is putting some serious effort into Nanoflu, a seasonal influenza vaccine for the olders, to influence the global influenza market which will worth more than 6Billion annually by 2026. The 3rd clinical analysis of the Nanoflu showed exceptional results and now the company is expecting to get approval from the U.S food and drug administration soon to commercialize its product and if it happens, it will further boost the company’s reputation and maximize the potential to generate billions of dollars revenue annually.

  • Pre-Market Cues: 30 Stocks Roaring for Change On December 14th

    Sonoma Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SNOA) stock plunged -7.53% to $8.1 in the pre-market trading after reporting partnership with Crown Laboratories to launch Microcyn® technology-based anti-itch over-the-counter products.

    Livent Corporation (NYSE: LTHM) shares are trading up 3.6% at $17.0 at the time of writing. Company’s 52-week ranged between $3.95 to $17.53. Analysts have a consensus price target of $16.50.

    Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: LXRX) shares are trading down -5.45% at $2.95 at the time of writing after declaring offering of common stock. Company’s 52-week ranged between $1.03 to $5.31.

    NextDecade Corporation (NEXT) is down more than -7.25% at $3.2 in pre-market hours Monday December 14, 2020. The stock had jumped over 38.00% to $3.45 in the last trading session.

    FAT Brands Inc. (FAT) tumbled over -4.06% at $7.57 in pre-market trading today following the announcement from the company that it has entered into an agreement to combine with Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc. (FCCG), the Company’s controlling stockholder.

    Recro Pharma Inc. (REPH) stock soared 3.21% to $3.05 in the pre-market trading. The most recent rating by Stephens, on October 17, 2019, is an Overweight.

    Ampio Pharmaceuticals Inc. (AMPE) stock moved up 3.33 percent to $1.55 in the pre-market trading.

    ReTo Eco-Solutions Inc. (RETO), a Building Materials company, rose about 3.91% at $0.665 in pre-market trading Monday.

    Yiren Digital Ltd. (YRD) lost over -5.36% at $3.0 in pre-market trading Monday December 14, 2020. The firm recently announced that it has entered into two collaborative research agreements to explore new clinical indications for its immunomodulatory drug, Ampion™.

    Before the trading started on December 14, 2020, Sabre Corporation (SABR) is up 3.46% to reach $11.35. It has been trading in a 52-week range of $3.30 to $23.25.

    NantHealth Inc. (NH) is up more than 1.74% at $3.5 in pre-market hours Monday December 14, 2020. The company recently presented during a poster session at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) new significant findings around the adoption of trastuzumab biosimilars in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer and the potential clinical and cost benefits of biosimilars. The stock had jumped over 22.42% to $3.44 in the last trading session.

    Torchlight Energy Resources Inc. (TRCH) stock soared 15.79% to $0.88 in the pre-market trading. The most recent rating by ROTH Capital, on March 13, 2020, is a Neutral.

    NIO Limited (NYSE: NIO) shares are trading down -6.38% at $39.3 at the time of writing following the announcement of pricing of offering of 68,000,000 American Depositary Shares. Company’s 52-week ranged between $2.11 to $57.20. Analysts have a consensus price target of $59.

    Lightbridge Corporation (LTBR) is down more than -2.4% at $3.66 in pre-market hours Monday December 14, 2020. The stock had jumped over 12.28% to $3.75 in the last trading session.

    Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (FRSX) stock moved up 2.31 percent to $1.77 in the pre-market trading after its affiliate, Rail Vision Ltd., has received an order from Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH, an affiliate of Knorr-Bremse AG (Frankfurt: KBX), for two samples of their light rail vehicle (LRV) system.

    Before the trading started on December 14, 2020, Hennessy Capital Acquisition Corp. IV (HCAC) is up 2.32% to reach $20.75. It has been trading in a 52-week range of $9.21 to $22.43.

    Inseego Corp. (INSG) stock soared 10.36% to $15.18 in the pre-market trading after reporting that the company is expanding its global footprint in Japan with the launch of its industry-leading 5G MiFi® M2000 mobile hotspot. The most recent rating by ROTH Capital, on August 06, 2020, is a Neutral.

    Mechel PAO (MTL) is down more than -3.66% at $1.84 in pre-market hours Monday December 14, 2020. The stock had jumped over 11.05% to $1.91 in the last trading session.

    JinkoSolar Holding Co. Ltd. (NYSE: JKS) shares are trading up 3.58% at $54.9 at the time of writing after declaring an update to 2020 annual general meeting agenda. Company’s 52-week ranged between $11.42 to $90.20. Analysts have a consensus price target of $55.

    Before the trading started on December 14, 2020, CureVac N.V. (CVAC) is up 6.7% to reach $125.99. It has been trading in a 52-week range of $36.15 to $151.80.

    Xeris Pharmaceuticals Inc. (XERS) grew over 2.84% at $4.7 in pre-market trading today after recent proclamation from company that the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive Opinion for Ogluo™ (glucagon).

    Teligent Inc. (NASDAQ: TLGT) shares are trading up 85.54% at $1.17 at the time of writing. Company’s 52-week ranged between $0.46 to $6.46. Analysts have a consensus price target of $2.

    Marathon Patent Group Inc. (MARA) gained over 15.58% at $5.49 in pre-market trading Monday December 14, 2020. The firm recently announced a contract with Bitmain to purchase 10,000 Antminer S-19j Pro ASIC Miners.

    Sundial Growers Inc. (NASDAQ: SNDL) shares are trading up 4.64% at $0.53 at the time of writing after reporting that it has received approval to transfer the listing of its common shares to the Nasdaq Capital Market. Company’s 52-week ranged between $0.14 to $3.88.

    Neos Therapeutics Inc. (NEOS) tumbled over -5.61% at $0.6532 in pre-market trading today. The company and Aytu BioScience, Inc. (AYTU) recently declared that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Neos will merge with a wholly owned subsidiary of Aytu in an all-stock transaction.

    Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS), a Biotechnology company, rose about 6.14% at $4.15 in pre-market trading Monday. The healthcare firm lately declared additional clinical data from an ongoing Phase 1a/1b clinical trial (AB-729-001) with AB-729, its proprietary GalNAc delivered RNAi compound.

    Greenwich LifeSciences Inc. (GLSI) lost over -16.07% at $47.0 in pre-market trading Monday December 14, 2020 following the publication of a second poster for the GP2 Phase III clinical trial design for recurring breast cancer at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) in a virtual format.

    Veru Inc. (VERU) is up more than 19.12% at $7.57 in pre-market hours Monday December 14, 2020 following the company revealed positive Phase 2 clinical trial results for enobosarm, for the treatment of endocrine and chemotherapy resistant ER+/HER2- metastatic breast cancer. The stock had jumped over 6.45% to $6.36 in the last trading session.

    NanoVibronix Inc. (NAOV) stock plunged -6.36% to $1.03 in the pre-market trading after reporting that it has expanded and replaced its original distribution agreement with Ultra Pain Products, Inc..

    SELLAS Life Sciences Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SLS) shares are trading down -11.23% at $7.43 at the time of writing following the pricing of $16.2 million registered direct offering. Company’s 52-week ranged between $1.46 to $19.38.

  • Biotech Roundup &The delivery of the Pfizer’s vaccine to U.S. – starts Today

    Biotech Roundup &The delivery of the Pfizer’s vaccine to U.S. – starts Today

    This weekend, the U.S. government is packaging millions of doses of the coronavirus vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech for distribution to places around the country, a mammoth logistics task in favor of what could be the most difficult immunization campaign in history.

    In delivering the vaccine, which is delicate and needs careful care, FedEx and UPS would play key roles. At the terminal, shipments can gain preferential entry. If a plane arrives to land with vaccinations, other passenger flights may have to loop around to wait for their chance.

    The arrival of the first vaccines comes as the virus continues to rage through the USA, with more than 207,000 new cases identified on Saturday by authorities. That took the number to more than 16 million, the most in the world by far. For the first time on Wednesday, more than 3,000 deaths were reported, and the country’s number is nearing 300,000.

    vTv Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VTVT) shares were trading up 41.55% at $3.10 at the time of writing on Friday. The firm on November 25, 2020 announced common stock purchase agreement for up to $47 million with Lincoln Park Capital.

    vTv Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:VTVT) share price went from a low point around $1.44 to briefly over $4.23 in past 52 weeks, though shares have since pulled back to $3.10. VTVT market cap has remained high, hitting $161.79M at the time of writing, giving it price-to-sales ratio of more than 7350.

    If we look at the recent analyst rating VTVT, H.C. Wainwright initiated coverage on VTVT shares with a Buy rating.

    aTyr Pharma Inc. (LIFE) last closed at $4.64, in a 52-week range of $2.13 to $7.62. The company on November 13, 2020 released third quarter results and provided a corporate update.

    ADiTx Therapeutics Inc. (ADTX) stock soar by 3.77% to $2.48. The firm reported on December 8, 2020, that it will present at the 13th annual LD Micro main event conference on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 11:00 AM EST / 8:00 AM PST.

    9 Meters Biopharma Inc. (NASDAQ:NMTR) Shares headed falling, lower as much as -11.75%.

    Iterum Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ:ITRM) rose 11.72% after gaining more than $0.1 on Friday. The biotechnology firm declared on December 7,2020, filing of US patent application based on favorable written opinion of the International Search Authority.

    Vaxart Inc. (VXRT) last closed at $7.44, in a 52-week range of $0.28 to $17.49.

    Catabasis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (CATB) stock soar by 14.51% to $2.21. The most recent rating by Wedbush, on November 02, 2020, is at a Neutral.

    Advaxis Inc. (NASDAQ:ADXS) Shares headed rising, higher as much as 3.56%. The company on November 27, 2020 reported the closing of $9.2 million public offering. The most recent rating by Barclays, on August 03, 2016, is at an Overweight.

    Xeris Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:XERS) rose 11.74% after gaining more than $0.48 on Friday following an announcement from the company that the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has adopted a positive Opinion for Ogluo™ (glucagon).

    Novavax Inc. (NVAX) last closed at $124.88, in a 52-week range of $3.65 to $189.40. The firm on December 9, 2020, declared the appointment of Margaret G. McGlynn, R. Ph. to its board as an independent director. Analysts have a consensus price target of $186.20.

    Corbus Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. (CRBP) stock soar by 1.52% to $1.34. The most recent rating by ROTH Capital, on September 08, 2020, is at a Neutral.

    Adaptimmune Therapeutics plc (NASDAQ:ADAP) Shares headed falling, lower as much as -1.23%. The most recent rating by Mizuho, on April 22, 2020, is at a Neutral.

    Novan Inc. (NASDAQ:NOVN) rose 1.10% after gaining more than $0.01 on Friday.

    Nabriva Therapeutics plc (NBRV) last closed at $2.44, in a 52-week range of $3.26 to $18.29. The company recently announced pricing of $15 million public offering.

    Salarius Pharmaceuticals Inc. (SLRX) stock drop by -31.34% to $0.92 after declaring that it has entered into agreements with several institutional and accredited investors to exercise of warrants for $3.5 million of gross proceeds to be used for ongoing development of Seclidemstat. The most recent rating by Ladenburg Thalmann, on April 27, 2020, is at a Buy.

  • Novavax Inc’s (NVAX) shares thundered in the early hours this morning

    Novavax Inc’s (NVAX) stock was up 1.73% to trade at $125.6 in the premarket session today, despite the recent news that the company has again delayed the launch of a U.S.-based, late-stage trial for its experimental COVID-19 vaccine and now plans it to launch next weak instead of November.

    Although difficulties in gearing up the development of the vaccine have delayed the U.S. trial, Novavax has a late-stage study ongoing in the U.K. that concluded enrollment on Monday.

    However, analysts have said that more than one vaccine will be needed to end the pandemic that has killed over 1.4 million people worldwide.

    Duncan added that Novavax expects preliminary results from the U.K. trial in the first quarter of 2021 and may also seek global clearance in the United States and the United Kingdom following the initial data.

    The business plans to use privately manufactured vaccine material for the trial in the United States and Mexico and has collaborated extensively with the United States.

    In the first quarter of next year, the effectiveness evidence from that study will also be available.