This month the American Society of Clinical Oncology held its annual meeting in Chicago, which brought about more attention to the healthcare sector and biotech stocks. The recent deal between Merck and Tilos Therapeutics has sparked increased enthusiasm within the industry. The takeover will give Merck control of a pipeline of cancer, fibrosis and autoimmune programs targeting the latent TGFβ complex.
Cancer research remains one of the most critical areas of focus for most investors. This is simply due to the fact that if a company can come up with a truly path-breaking product, then the potential for growth could be significant. With this in mind, here are four biotech stocks to watch on Tuesday.
Small Cap Biotech Stocks Take Center Stage
GT Biopharma (GTBP) has followed suit with a clear focus on immune diseases. The company’s lead treatment, GTB-1550 is a novel multi-target directed therapy for the treatment of chemotherapy-refractory B-cell malignancies, including Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and Leukemia. “GTB-1550 has shown positive results in its two Phase I-II clinical trials in advanced cancer patients who have failed all other therapies, and we are now planning to proceed with a Phase II clinical trial,” explained Anthony Cataldo, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of GT Biopharma.
Mr. Cataldo took the reigns on GT Biopharma earlier this year. He is the founder of the company and one of the key leaders within the industry. His past successes include being the founder and previous CEO of Iovance Biotherapeutics. Anthony Cataldo was able to grow Iovance early on, and the company currently holds a market cap of over $2 billion with a share price above $19 per share.
In addition to the above, the company’s therapy has also shown that it could target HIV infected cells in the University of Minnesota’s preclinical testing. Not only that but in specific tests, data showed that HIV-infected targets that express the HIV envelope on their surface could be eliminated. As the company stated, “The HIV TriKE’s possibility to kill the HIV virus would solve a massive economic burden as well as stop infected patients from spreading the disease.”
Adding to this list of novel biotech stocks to watch, Histogenics Corporation (HSGX) is targeting a pipeline of therapies to treat rare eye diseases. In April, the company announced a deal with Ocugen Inc. to ultimately take over the company. Ocugen was founded by Pfizer’s Shankar Musunuri and University of Colorado professor Uday Kompella. According to reports, once the merger is complete, Ocugen will try to sell Histogenics’ NeoCart, which is its regenerative treatment designed to treat knee cartilages. HSGX shares saw a jump on Tuesday to highs of nearly $0.23 and have been in an uptrend for the last three trading sessions.
“Since Ocugen’s founding, we have sought to develop innovative therapies to treat rare and underserved eye diseases through a combination of therapeutic approaches that utilize small molecules, biologics, and gene therapies,” said Shankar Musunuri, Ph.D., M.B.A., Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ocugen.
Big Moves On Penny Stock News
Further to the focus on eye care, NovaBay (NBY) stock has taken on a bright light this week. Since making headlines on Monday, shares of the company have jumped from a close of $0.32 last Friday to highs of $4.78 during Tuesday’s premarket session. This move of nearly 1,400% comes as the company reported that its Avenova eye-care product is now available without a prescription on Amazon.com through its new direct-to-consumer online channel.
“While prescription Avenova continues to be available through retail pharmacies and direct in-office sales by certain eye care specialists, patients and physicians have asked for greater accessibility to the product,” said NovaBay Chief Executive Justin Hall. “In response, we are launching our new U.S. direct-to-consumer channel, which is a significant step in ensuring easy access at an affordable price.”
A Pop & Drop For Others?
Shares of SINTX Technologies, Inc (SINT) have also begun to rally this week. The move has come after announcing the renewal of its lease with Portfolio Investments at Centrepointe Business Park for a five-year term. Shares are up by more than 50% since Monday afternoon.
Dr. Sonny Bal, President & CEO, said, “This is a milestone for SINTX. We have right-sized our operations, and the significant cost savings from the building lease will allow SINTX to focus on scaling up our manufacturing, and invest further in R&D activities.”
As the company explains, “The core strength of SINTX Technologies is the research and development of medical-grade silicon nitride ceramics for external partners. The Company presently manufactures silicon nitride spinal implants in its FDA registered and ISO 13485 certified manufacturing facility for CTL-Amedica, the exclusive retail channel for silicon nitride spinal implants.”
Finally, Midatech Pharma Plc (MTP) saw its stock rise on Tuesday morning. After closing the previous week near June lows of $1.20, MTP shares have jumped as high as $1.73 this week. The move comes after the company received a patent titled “Nanoparticle Delivery Compositions.” These will specifically be used to target biologically active agents in the central nervous system.
The company itself focuses on patients with rare and serious cancers. Furthermore, the company’s therapies look to improve bio-delivery and bio-distribution of medicines or agents to areas of the body where they are needed and can exert their actions in an effective, safe, and precise manner.
