5 Top NASDAQ Biotech Stocks: Alkermes PLC Leads

Biotech Investing
Biotech Investing

Last week’s top gainer was Alkermes PLC, followed by Eiger BioPharmaceuticals, Concordia International, MannKind Corp. (D) and Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals.

The NASDAQ Biotechnology index (INDEXNASDAQ:NBI) had a good week. The increase in average life expectancy, lifelong reliance on healthcare and constant innovation in the industry means the index is always somewhat supported long term. As of Friday, the index was up by 0.92 percent with 2,800.90 points.
Looking at the week’s gainers, companies weren’t quite able to break much higher than 30 percent in gains for the week. Included among last week’s top gainers were:

  • Alkermes PLC (NASDAQ:ALKS)
  • Eiger BioPharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:EIGR)
  • Concordia International (NASDAQ:CXRX)
  • MannKind Corp. (D) (NASDAQ:MNKD)
  • Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TTPH)

Alkermes PLC
Alkermes PLC is a biopharmaceutical company, headquartered in Dublin, that focuses on central nervous system diseases. They recently announced positive results for antidepressants for those suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) who weren’t responding to their current medication.
Alkermes PLC gained 31.49 percent over the five-day trading period and finished at $55.62 per share.
Eiger BioPharmaceuticals
Eiger BioPharmaceuticals clinically tests original products to treat rare diseases. They recently announced the first dosage given to a patient who needs to be treated for hepatitis D virus (HDV).
Eiger BioPharmaceuticals gained 27.06 percent over the five-day trading period and finished at $14.37 per share.
Concordia International
Concordia International is a Canadian pharmaceutical company focusing on ADHD, asthma and cancer. CEO Mark Thompson recently announced his resignation.
Concordia International gained 27.07 percent over the five-day trading period and finished at $4.48 per share.

MannKind Corp. (D)
MannKind Corp. (D) is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on cancer and diabetes. Their financial results for the first half of 2016 saw expenses down 15 percent from the previous year.
MannKind Corp. (D) gained 18.25 percent over the five-day trading period and finished at $0.594 per share.
Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals
Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals fight antibiotic resistance. They recently dosed the first patient with a drug hopefully treating fatal bacterial infections.
Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals gained 17.11 percent over the five-day trading period and finished at $3.97 per share.
Data for 5 Top NASDAQ Stocks articles is retrieved each Friday after market close using The Globe and Mail’s market data filter. Only companies with a market capitalization greater than $10 million prior to the week’s gains are included. Companies within the biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors are considered.
Securities Disclosure: I, Emma Harwood, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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