iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology (IBB) -Nasdaq The best indicator for our biotech portfolios are biotechnology indices such as IBB, NBI, XBI or XLV. By looking at the IBB daily chart, we get the whole picture of the latest epic run in the biotech sector during 2013, with a whopping run from 134.21 to 227.06 points, gaining 69.2%, while […]
January 21st Biotech Update on GILD ECYT ONTX
The sector is looking a little tired at these levels but it seems like everyone is expecting a pullback, which makes the contrarian in me wonder if there is another leg higher. I am certainly not selling anything at this point but would be cautious about buying now. I would not be surprised to see catalyst stocks […]
January 17 Biotech Update- Building a Diagnostic Foundation
Today was more of the same in the sector and that is generally positive given the sentiment. I know it seems like biotech has been going up every day (we have certainly had a good run recently) but it seems to me like this is the only sector that is not warning on earnings as […]
January 16 Biotech Update- Back from the Circus
I am back from JPM and it was a busy couple of days. I need organize my thoughts and today was not a great day given that it is start of the semester. So I will keep this short and sweet with some broad comments and thoughts. Obviously the sector is doing well, which is […]
Catalyst Watch – Vol. 2, Edition 1 (1/14/14)
Below are current tactical and strategic thoughts on approaching FDA and clinical trial catalysts for select names. Estimates, values and views are as of the date published (or are noted), are subject to potential future, pre-catalyst revision and are not intended as investment recommendations. Please read our Disclaimer: (1) Catalyst Watch List – Update: KERX: […]
January 10 Biotech Update- The Revenge of Momentum
Another busy day in the market. It seems like the small caps want to steal the show and perhaps we will see the large caps take the next leg higher with their presentations next week. I have been saying for awhile that JPM would be a tell for the sector and while the conference has […]
Week’s Option Activity (12/27 ~ 1/9)
The following stocks had notable activity in their options during the past week(s): $GERN (12/27): 663 JUN 5.0 strike Calls (stock at $5.10) were purchased for 1.40 or total cost of $92,820. Buyer makes money if stock trades above $6.40 by June expiration. $CHTP (12/31): 5,500 JAN 4.0 strike Puts (stock at $4.40) were purchased […]
January 9- The Biotech Momentum Continues
It was a great day for biotechs despite a neutral to bearish macro drag. We not only had some great price action but we continued with the positive news. This is creating a nice bid under the sector and even the large caps that did not have much news per se moved higher. It is […]
Jan 8 Biotech Update- Looking to Europe for Value and Some Deals at Home
Well, it seemed like yesterday was the day of good data and today was the day of buyouts, what will tomorrow bring? The day of partnerships or the calm before the storm or something completely different? Regardless, two days of good news in the sector gave us a strong morning move that held up well […]
A look at Innate Pharma
Immuno-oncology was one of the hottest themes of 2013 and its been almost entirely a big pharma story. We saw Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck and Roche reveal more data and future plans for their PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors. It’s going to be the hottest theme for awhile, so we want to highlight one company that has […]
January 7 Biotech Update: Good News for PCYC, EPZM, and FMI
I thought yesterday was going to start a run in biotechs but I was a day early. We had the broad market rally helping but the sector was pushed today by some positive news. Of course, every move higher in the sector is bemoaned as being too much making this one of the most hated […]
GenVec: hearing a comeback
On the verge of shutting down just a few months ago, Genvec (NASDAQ: GNVC) has recently had a comeback that might last for a few more years if its partnered hearing loss program yields good results in the clinic. As some background, in early 2010, Genvec was running higher in hopes that its gene therapy […]
Quick Take On NBIX
I have not followed this story before today, but I’ll throw my hat into the ring anyways It looks like Phase 2b results turned out positive in this second study due to some key differences. The first being a dose titration, lower average AIM score, and central raters. I think this bodes well for eventual […]
January 6 Biotech Update: A Slow Start to the Year
I hope everyone had a great holiday and is ready for 2014. It has not been a stellar start for the market or biotechs, which is a little worrisome but it is still early. I have been arguing that the best tell for biotechs will be the price action from the JPM healthcare conference. I […]
Catalyst Watch – Vol. 1, Edition 11 (12/31/13)
Below are current tactical and strategic thoughts on approaching FDA and clinical trial catalysts for select names. Estimates, values and views are as of the date of publishing (or are noted), are subject to potential future, pre-catalyst revision and are not intended as investment recommendations. Please read our Disclaimer: (1) Catalyst Watch List – Update: […]
Week’s Option Activity (12/11~12/20)
The following stocks had notable activity in their options during the past week(s): $ARRY (12/11): 3,500 DEC/MAR 5.0 strike Put Time spreads (stock at $5.09) were sold for a net credit of 0.50 or total proceeds of $175,000. Seller makes money if stock stays above $4.50 by March expiration. $CNDO (12/13): 1,500 MAY 2.50 strike […]
December 20 Biotech Update- Wrapping up the Year
It was a good day for the market and biotechs were strong once again. It seems like tax loss selling is winding down and selling volume is starting to dry up. So we are likely to have a positive bias for the rest of the year. It also helps that the news flow in biotechs […]
December 18 Daily Biotech Update- A Couple of Surprises
Well, the taper was exactly what the market and biotech sector need. Who saw that one coming? Is this simply a relief rally, start of a Santa rally, or setting us up for a bigger fall? For the biotech sector I see it more as a relief rally at this point but one that may […]
December 18 Biotech Update- Rigorsertib Fail Pancreatic Trial (no surprise) and MRK Collaborates
We are getting into the doldrums so to speak and not much is going on. The market really seemed listless in the morning as I guess traders were waiting for the taper decision. I still see a negative bias in biotech, especially in this year’s big winners. It could very well be that funds are […]
Onconova- Pancreatic Cancer Trial Fails- not meaningful
Just a real quick note. ONTX announced the failure of rigorsertib in pancreatic cancer. This should not be a surprise at all. Clearly this is a negative headline and I expect some selling but if it is anything more than transient then people still do not understand this company or its prospects. No one should […]
