5 Top NASDAQ Biotech Stocks: AveXis, Inc. Leads

The NASDAQ Biotechnology index (INDEXNASDAQ:NBI) had a tough 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 down by 3.37 percent with 2,634.34 points.
Looking at the week’s gainers, companies weren’t quite able to break much higher than 36 percent in gains for the week. Included among last week’s top gainers were:

• AveXis, Inc. (NASDAQ:AVXS)
• Heska Corp. (NASDAQ:HSKA)
• Corcept Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CORT)
• Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ:ATRA)
• Seattle Genetics Inc (NASDAQ:SGEN)

AveXis, Inc.
AveXis, Inc. is a clinical-stage gene therapy company. They are working on treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). They announced their study of the natural history of the disease and will test about 20 patients when trials begin in 2017. 
AveXis, Inc. gained 36.07 percent over the five-day trading period and finished at $64.09 per share.
Heska Corp.
Heska Corp. is an American veterinary product company focusing on cats and dogs. They recently reported record third quarter results. CEO Kevin Wilson said “that Heska had more than doubled earnings per share.” 
Heska Corp. gained 23.62 percent over the five-day trading period and finished up sharply at $59.45 per share. 
Corcept Therapeutics
Corcept Therapeutics is an American pharmaceutical company focusing on various disorders and is interested in the hormone cortisol as the suspect. Discussing third quarter results, reporting revenue of $21.7 million, a whopping 64 percent increase over the third quarter in 2015. 
Corcept Therapeutics gained 16.06 percent over the five-day trading period and finished at $8.02 per share. 

Atara Biotherapeutics
Atara Biotherapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company aiming to treat severe diseases like cancer. Their financial results for the third quarter of 2016 saw a net loss of $25.4 million. 
Atara Biotherapeutics gained 11.4 percent over the five-day trading period and finished at $15.15 per share.
Seattle Genetics Inc
Seattle Genetics Inc is a biotechnology company aiming to cure cancer. They are in Phase 3 of a clinical trial testing patients with lymphoma and are soon to present their findings.
Seattle Genetics Inc gained 10.6 percent over the five-day trading period and finished at $56.24 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.
Related reading:
5 Top NASDAQ Biotech Stocks: Alexion Pharmaceuticals Leads