3 Biotech Stocks With Catalysts On The Horizon

Biotechnology stocks are thriving right now.  Over the past few months, the Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) has gained a vigorous 13% in value and the S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has is also up double digits from the start of the year. It has been a pleasant year to be an investor in the sector, and as we move toward the last quarter of the year, many companies are looking at possible catalysts that could make it even more lucrative.

When most investors think biotech, perhaps Big Pharma comes to mind, which already have treatments on the market and strong cash flows. But, we mustn’t forget some of these smaller names in this investment category that may have the ability to pack as big of a punch as their larger peers.  After all, the biggest companies in the game at one time were much smaller.

Smaller biotechs can offer underappreciated therapies that could thrive, when the right circumstances are encountered.  The following companies’ share prices are small enough to possibly generate the extraordinary gains the industry is known for. Here’s what you should know about their possible catalysts on the horizon.

GT Biopharama (GTBP)

GT Biopharma is a clinical stage bio-pharmaceutical company which focuses on the development of immune-oncology products using its proprietary TriKE and TetraKE NK cell-engager platforms. Last month, the company announced beginning of a combination trial of its OXS-1550 and a multi-billion-dollar oncology drug, owned by a Major Pharmaceutical Company (MPC).

Dr. Daniel Vallera, GTBP’s lead researcher said, “The initial preclinical work suggests a much greater effect when OXS-1550 is given with this drug. We are very excited about our progress with GT’s OXS-1550 (DT2219) combined with ibrutinib”.

Ibrutinib was developed by Pharmacyclics, then partnered with Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and was acquired by AbbVie (ABBV) in 2015. AbbVie reported Q2 2018 global IMBRUVICA net revenues of $850 million, an increase of 35.6 percent.  Investors should keep their eyes and ears open for an update on the combination trial or confirmation of the MPC, which could send this biotech’s share price soaring.

Omeros Corporation (OMER)

Omeros, a bio-pharmaceutical company, that focuses on the development of small-molecule and protein therapeutics and orphan indications targeting inflammation, coagulopathies, and disorders of the central nervous system. The company markets OMIDRIA for use in cataract surgery and reported poor sales for Q2 .  However, the company has a pretty extensive pipeline, with several clinical programs underway.

This biotech’s star candidate is OMS-721 which is currently being evaluated in three advanced-stage conditions.  The European Commission (EC) recently designated OMS721 as an Orphan Medicinal Product in the European Union (EU) for treatment in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.   This is the drugs second orphan drug designation, the first being for IgA nephropathy.

Earlier this year, researchers finished dosing immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy patients with OMS721 in the candidate’s first placebo-controlled trial and the initial results are anticipated to come out by the end of this month which could take its share price to new highs.

2. Geron Corporation (GERN)

Geron is a clinical stage bio-pharmaceutical company that focuses on developing its telomerase inhibitor, imetelstat, with Janssen Biotech, Inc., a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson (JNJ).  Imetelstat targets two rare blood disorders and has been under evaluation over the past four years.

Geron is waiting for J&J to decide whether or not to continue will imetelstat by the end of September.  The terms of the collaboration agreement say that Geron can allow J&J to fund imetelstat’s development and commercialization entirely moving forward, leaving the biotech entitled to a tiered royalty percentage into the mid-teens. Or, Geron can fund 20% of expenses in return for a royalty percentage that peaks in the low 20’s.  News of continuation could make this biotech’s share price skyrocket.

MIDAM VENTURES LLC., a Florida Corporation has been compensated $200,000.00 by GT Biopharma Inc. for a period beginning July 16, 2018 and ending August 16, 2018 to publicly disseminate information about (GTBP). Midam owns zero shares. Midam may buy or sell additional shares of (GTBP) in the open market at any time, including before, during or after the Website and Information, provide public dissemination of favorable Information.