Biotechnology was one of the most popular sectors in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic drew attention to the sector  due to the urgent need for  COVID-19 testing supplies and a vaccine. But in addition to imperatives specific to COVID-19, investors have been generally optimistic about biotech companies’ potential  to  formulate find treatments for other fatal diseases, such as cancer, advanced genetic therapies, or ailments related to the central nervous system.

This faith has not been limited to  larger biotechnology companies. Even  the smaller and lesser known are being seen now as having immense potential; Many of these companies are working tirelessly toward new drug developments and eyeing larger collaborations.

BeiGene, Ltd. (BGNE), Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALNY), and Zai Lab Limited (ZLAB) are three such promising biotechnology companies that are not the mainstream players but are garnering a lot of attention because of their progress and operational efficiency. Their stocks have also rallied substantially over the past year.

BeiGene, Ltd. (BGNE)

BGNE is a commercial-stage biotechnology company involved  in developing and commercializing molecularly-targeted and immuno-oncology cancer therapeutics in China and the U.S., among many other countries. Some of the major products of the company are BRUKINSA for curing R/R mantle cell lymphoma, ABRAXANE for curing breast cancer, and Tislelizumab for treating R/R classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

During the third quarter ended September 30, 2020, BGNE’s product revenue surged 81.6% year-over-year to $ 91.1 million, led by sales of tislelizumab in China and BRUKINSA in China and the United States. The revenue growth was partially offset by in-licensed products in China from Celgene Logistics Sàrl, a Bristol Myers Squibb company. BGME’s Loss per share narrowed to $0.37 from $0.39 posted the prior year period.

Last week , BGNE announced that its anti-PD-1 antibody, tislelizumab, has been approved by the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) to be combined with two chemotherapy regimens to cure non-small cell lung cancer.

The Street estimates BGNE’s revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 to be $116.4 million, representing  a 104.6% increase year-over-year. Meanwhile, its EPS is likely to rise at the rate of 24% per annum over the next five years.

BGNE has rallied 109.4% over the past year to close yesterday’s trading session at $356.68. The stock has climbed 43.4% over the past six months.

How does BGNE stack up for the POWR Ratings?

A for Trade Grade

A for Buy & Hold Grade

A for Peer Grade

B for Industry Rank

A for Overall POWR Rating

The stock is also ranked #10 of 239 stocks in the Medical – Pharmaceuticals Industry.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALNY)

ALNY discovers, develops, and commercializes RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. Some of its investigational RNAi therapeutics deal with cardio-metabolic diseases, genetic medicines, hepatic infectious diseases, and diseases related to the central nervous system. ONPATTRO (patisiran), a lipid complex injection, and GIVLAARI, for curing acute hepatic porphyria (AHP) in adults, are among the company’s main  products.

ALNY announced positive top-line results from  phase III clinical trials for HELIOS, an investigational RNAi therapeutic that is being developed for treating transthyretin-mediated (ATTR) amyloidosis with polyneuropathy.

ALNY’s total revenue during the third quarter ended September 30, 2020 soared 79.6% year-over-year to $125.8 million. Meanwhile, the loss per share expanded to $2.18 compared to $1.92 posted in the same period last year. At the end of the quarter, ALNY had more than  1,150 patients worldwide using commercial ONPATTRO, while for GIVLAARI it had more than 150 patients globally.

Earlier this month, the company launched its new five-Year Strategy, called Alnylam P5x25, for its planned transition to be among the top-five biotechs by market capitalization over the next five years. The company also announced full-year 2020 preliminary global net product revenues for ONPATTRO® and GIVLAARI® at  nearly $306 million and $55 million, respectively.

Analysts expect revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 to rise 104.5% year-over-year to $146.6 million. Meanwhile, its EPS is likely to expand at the rate of 46.1% per annum over the next five years.

ALNY ended yesterday’s trading session at $168.41, climbing 41.7% over the past year. During the past six months, the stock has risen 6.4%.

ANLY is rated “Strong Buy” with an “A” for Trade Grade, Buy & Hold Grade, Peer Grade, and a “B” for Industry Rank. It is currently ranked #6 of 483 stocks in the Biotech Industry.

Zai Lab Limited (ZLAB)

ZLAB is a biotechnology company involved in discovering, developing, licensing, and commercializing proprietary therapeutics to provide treatment in oncology, infectious, and l  autoimmune diseases in China.  The company’s oral small molecule poly ADP ribose polymerase 1/2 inhibitor, Niraparib, is used to treat multiple solid tumors and  ovarian and  lung cancer.

ZLAB announced the expansion of its collaboration with Turning Point Therapeutics (TPTX), a precision oncology company. Under the agreement, ZLAB would obtain exclusive rights to develop and commercialize TPTX’s MET, SRC and CSF1R inhibitor, TPX-0022, in Greater China. TPTX will receive a $25 million upfront payment, with up to nearly $336 million in potential development, regulatory and sales-based milestone payments.

For the six months ended June 2020, ZLAB’s revenue has surged 461.8% year-over-year to $19.2 million, driven by the sales of ZEJULA, which was launched in January 2020. Meanwhile, its loss per share narrowed to $1.37 from $1.74 posted in the same period last year.

The consensus revenue estimate for the year ended December 31, 2020 is $47.1 million, representing a 262.6% year-over-year increase. Its EPS for the period is expected to decline 3.6% to $3.14.

ZLAB ended yesterday’s trading session at $184.7, surging 247.8% over the past year. Over the past six months, the stock surged 120.8%.

ZLAB’s POWR Ratings reflect this promising outlook. It has an overall rating of “Strong Buy” with an “A” for Trade Grade, Buy & Hold Grade and Peer Grade and a “B” for Industry Rank. Among China stocks, it is ranked 12th of 103.

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BGNE shares were trading at $367.98 per share on Wednesday morning, up $11.30 (+3.17%). Year-to-date, BGNE has gained 42.41%, versus a 2.36% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

About the Author: Namrata Sen Chanda

Namrata is an accomplished financial journalist, with nearly a decade of experience. She specializes in interpreting news releases and framing investment strategies, and has worked with some of the leading companies in real estate, banking, insurance, mutual funds, financial research, fintech, and investment education. More...

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