October marked a significant decline in biotech stocks, dropping to two-thirds below their peak during the Covid pandemic. However, the tides have turned as big pharma companies enter the scene with strategic acquisitions.
The acquisition momentum has surged with the commencement of J.P. Morgan’s annual healthcare conference. Notable deals include Merck’s acquisition of Harpoon Therapeutics for a staggering $680 million and Johnson & Johnson’s agreement to purchase Ambrx Biopharma for $2 billion — both companies specializing in cancer treatments.
Biotech analysts, amidst the buzz, have released lists of stocks believed to be potential targets for future acquisition. Keep in mind, though, that these suggestions are not based on any insider information regarding acquisition plans.
Among the notable biotech stocks, Guggenheim Securities boasts a robust team devoted to covering the biotech sector. Recently, they compiled a list of their top potential-acquisition ideas, with a particular focus on cancer treatment. Michael Schmidt, an oncology specialist at Guggenheim, monitors various oncology names.
One attractive candidate on the list is Immunocore, a UK-based biotech company. Schmidt believes that Immunocore would be an appealing addition for pharmaceutical companies with cancer-drug franchises. Notably, Immunocore’s Kimmtrak received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a melanoma treatment in 2022. Additionally, the company is conducting clinical trials for another product that targets solid tumors. It seems that others share the same sentiment about Immunocore’s potential, as its stock price has risen by two-thirds since October, reaching $69.55.
The biotech sector is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by the interest of big pharma players and their acquisition strategies. Only time will tell which other promising biotech stocks will catch the attention of industry leaders and potentially become the next target for acquisition.
Opportunities in the Biotech Industry
The biotech industry continues to present exciting opportunities for investors, with several companies showing promising potential. One of the standout performers is Syndax Pharmaceuticals, whose stock has nearly doubled in value recently, reaching $22.80. Syndax is seeking FDA approval for two drugs: revumenib, a treatment for leukemia, and axatilimab, which aims to reduce transplant complications. Further studies scheduled for this year could expand the market potential for these drugs.
Another company that stands out among analysts is Blueprint Medicines. Their drug, Ayvakit, has received approval for targeting specific types of white blood cell cancers. Analysts believe that Blueprint Medicines currently faces no immediate competition in this space. Since October, their stock has almost doubled and now stands at around $85.30.
In the field of metabolic regulation drugs, we have seen significant interest following the success of weight-loss drugs developed by Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk. Therefore, Oppenheimer’s biotech analysts have identified two companies with potential fat-busting drugs as attractive acquisition targets.
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals is hopeful of securing FDA approval in March for resmetirom, a treatment for liver-scarring caused by fat accumulation. This condition often leads to the need for a liver transplant. Viking Therapeutics, another company on Oppenheimer’s list, has shown promising results in early trials of their weight-loss drug. A larger study is expected to report results later this year.
The Oppenheimer team believes that there will be sustained momentum in biotech M&A activity due to the improving valuations of innovative companies addressing areas of high unmet medical needs.
Overall, the biotech industry continues to offer exciting investment prospects, with companies like Syndax Pharmaceuticals and Blueprint Medicines showing significant promise in their respective fields.