We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
You are being directed to ZacksTrade, a division of LBMZ Securities and licensed broker-dealer. ZacksTrade and Zacks.com are separate companies. The web link between the two companies is not a solicitation or offer to invest in a particular security or type of security. ZacksTrade does not endorse or adopt any particular investment strategy, any analyst opinion/rating/report or any approach to evaluating individual securities.
If you wish to go to ZacksTrade, click OK. If you do not, click Cancel.
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: INO, NVAX, TBIO and VXRT
Read MoreHide Full Article
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – November 30, 2020 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc (INO - Free Report) , Novavax, Inc. (NVAX - Free Report) , Translate Bio, Inc. (TBIO - Free Report) and Vaxart, Inc. (VXRT - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:
4 Biotechs Likely to Gain on Coronavirus Vaccine Efforts
The much-awaited coronavirus vaccine is likely to be available for emergency use by mid-December. Several pharma bigwigs as well as biotech companies have been working relentlessly to bring a vaccine to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected millions of people and resulted in lockdowns, taking a huge toll on the world economy.
Pfizer and its Germany-based partner BioNTech witnessed an efficacy rate of 95% for their mRNA-based vaccine candidate, BNT162b2, in the final analysis. The companies have already requested for an Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) to the FDA. Pfizer/BioNTech are closely followed by Moderna. Moderna has reported 94.5% efficacy from the first interim analysis of the phase III study evaluating its coronavirus vaccine candidate, mRNA-1273 and is expected to announce final data by the end of the month. The candidate is also anticipated to gain EUA by mid-December. Another close contender is AstraZeneca candidate, AZD1222.
Although millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines are expected to be available next year with strong manufacturing capabilities of Pfizer and Moderna, the anticipated requirement of several billions of doses worldwide will likely create opportunities for other vaccine-makers who are currently lagging in the race. Here we discuss four small biotech companies that are developing a coronavirus vaccine and may gain in the coming months.
Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc
The company joined the coronavirus vaccine development race early in March. However, a partial hold imposed by the FDA on its phase II/III study in September hindered its progress. The company is developing a DNA vaccine candidate, INO-4800, for battling SARS-CoV-2. Earlier this month, the FDA however removed its partial hold from the phase II part of the study.
The partial hold on phase III part of the study will be removed after addressing questions regarding the Cellectra device meant to deliver the DNA vaccine. Moreover, the U.S. Department of Defense will be funding both phases of the study, suggesting no funding related mishap going forward.
The company’s shares have gained 214.8% so far this year.
Novavax, Inc.
The company’s coronavirus vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373, was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA earlier this month. The designation will help the company to gain accelerated review of its potential regulatory application for a FDA approval/EUA.
The company is already conducting a phase III study in the United Kingdom onits candidate. Interim data from this study is expected in early first-quarter 2021. A late-stage study is expected to start by the end of November.
The clinical studies are being conducted by the company with the help of almost $2 billion in funding received from various sources including the U.S. government. The company has multiple supply agreements with different countries for NVX-CoV2373 already in place.
Shares of Novavax have skyrocketed 2477.9% so far this year.
Translate Bio, Inc.
Though the company is lagging in the coronavirus vaccine race, it has a strong partner in Sanofi. Last month, the company and its partner announced promising pre-clinical data on their coronavirus vaccine candidate, MRT5500.
A phase I/II study is expected to start in the first quarter of 2021. The early-stage nature of the vaccine development will likely create an opportunity for increase in its share price on potential positive study data readouts and initiation of advanced studies.
Translate Bio’s shares have gained 124% so far this year.
Vaxart, Inc.
It is another company with an early-stage coronavirus vaccine candidate in its portfolio. The company started a phase I study on its oral tablet vaccine candidate, VXA-CoV2-1, in October. The first clinical data from the study is anticipated in the coming weeks. Positive data should drive share prices higher.
Pre-clinical data had shown that the vaccine was able to generate both immune responses as well as a strong mucosal immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Please note that the company’s candidate is part of the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed (OWS) program and receives funding for its clinical development.
Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.
Ignited by referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $17.7 billion in 2019 to a staggering $73.6 billion by 2027. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
See More Zacks Research for These Tickers
Normally $25 each - click below to receive one report FREE:
Image: Bigstock
The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: INO, NVAX, TBIO and VXRT
For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – November 30, 2020 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc (INO - Free Report) , Novavax, Inc. (NVAX - Free Report) , Translate Bio, Inc. (TBIO - Free Report) and Vaxart, Inc. (VXRT - Free Report) .
Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:
4 Biotechs Likely to Gain on Coronavirus Vaccine Efforts
The much-awaited coronavirus vaccine is likely to be available for emergency use by mid-December. Several pharma bigwigs as well as biotech companies have been working relentlessly to bring a vaccine to stop the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected millions of people and resulted in lockdowns, taking a huge toll on the world economy.
Pfizer and its Germany-based partner BioNTech witnessed an efficacy rate of 95% for their mRNA-based vaccine candidate, BNT162b2, in the final analysis. The companies have already requested for an Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) to the FDA. Pfizer/BioNTech are closely followed by Moderna. Moderna has reported 94.5% efficacy from the first interim analysis of the phase III study evaluating its coronavirus vaccine candidate, mRNA-1273 and is expected to announce final data by the end of the month. The candidate is also anticipated to gain EUA by mid-December. Another close contender is AstraZeneca candidate, AZD1222.
Although millions of doses of coronavirus vaccines are expected to be available next year with strong manufacturing capabilities of Pfizer and Moderna, the anticipated requirement of several billions of doses worldwide will likely create opportunities for other vaccine-makers who are currently lagging in the race. Here we discuss four small biotech companies that are developing a coronavirus vaccine and may gain in the coming months.
Inovio Pharmaceuticals Inc
The company joined the coronavirus vaccine development race early in March. However, a partial hold imposed by the FDA on its phase II/III study in September hindered its progress. The company is developing a DNA vaccine candidate, INO-4800, for battling SARS-CoV-2. Earlier this month, the FDA however removed its partial hold from the phase II part of the study.
The partial hold on phase III part of the study will be removed after addressing questions regarding the Cellectra device meant to deliver the DNA vaccine. Moreover, the U.S. Department of Defense will be funding both phases of the study, suggesting no funding related mishap going forward.
The company’s shares have gained 214.8% so far this year.
Novavax, Inc.
The company’s coronavirus vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373, was granted Fast Track designation by the FDA earlier this month. The designation will help the company to gain accelerated review of its potential regulatory application for a FDA approval/EUA.
The company is already conducting a phase III study in the United Kingdom onits candidate. Interim data from this study is expected in early first-quarter 2021. A late-stage study is expected to start by the end of November.
The clinical studies are being conducted by the company with the help of almost $2 billion in funding received from various sources including the U.S. government. The company has multiple supply agreements with different countries for NVX-CoV2373 already in place.
Shares of Novavax have skyrocketed 2477.9% so far this year.
Translate Bio, Inc.
Though the company is lagging in the coronavirus vaccine race, it has a strong partner in Sanofi. Last month, the company and its partner announced promising pre-clinical data on their coronavirus vaccine candidate, MRT5500.
A phase I/II study is expected to start in the first quarter of 2021. The early-stage nature of the vaccine development will likely create an opportunity for increase in its share price on potential positive study data readouts and initiation of advanced studies.
Translate Bio’s shares have gained 124% so far this year.
Vaxart, Inc.
It is another company with an early-stage coronavirus vaccine candidate in its portfolio. The company started a phase I study on its oral tablet vaccine candidate, VXA-CoV2-1, in October. The first clinical data from the study is anticipated in the coming weeks. Positive data should drive share prices higher.
Pre-clinical data had shown that the vaccine was able to generate both immune responses as well as a strong mucosal immune response against SARS-CoV-2. Please note that the company’s candidate is part of the U.S. government’s Operation Warp Speed (OWS) program and receives funding for its clinical development.
Vaxart’s shares have surged 1726% so far this year. The company carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Looking for Stocks with Skyrocketing Upside?
Zacks has just released a Special Report on the booming investment opportunities of legal marijuana.
Ignited by referendums and legislation, this industry is expected to blast from an already robust $17.7 billion in 2019 to a staggering $73.6 billion by 2027. Early investors stand to make a killing, but you have to be ready to act and know just where to look.
See the pot stocks we're targeting >>
Join us on Facbook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
support@zacks.com
http://www.zacks.com
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.