The biotechnology sector may have had a sluggish start to the year, but has taken in nice gains to date with biotech stocks now outperforming the general market. The sector has shifted to more bullish sentiments for the second half of the year, as an abundance of favorable news such as positive clinical data and favorable regulatory updates continue to drive the several of sectors’ stocks and exchange traded funds to new highs. Over the past month, the industry has grown 1.9%, outperforming the 1.7% gain seen in the general market.
Analysts believe due to the successful innovation and strong clinical results as well as increased demand for drugs due to an aging population that this should keep the sector on a bullish track through the rest of the year. With a little more than a quarter left until the end of this year, here are a few biotech stocks to add to your watch-list.
GT Biopharma (GTBP) recently announced the start of a combination trial of OXS-1550 and ibrutinib, a potent small molecule Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor that is a recognized chemotherapeutic agent. This company deems that combination therapies like these are the future of cancer treatment. The recent attention and investments to the concept from some of the bigger names in the industry may suggest the same.
GT Biopharma’s CEO commented, “Like first-generation CAR-T, without a specific stimulatory agent, the cells become exhausted as their numbers dwindle. GT Biopharma’s innovative NK cell-engager platform incorporates IL-15, a potent activator and proliferator of NK cells. No other, including Affimed’s, NK cell technology has this…I believe that the NK cell field, much like the T-cell field did some years ago, is about to explode onto the scene with rapid advances in both the science and the clinical development spheres”
VIVUS, Inc. (VVUS) was recently approved a 1 for 10 reverse stock split. The company focuses on the development and commercialization of innovative therapies that focus on advancing treatments for patients with serious unmet medical needs. The company’s commercial products target treatment of obese and overweight patients and erectile dysfunction.
VIVUS recently reported encouraging data from a retrospective analysis evaluating the cardiovascular safety of its Qsymia® capsules. John Amos, CEO stated via press release, “We continue to believe that Qsymia provides patients with significant benefits as a platform for managing body mass index.”
Agile Therapeutics, Inc. (AGRX) , a women’s healthcare company, reported financial results for both its 3 and 6-month operating periods ended June 30, 2018. Agile saw a decrease in its net loss from $7.4 million in 2017 to $5.3 million for the same period this year.
At the end of July, Agile announced that the FDA’s Office of Drug Evaluation III denied the company’s appeal of the complete response letter issued for the new drug application of Twirla®. Agile intends to appeal the decision of the ODEIII to the Office of New Drugs.
Pursuant to an agreement between an affiliate of MAPH Enterprises, LLC, Midam Ventures LLC and GT Biopharma, Midam has been paid $200,000 from the company and ZERO shares of GT Biopharma Inc. for a duration beginning July 16, 2018 and ending August 16, 2018. Midam Ventures has been paid an additional $200k by GT Biopharma and has extended its marketing period through Sept 16, 2018. We 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.
Biotech Breakroom 