Principal Technologies Inc. (the " Company ") (TSXV: PTEC) (FSE: J07), is pleased to announce the closing of the first tranche (" Tranche 1 ") of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the " Offering ") with one investor, MRPT Invest UG (" MRPT "), a company owned and controlled by Markus Mair . The Company issued a total of 4,000,000 units at $0.25 per unit for gross proceeds of $1,000,000 . Each unit (a " Unit ") will consist of one common share (a ' Share ") of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a " Warrant "). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Share of the Company at $0.30 for a period of two (2) years from the date of closing. The Warrants are subject to a blocker term that prohibits exercise of the Warrants to the extent the holder would as a result of any exercise exceed 19.99% of then issued Shares.
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
Principal Technologies Announces Extension of Private Placement Closing Date
Principal Technologies Inc. (the "Company") (TSXV: PTEC; FSE: J07), announces that it has received an extension from the TSX Venture Exchange with respect to the duration of its previously announced private placement (the "Private Placement") (see the Company's press releases dated April 3, 2024; June 7, 2024; and June 20, 2024), and intends to close a second and final tranche of the Private Placement on or before July 15, 2024.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jerry Trent, Chief Executive Officer
Principal Technologies Inc.
For investor inquiries or further information, please contact:
Office@principal-technologies.com
Forward-looking statements:
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of the Company in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant.
Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits and approvals; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
PRINCIPAL TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF FIRST TRANCHE OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT
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PRINCIPAL TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES UPSIZING OF PRIVATE PLACEMENT
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES /
Principal Technologies Inc. (the " Company ") (TSXV: PTEC) (FSE: J07), is pleased to announce an increase in the previously announced non-brokered financing of 4,000,000 units (see news release dated April 3, 2024 ), to 8,000,000 units at $0.25 (the " Offering Price ") for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000 (the " Private Placement) . Each unit (a " Unit ") will consist of one common share (a " Share ") of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a " Warrant "). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Share of the Company at $0.30 for a period of two (2) years from the date of closing. The Company has received $1,000,000 of subscriptions with funds being held in escrow. The closing of a first tranche is pending receipt of TSX Venture Exchange (" TSXV ") approval.
Proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for general working capital and corporate purposes of the Company, including those as may be required by Vivostat A/S (" Vivostat ") conditional on the closing of the acquisition of Vivostat.
The Private Placement is subject to approval of the TSXV and all securities of the Company issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the date of issuance. The Private Placement will not result in the creation of a new control person of the Company.
The securities offered have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " U.S. Securities Act "), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold absent registration or compliance with an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
The Company also announces that principal amount of the secured loan from GreenIslands Opportunities Fund (the " Lender "), as announced in the April 3, 2024 , news release has increased from €8,000,000 to €9,000,000. The deemed price of the 2.5 million common shares (the " Consideration Shares ") issuable by the Company to the Lender as partial consideration for the acquisition of Vivostat (the " Acquisition ") shall have a deemed value of $0.25 per Consideration Share. All other terms of the loan will remain the same.
The person receiving the finder's fee in connection with the Acquisition (the " Finder's Fee "), subject to approval of the TSXV, is Reinhold Eder . The Finder's Fee will be calculated as 1% of the cash portion of the purchase price.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jerry Trent, Chief Executive Officer
Principal Technologies Inc.
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward- looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of the Company in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant.
Forward-looking information and statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements and accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Forward-looking statements included in this press release include the closing of the Private Placement on the terms and timing set out herein; the receipt of all application Exchange and regulatory approvals and satisfaction of conditions pursuant to the Private Placement; receipt of TSXV approval for the Acquisition; realizing synergies between component companies and further acquisitions by Principal; and retention of Vivostat employees.
Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits and approvals; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE Principal Technologies Inc.
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PRINCIPAL TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES LOAN FINANCING AND PRIVATE PLACEMENT AND PROVIDES UPDATE ON VIVOSTAT A/S ACQUISITION
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES /
Principal Technologies Inc. (the " Company ") (TSXV: PTEC) (FSE: J07), is pleased to announce that on March 8, 2024 it entered into a binding commitment letter with the effect that the GreenIslands Opportunities Fund (the " Lender ") will provide a secured loan in the principal amount of €8,000,000 (the " Loan ") to provide acquisition financing with respect to the cash portion of the purchase price for Vivostat AS (" Vivostat "), as further outlined in its news release dated February 6, 2024 and for general working capital purposes.
The terms of the Loan include:
- the secured loan shall be provided to the Company by the Lender on a lump sum basis;
- interest rate of 12.00% per annum on the principal amount outstanding, payable up to and including the date which is six (6) years after the initial advance under the Loan (the " Loan Maturity Date ");
- interest will be payable quarterly and principal amount payable in twenty (20) quarterly installments;
- principal amount and interest in the first year shall not be paid until the Loan Maturity Date;
- the loan will be secured by, among other things, a pledge of all the shares acquired in Vivostat; and
- payment shall be permitted in full or in part with a 6% prepayment penalty on the prepaid amount.
The Loan provides full financing for the Company to close the Vivosat acquisition, and after final adjustments any remaining funds will be utilized by the Company for working capital purposes.
"This loan, by our major shareholder, effectively underwrites our previously-announced acquisition of Vivostat" commented Jerry Trent , Chief Executive Officer of Principal Technologies Inc. "Vivostat is the world's leading autologous sealant solution, developed by Bristol Myers Squibb at a cost of US$100 million . We are now on track to bring this solution to the thousands of hospitals and clinics in jurisdictions in which it has never been sold, including Japan , Brazil and Australia ."
Vivostat is a profitable company generating €3.8 million in revenue in 2023.
In addition, the Company is pleased to announce a non-brokered financing of up to 4,000,000 units at $0.25 (the " Offering Price ") for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000 (the " Private Placement) . Each unit (a " Unit ") will consist of one common share (a ' Share ") of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a " Warrant "). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one additional Share of the Company at $0.30 for a period of two (2) years from the date of closing. Proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for general working capital and corporate purposes.
In connection with the Private Placement, pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the " Exchange "), the deemed price of the 2.5 million common shares issuable by the Company as partial consideration for the acquisition of Vivostat shall be revised to the Offering Price.
The Private Placement is subject to approval of the Exchange and all securities of the Company issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four month hold period from the date of issuance. The Private Placement will not result in the creation of a new control person of the Company.
The securities offered have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " U.S. Securities Act "), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold absent registration or compliance with an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
The Lender holds 38.03% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares and as such the Loan constitutes a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Loan is exempt from the formal valuation requirements pursuant to Subsection 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 (Issuer Not Listed on Specified Markets) and is exempt from the minority shareholder approval requirements pursuant to Subsection 5.7(f) of MI 61-101 (Loan to Issuer, No Equity or Voting Component). The material change report in relation to the related party transactions will be filed less than 21 days before the completion of the proposed Loan as the Company wishes to complete the corresponding acquisition of Vivostat as soon as commercially feasible.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jerry Trent , Chief Executive Officer
Principal Technologies Inc.
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of the Company in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant.
Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits and approvals; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedarplus.ca . The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE Principal Technologies Inc.
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PRINCIPAL TECHNOLOGIES ANNOUNCES FUNDAMENTAL ACQUISITION OF VIVOSTAT A/S
/Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States /
- Binding Share Purchase Agreement to purchase 100% of Denmark -based Vivostat A/S (" Vivostat ").
- Vivostat has a unique system for on-site preparation and application of autologous concentrated fibrin and platelet enriched fibrin sealants for use in post-surgical procedures.
- Used in over 200,000 surgical procedures, Vivostat's system has peer-reviewed evidence of zero rejection and infection rates.
- Vivostat has been profitable for the last 3 years and currently generates revenues of approximately €3,600,000 per year with a 60% gross profit margin.
- Vivostat is currently only actively marketed in six European countries representing less than 10% of its total addressable market.
- Transaction is expected to close on or before March 15, 2024 , subject to receipt of applicable approvals, including of the TSX Venture Exchange (" TSX-V ") and satisfaction of conditions.
Principal Technologies Inc. (the " Company " or " Principal ") (TSXV: PTEC) (FSE: J07), is pleased to announce that as at February 6, 2024 it entered into an arm's length binding Share Purchase Agreement (" SPA ") to acquire (the " Acquisition ") 100% of the equity interests of Vivostat, a 23-year-old Danish company which uses a unique autologous fibrin sealant solution for post-surgical use.
The Company will pay approximately €7,500,000 in cash plus 2,500,000 common shares in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.15 , based on last closing price of the common shares on the TSX-V prior to this announcement, to the owners of Vivostat, as adjusted under the SPA. The Company has received an expression of interest from a major European fund with respect to financing the Acquisition and also expects to close a concurrent non-brokered equity offering to be priced in the context of the market after the announcement of the Acquisition (the " Offering ").
Vivostat currently generates approximately €3,600,000 in revenues per year with a 60% gross profit margin. With Principal's backing and global expertise, Vivostat intends to accelerate the sales and marketing efforts in the six European Union (" EU ") countries, which currently account for the majority of sales, and to grow sales in the numerous other EU countries where it is licensed.
Jerry Trent , CEO of Principal, said, "We are delighted to announce our first major acquisition. This purchase is the culmination of an extensive due diligence process on dozens of potential healthcare targets in Europe . We were seeking a profitable target that offered truly industry-leading, licensed products with untapped global appeal. Such a target should also serve as a solid base upon which to build a profitable, scalable medtech and healthcare portfolio with strong synergies between its component companies. Vivostat checked all our boxes. We are excited to ramp up sales far beyond the current market. It is gratifying to note that all of Vivostat's key employees will remain with the Company and become critical parts of the growth we forecast for the Company."
Sven Lange , CEO of Vivostat, added, "The acquisition by Principal now sets the stage for the global sales expansion of our industry-leading and patented product, subject to securing applicable foreign licenses."
The Company expects to pay a 1% finder's fee in relation to the acquisition of Vivostat, subject to approval of the TSX-V. The transactions contemplated by the SPA and Offering are subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of various conditions to closing, including the approval of the TSX-V. The Offering remains subject to entering into definitive documentation.
The Shares issued pursuant to SPA will be subject to a hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.
Trading of the Company's common shares on the TSX-V will remain halted pending receipt and review of acceptable documentation pursuant to Section 5.6 (d) of TSXV Policy 5.3 regarding a Fundamental Acquisition.
Vivostat A/S manufactures and distributes a unique system for on-site preparation and application of autologous concentrated fibrin and platelet enriched fibrin sealants. The technology was originally developed by Bristol Myers Squibb in the 1990's at an approximate cost of over €80 million.
These fibrin sealants are beneficial in surgery to assist in the healing process and preventing infection. Vivostat's products are currently distributed primarily in the EU with over 12,500 surgical applications in the past year alone and over 200,000 since inception. The patented Vivostat system is backed by extensive positive research from peer-reviewed journals demonstrating evidence of zero rejection or infection rates.
Principal Technologies Inc. is a Canadian-based healthcare acquisition company. The Company is engaged in building a portfolio of profitable healthcare technology companies with a focus on those with global distribution potential which have intellectual property capable of enhancing medical treatment quality, cost efficiency, optimization of the patient pathway, and implementation of point of care technologies.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
Jerry Trent , Chief Executive Officer
Principal Technologies Inc.
Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of the Company in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant.
Forward-looking information and statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements and accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Forward-looking statements included in this press release include the closing of the transactions contemplated by the SPA and the Offering on the terms and timing set out herein; receipt of additional licences; the funding for the cash portion of the purchase price of Vivostat; the receipt of all application regulatory approvals and satisfaction of conditions pursuant to the Offering and the SPA; realizing synergies between component companies and further acquisitions by Principal; and retention of Vivostat employees.
Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits and approvals; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedarplus.ca . The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required.
SOURCE Principal Technologies Inc.
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PRINCIPAL TECHNOLOGIES CLOSES THIRD AND FINAL TRANCHE OF OVERSUBSCRIBED PRIVATE PLACEMENT
/Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States /
Principal Technologies Inc. (the " Company ") (TSXV: PTEC ), is pleased to announce the closing of the third and final tranche (" Tranche 3 ") of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the " Offering "). The Company issued an additional 833,333 common shares (the " Shares ") at $0.15 per Share for gross proceeds of $124,999.95 bringing the total offering to 9,993,166 Shares for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,498,974.95 when combined with the two previous closings, subject to final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (" TSXV "). For more information on the Offering, see the Company's news releases dated October 6, 2023 November 21, 2023 and December 21, 2023 .
In connection with the closing of Tranche 3, finder's fees totaling $4,000 cash were paid and non-transferable share purchase warrants issued to purchase up to 26,667 Shares of the Company for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of issuance, expiring on January 18, 2026 .
'We are very pleased to complete this $1.5 million private placement' said the Company's CEO, Jerry Trent. 'It provides ample funds for us to be able to seek out and validate a significant healthcare technologies opportunity for the Company, which is our main focus for 2024'.
The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for working capital in order to secure a major asset and for general corporate purposes. All currency in this news release is denominated in Canadian dollars.
All securities issued pursuant to the Offering, and any Shares that may be issuable on exercise of any such securities, will be subject to a statutory hold period expiring four months and one day from the date of issuance of such securities.
This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America . The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " 1933 Act ") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.
Jerry Trent, Chief Executive Officer
Principal Technologies Inc.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. This information and statements address future activities, events, plans, developments and projections. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, constitute forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information and statements are frequently identified by words such as "may," "will," "should," "anticipate," "plan," "expect," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and similar terminology, and reflect assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management of the Company in light of its experience, current conditions, expectations of future developments and other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information and statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause the Company's actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information and statements and accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed thereon.
Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to vary include but are not limited to the availability of financing; fluctuations in commodity prices; changes to and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including environmental laws and obtaining requisite permits; political, economic and other risks; as well as other risks and uncertainties which are more fully described in our annual and quarterly Management's Discussion and Analysis and in other filings made by us with Canadian securities regulatory authorities and available at www.sedar.com . The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements except as may be required.
SOURCE Principal Technologies Inc.
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BMO Expands Canadian Depositary Receipt Lineup with 10 New Listings from Europe and Japan
BMO's CDRs offer enhanced portfolio diversification opportunities for Canadian investors enabling them to hold shares in international companies that trade on a Canadian exchange in Canadian dollars
Bank of Montreal (BMO) announced 10 new CDRs will begin trading on the Cboe Canada exchange today. The initial offering of these new CDRs has closed.
BMO's new CDRs will trade under the following tickers:
Company Name | CDR Ticker | Jurisdiction |
Novo Nordisk A/S | NOVE | Denmark |
SAP SE | SAPG | Germany |
ASML Holding NV | ASMH | Netherlands |
CIE Financiere Richemont AG | RCHM | Switzerland |
Novartis AG | NOVN | Switzerland |
Roche Holdings AG | ROCH | Switzerland |
UBS Group AG | UBS | Switzerland |
Mitsubishi Corp. | MTSU | Japan |
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group | MUFG | Japan |
Softbank Group Corp. | SFTB | Japan |
For more information on BMO's CDRs, please visit www.bmocdrs.com .
This material is for information purposes only. The information contained herein is not, and should not be construed as, investment, tax or legal advice to any party.
An investment in CDRs issued by BMO may not be suitable for all investors. Important information about these investment products is contained in the short form base shelf prospectus and prospectus supplement for each series of CDRs (together, the " Prospectus "). Purchasers are directed to www.sedarplus.ca or to www.bmogam.com to obtain copies of the Prospectus and related disclosure before purchasing CDRs of a particular series. The information contained herein is not a recommendation to purchase these investment products.
Each series of CDRs relates to a single class of equity securities (the " Underlying Shares ") of an issuer incorporated outside of Canada (the " Underlying Issuer "). For each series of CDRs, the Prospectus will provide additional information regarding such series, including information regarding the Underlying Issuer and Underlying Shares for such series. Neither BMO and its affiliates nor any other person involved in the distribution of CDRs accepts any responsibility for any disclosure provided by any Underlying Issuer (including information contained herein or in the Prospectus that has been extracted from any Underlying Issuer's publicly disseminated disclosure). Each series of CDRs is only offered to investors in Canada in accordance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
"BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)" is a registered trademark of Bank of Montreal , used under licence.
About BMO Financial Group
BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.41 trillion as of October 31, 2024. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States , and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life , BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society.
SOURCE BMO Financial Group
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What is In-Licensing?
When it comes to investing in pharmaceutical companies, looking at pipelines and research and development prospects is important. But in-licensing is also key when examining these stocks.
In fact, in-licensing deals might be the pharmaceutical industry’s preferred mode of business development these days — perhaps even more so than M&A activity. These agreements can prove to be very fruitful for companies and their share prices.
The in-licensing strategy is likewise attractive to investors, as in-licensing drugs expedites corporate development while also mitigating risk. So let’s clear up some common questions around the strategy. The article below runs through what it means to in-license a drug and how in-licensing differs from an acquisition. It also covers how royalties affect returns. It’s key for investors to be aware of these intricacies so that they can interpret a firm’s actions correctly and elect to buy or sell at the right time.
In this article
What is an in-licensing agreement?
In-licensing agreements are legal contracts in which the licensor grants the licensee the right to develop, commercialize and/or sell its pharmaceutical products. The two parties agree on a set of terms and conditions in regards to payment–which could include royalties or upfront fees–and responsibilities for future activities such as development, marketing or distribution.
For example, let’s take a look at AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN,LSE:AZN). In early 2023, the pharmaceutical company licensed CMG901, a Phase 1 clinical-stage antibody drug conjugate for treating Claudin 18.2-positive solid tumors — most commonly seen in gastric cancer — from KYM Biosciences, a China-based biotechnology firm.
Under the license agreement, AstraZeneca will be responsible for the global research and development (R&D), manufacturing and commercialization of the drug. “CMG901 strengthens our growing pipeline of antibody drug conjugates and supports our ambition to expand treatment options and transform outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal cancers,” said Puja Sapra, senior vice president of biologics engineering, oncology-targeted delivery and oncology R&D at AstraZeneca.
In this agreement, AstraZeneca is the in-licenser, meaning it is licensing a product from KYM; KYM, which is licensing its product to AstraZeneca, is the out-licenser. These deals are popular as they allow one company (in this case, AstraZeneca) to take on some of the financial, regulatory or technological burdens associated with developing the product of another company (in this case, KYM).
The idea is that both see advantages — KYM received a US$63 million upfront payment and will be eligible to receive up to US$1.1 billion on the drug achieving certain development and sales milestones.
Meanwhile, AstraZeneca benefits by further bolstering its portfolio of therapies for gastrointestinal cancers. As Medical Marketing and Media points out, this in-licensing deal is not AstraZeneca’s first for a Claudin 18.2-expressing cancer. In 2022, the pharma company signed an agreement for Harbour BioMed’s (HKEX:2142) HBM7022.
Another example of this strategy is Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) and the Medicines Patent Pool, a United Nations-backed public health organization, which inked a global licensing agreement for the distribution of a COVID-19 oral antiviral treatment candidate to expand access in low- and middle-income countries.
The Medicines Patent Pool also secured a similar licensing agreement with multinational pharmaceutical giant Merck (NYSE:MRK) for its investigational oral antiviral COVID-19 medicine molnupiravir.
In-licensing is becoming more and more commonplace, in part because of the influx of small biotech companies in the market. These early stage companies are a key source of promising product candidates, which large pharmaceutical companies then in-license certain rights to.
For example, there’s the deal between AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) and clinical-stage biotech company Cugene. In mid-2022, they inked an exclusive global licensing option agreement for CUG252, a potential treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Under the deal, AbbVie gets the option to an exclusive license to develop, manufacture and commercialize CUG252. In return, Cugene will receive an upfront payment of US$48.5 million and is eligible to receive development and regulatory milestones and a license option exercise payment. Cugene may also receive commercialization and sales-based milestones and tiered royalties.
In late 2024, Novartis (NYSE:NVS) subsidiary Novartis Pharma signed an exclusive worldwide license and collaboration agreement with clinical-stage pharma company Ratio Therapeutics. The pair will first perform preclinical activities aimed at researching and selecting an SSTR2-targeting development candidate. If successful, Novartis will take on the responsibility for the development, manufacturing and commercialization activities. For its part, Ratio will receive payments up to US$745 million, and is eligible to receive tiered royalty payments.
What are the benefits of in-licensing?
In-licensing is beneficial in several ways. For one, it's cost effective, since the financial burden of product development is shared. It’s also lower risk for the company buying in as it can make deals based on promising preclinical or clinical results.
Compare that to the traditional drug-discovery process, where a company embarks on a project, investing heavily in its development, all with little data to back up expectations.
In-licensing also holds significant appeal when compared to straight M&A because licenses allow drug companies to purchase the rights for experimental drugs without taking on another company’s baggage, including unwanted technologies.
All of that means in-licensing can hold major appeal for pharma companies and investors alike. But, as mentioned, it can also generate confusion — confusion that can lead to ill-informed decisions on the part of investors.
What are the risks of in-licensing?
The risks of in-licensing agreements are often loss of control over profits and added complexity to financial statements, which may turn off some investors. Just as pharmaceutical companies are always looking for the next blockbuster drug, investors are looking for the company that will develop it. For that reason, in-licensing agreements can be somewhat off-putting. Even if a drug proves wildly successful, its profits will need to be split between two pharmaceutical companies, and therefore two groups of shareholders.
Such was the case with Eliquis, an anticoagulant jointly developed by Pfizer and Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY). Discovery and clinical advancement were completed by the latter, which joined forces with Pfizer only when entering late-stage trials. This puzzled some investors — after all, the drug seemed like a potential blockbuster. It would be a novel entrant to the market and would benefit a wide number patients. Why split the profits with another company, and one coming late to the game?
As John LaMattina explained in a Forbes article, at the time of the deal there were still plenty of questions about the success of Eliquis. The anticoagulant drug market is competitive, and there was no guarantee that this drug would prove more effective than similar products also in development. What’s more, Phase 3 trials are costly, and Bristol-Myers Squibb was contending with a tight research and development budget.
It took a long time to roll out the drug, but today it’s a top earner, bringing in profits for both pharmaceutical companies.
In-licensing deals can also cause confusion by complicating financial statements.
“They are not typically recorded as an asset on the balance sheet,” Jeff Margolis, vice president of RespireRx Pharmaceuticals (OTC Pink:RSPI), previously explained in a conversation with the Investing News Network. “They are considered ‘in-process research and development,’ and the expenditures are considered expenses on the profit and loss statement, typically creating large losses.”
That means the uninitiated investor might misinterpret a company’s financial statement, since it does not “truly account for the value of the licenses.” As Margolis said, “the asset is intangible.”
In-licensing vs. out-licensing
The differences between in-licensing vs out-licensing lies in whether the pharma company is selling itself as a partner or selling its product to another company.
In an out-licensing agreement, the licensor grants the licensee the rights to sell its pharmaceutical product, typically in return for royalties, upfront fees or milestone payments. In this way the licensor can generate revenue and potentially enter new markets, while mitigating the risks of navigating the regulatory pathway and costs of marketing.
What is the future for in-licensing?
In the future, investors can probably bet on seeing more in-licensing deals hit the market. "We expect an increase in licensing deals as pharma companies look for more flexible deal-making," states professional services network EY. "This can already be observed, as roughly 45% of pipeline assets of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies originate from external innovation, leveraging licensing, collaborations and acquisitions."
As pharmaceutical manufacturers embrace in-licensing, they tend to reduce their massive research and development budgets. This can perturb investors used to the traditional pharma growth model: drug discovery leads to products, which leads to profits.
But remember that drug discovery can also lead to major losses. Pharma companies spend millions on development, yet only one in 10 product candidates ever make it to market. In-licensing can cut down those expenses and share the burden of risk.
In-licensing may not be traditional, but it could be a more sustainable method of pharmaceutical growth. As the major pharmaceutical companies embrace this model, investors must adjust their own mindset too. The old rules might not apply any longer, and it’s important to reconsider investment strategies in light of industry changes.
This is an updated version of an article originally published by the Investing News Network in 2016.
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Securities Disclosure: I Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: The Investing News Network does not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the information reported in the interviews it conducts. The opinions expressed in these interviews do not reflect the opinions of the Investing News Network and do not constitute investment advice. All readers are encouraged to perform their own due diligence.
Amgen, Merck and Pfizer Release Latest Quarterly Earnings, Share 2025 Plans
Earnings season is in full swing in the pharma sector with major players sharing their latest results.
On Tuesday (February 4), Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN), Merck (NYSE:MRK) and Pfizer (NYSE:PFE) released financial results for the most recent quarter, providing critical data points for evaluating investment potential.
Amgen reports strong Q4, will focus on trials in 2025
Amgen’s financial results for Q4 and the full 2024 year reveal quarterly revenue of over US$9 billion, beating analysts’ estimates of US$8.87 billion. Revenue for the year came in at US$33.42 billion, ahead of projections of US$33.19 billion, driven by an overall increase in the volume of demand for its products.
An 11 percent year-on-year increase in product sales was primarily by the pharmaceutical company's strong performance in oncology and immunology therapies, along with sales of Repatha, which treats high cholesterol, and Evenity, which treats osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Earning per share (EPS) also beat estimates of US$5.08, coming in at US$5.31.
Amgen performance, February 4, 2025.
Chart via Google Finance.
Looking ahead, Amgen’s revenue guidance for fiscal year 2025 was between US$34.3 billion and US$35.7 billion, in line with the average estimate of US$34.53 billion. Phase III trials of its weight management candidate MariTide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor modulator, are expected to begin in H1 2025.
While Amgen's shares have decreased by over ten percent year-on-year, they have increased by nearly 11 percent year-to-date. The stock closed with a marginal gain of 0.05 percent at US$289.01.
Merck beats on revenue, but Gardasil sales decline
Merck fell by nearly 11 percent ahead of the opening bell on Tuesday after its Q4 and full-year 2024 financial results showed adjusted sales revenue for its key vaccine, despite exceeding sales and profit expectations.
The company reported revenue of US$15.62 billion, beating analysts estimates of US$15.55 billion.
Earnings per share for the quarter were also ahead of expectations, US$1.72 compared to US$1.69; however, earnings per share were US$6.74 for the full year, compared to analysts' estimates of US$7.62.
Sales reached US$15.6 billion in Q4, an increase of 7 percent from the prior year.
Full-year sales also rose by 7 percent to US$64.2 billion, driven by sales of Keytruda, the company’s leading cancer therapy. Keytruda brought in US$29.5 billion, representing an annual growth of 18 percent.
The company also announced positive topline results from a Phase 3 trial evaluating a subcutaneous formulation of pembrolizumab used in combination with Keytruda in adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
However, sales of Gardasil and Gardasil 9, two HPV vaccines, declined by 3 percent to US$8.6 billion.
Merck performance, February 4, 2025.
Chart via Google Finance.
For its 2025 fiscal year, Merck expects full-year adjusted EPS to be between US$8.88 and US$9.03, and revenue to fall somewhere between US$64.1 billion and US$65.6 billion. Analysts had been projecting EPS of US$9.13 and revenue of US$67.07 billion. The company also withdrew its US$11 billion sales target for Gardasil by 2030.
“This sales range reflects a decision to temporarily pause shipments of GARDASIL/GARDASIL 9 into China beginning February 2025 through at least mid-year,” the company said in an accompanying statement. According to Biopharma Dive, CEO Rob Davis clarified in the firm's earnings call that the pause will “facilitate a more rapid reduction of inventory and help support the financial position” of its Chinese distribution partner, Zhifei Biological Products.
“China still represents a significant long-term opportunity for Gardasil given the large number of females, and now males with our recent approval, that are not yet immunized,” Davis said.
Pfizer discusses Seagen acquisition impact and 2025 outlook
Pfizer’s Q4 and 2024 financial results show revenue at US$17.8 billion, an increase of 22 percent compared to the previous year and exceeding expectations of US$14.31 billion. Revenue, excluding COVID-19-related therapies, was largely driven by Seagan’s portfolio of cancer therapies following its acquisition in December 2023.
However, full-year revenue fell slightly short at US$63 billion, compared to projections of US$63.6 billion. EPS was also below analysts' estimates of US$0.71, coming in at US$0.63.
Its share price fell by 4.3 percent in early trading and ended the day down 1.26 percent.
Pfizer performance, February 4, 2025.
Chart via Google Finance.
Looking ahead, Pfizer will continue to focus on growing its pipeline of cancer drugs in 2025, with three potential therapies awaiting regulatory approval in 2025. The company will also initiate clinical trials for therapies related to inflammation, immunology, and internal medicine. For its 2025 fiscal year, Pfizer is projecting revenue of between US$61 billion and US$64 billion, aligning with the average estimate of US$63.22 billion.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Johnson & Johnson to Expand Neuroscience Portfolio with US$14.6 Billion Acquisition
Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) (NYSE:JNJ) has announced plans to acquire Intra-Cellular Therapies (NASDAQ:ITCI) in a US$14.6 billion deal, marking the largest acquisition for the sector in over two years.
The purchase, which is expected to close later this year pending regulatory and shareholder approvals, will give J&J access to Intra-Cellular's portfolio of treatments for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
This includes Caplyta (lumateperone), an oral therapy for schizophrenia and bipolar depression that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Net product sales for Caplyta came in at US$175.2 million in the Q3 2024, a 39 percent increase year-on-year, with Intra-Cellular raising its annual guidance to US$665 million to US$685 million.
The move will strengthen J&J’s focus on treatments for brain disorders, aligning with its long-term strategy of enhancing its pharmaceutical business following the 2023 spinoff of its consumer health division.
J&J has agreed to pay US$132 per share in cash for Intra-Cellular, representing a 39 percent premium over the company's closing share price before the announcement. Intra-Cellular rose by 34 percent in response to the news on Monday (January 13), while shares of J&J experienced a modest 1.5 percent gain that day.
Joaquin Duato, J&J's CEO, emphasized to shareholders that the deal will enhance the company’s ability to deliver transformative treatments for neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.
“Building on our nearly 70-year legacy in neuroscience, this unique opportunity to add Intra-Cellular Therapies to our Innovative Medicine business demonstrates our commitment to transforming care and advancing research in some of today’s most devastating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders,” he said a press release.
Caplyta stands out for its safety and efficacy profile, with ongoing Phase 3 trials exploring its potential in major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar mania. If approved for MDD, Caplyta could become a standard of care, filling a gap in treatment options for one of the most prevalent mental health conditions globally.
In addition to Caplyta, J&J will gain access to Intra-Cellular's pipeline, which includes ITI-1284, a Phase 2 drug candidate targeting generalized anxiety disorder and Alzheimer’s-related psychosis.
J&J is scheduled to provide further financial details during its Q4 earnings call on January 22.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Pharma Market Forecast: Top Trends for Pharma in 2025
The pharmaceutical industry is poised for a dynamic year in 2025. A confluence of positive trends suggests a brighter outlook ahead after declining earnings in recent years.
According to ZS consultant Cody Powers, lower interest rates could increase investment in biopharma, boosting research and development (R&D) into promising new indications, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and clinical trials.
Industry executives polled for Deloitte’s 2025 life science outlook anticipate revenue growth and margin expansion, leading to increased investment in key therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunology, neurology and, of course, treatments for obesity and diabetes. This renewed focus on innovation, coupled with a changing regulatory environment, is expected to drive interest in the sector that could reshape the competitive landscape.
Key therapeutic areas in 2025
GLP-1s
PurpleLab data cited by Axios shows a roughly 10 percent increase in sales for GLP-1s in 2024, with continued growth predicted for 2025 due to sustained demand, according to Evaluate’s 2025 Pharma Preview.
GLP-1s are a type of medication that can help manage Type 2 diabetes and obesity. After exceeding US$1 billion in 2024, sales projections for 2025 are strong for industry leaders Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY), with Novo aiming to capture more than a third of the global market share of diabetes care in 2025.
To keep up with demand, both companies are addressing previous production constraints by expanding their manufacturing capacity. Novo acquired contract manufacturer Catalent in a US$16.5 billion deal, finalizing the sale in December 2024 and securing itself a position as a key player in the supply chain.
Meanwhile, Eli Lilly is bolstering its internal manufacturing with a new US$4.5 billion manufacturing and R&D center in Indiana, slated to open in late 2027. Eli Lilly is also expanding its existing facility in Wisconsin, and has reportedly partnered with CDMOs National Resilience and BSP Pharmaceuticals to meet immediate needs.
Both companies are also making strategic moves to maintain their market dominance amid the entry of biosimilars from corporations like Teva Pharmaceutical Inudstries (NYSE:TEVA) and pharma companies in China.
Eli Lilly’s partnership with digital health company Ro expands patient access to its medications via telehealth, while its lower-priced, single-dose vials of Zepbound lower cost barriers for the self-pay market. The company is also actively testing tirzepatide for indications against MASH and chronic kidney disease, and its oral GLP-1 agonist orforglipron is in Phase III trials for obstructive sleep apnea in addition to obesity and type II diabetes.
For its part, Novo Nordisk is exploring new indications for semaglutide, including MASH, and as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease.
Oncology
According to Evaluate analysts, the field of oncology continues to be another evolving area within the pharmaceutical industry. While traditional cancer treatments remain relevant, there has been a notable shift in R&D focus towards more targeted approaches. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) have emerged as a promising avenue in oncology research in recent years, and have shown potential in improving treatment outcomes for various types of cancer.
Clinical trials examining the efficacy of Merck’s (NYSE:MRK) Keytruda, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, with various ADCs showed promising results compared to standard chemo treatments. An ongoing trial, DESTINY-Breast09, is investigating the combination of AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) and Daiichi Sankyo’s (OTC Pink:DSKYF) Enhertu and Keytruda in HER2-positive breast cancer, with primary completion data likely due in Q3 2025.
These trials could unlock new treatment options and expand the market for these already successful ADCs.
Similarly, bispecific antibodies have garnered significant attention in the oncology space, demonstrating efficacy in hematologic malignancies. A trial directly comparing Keytruda to Ivonescimab, a bispecific antibody under development by Chinese pharma company Akeso Biopharma (OTC Pink:AKESF) and licensed by Summit Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SMMT), shows that ivonescimab had a better overall survival rate than Keytruda.
Further testing is required, but the suggested outcome could impact the future development and potential commercial success of ivonescimab and the bispecific antibody mechanism overall.
Another area of renewed interest in recent months is bispecific antibodies targeting the TIGIT immune checkpoint.
While Roche (OTCQX:RHHBF) and its subsidiary Genentech’s tiragolumab faced a setback in a Phase III trial, Gilead Sciences (NASDAQ:GILD) and Arcus Biosciences (NYSE:RCUS) have seen promising results with their anti-TIGIT drug domvanalimab. In a Phase I trial, domvanalimab plus anti-PD-1 antibody zimberelimab led to a 36 percent reduction in risk of death for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer compared to patients who took zimberelimab alone.
“These are the first results demonstrating an improvement in overall survival reported for domvanalimab and zimberelimab,” said Dimitry Nuyten, chief medical officer for Arcus, when he shared the results at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer's annual meeting in November 2024.
“They add to the growing body of evidence that domvanalimab … may have a differentiated efficacy, safety and tolerability profile relative to published data from studies with Fc-enabled anti-TIGIT antibodies," he added.
Immunology
While immunology remains a key area of pharmaceutical investment following the success of interleukin inhibitors Dupixent, which was jointly developed and commercialized by Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) and Regeneron (NASDAQ:REGN), and Skyrizi, developed and marketed by AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV), the sector is also experiencing shifts.
On January 13, amid declining demand for COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines, Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA), one of the most prominent names in immunology, cut its sales forecast for 2025.
The company told investors that it expects 2025 revenue of between US$1.5 billion and US$2.5 billion, down from its previous projection of between US$2.5 billion and US$3.5 billion.
Pharma regulation to shape investment decisions in 2025
Changes in the pharma industry’s heavily regulated environment could impact how companies make investment decisions in 2025. While Big Pharma may be hopeful that President-elect Donald Trump will ease drug price negotiation rules, he has been relatively quiet about repealing that aspect of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). His stance on the Affordable Care Act is unclear, but he has been vocal about his intentions to trim federal funding for various programs.
The Affordable Care Act currently provides health insurance coverage to over 45 million Americans. Changes to coverage could have ripple effects throughout the healthcare sector in the US, including the pharmaceutical industry, as reduced coverage could lead to decreased demand for certain medications.
If IRA provisions remain in place or are strengthened, they could put downward pressure on drug prices, potentially impacting company revenues and investor returns. Conversely, if these provisions are weakened or repealed, it could provide a boost to the industry. Investors will need to closely observe political developments in 2025.
Trump's unconventional nominees for key health and regulatory positions add another layer of complexity.
- When he named celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz as his choice for administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Trump said Dr. Oz would “cut waste and fraud within our country’s most expensive government agency,” prompting analysts to speculate that he may alter rules on who qualifies for Medicaid and Medicare by instituting work requirements to receive these services.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services could impact pharma companies developing vaccines — while he has expressed skepticism about vaccines, he has also clarified that he supports rigorous research into vaccine safety rather than eliminating them entirely.
- The nomination of Dr. Marty Makary as US Food and Drug Administration commissioner has been met with optimism from some analysts who anticipate a potentially more streamlined drug approval process. This could be a positive sign for investors, as faster approvals mean quicker market entry for new drugs.
Investor takeaway
The pharmaceutical industry is expected to be characterized by innovation, growth and transformation in 2025.
While challenges remain, the industry's focus on R&D, coupled with advances in technology and a commitment to patient care, is expected to drive progress and deliver significant benefits to patients worldwide.
Don’t forget to follow @INN_LifeScience for real-time updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Editorial Disclosure: Sona Nanotech is a client of the Investing News Network. This article is not paid-for content.
Top 5 Small-cap Pharma Stocks (Updated January 2025)
Today's pharmaceutical market is facing the challenges of inflation, government-imposed drug price caps and waning demand for COVID-19 vaccines. However, the industry's major underlying drivers — higher rates of cancer and chronic disease — are still at play and not expected to dissipate.
The US reigns supreme in the pharma market, both in terms of drug demand and development. In 2024, 50 novel medicines were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), compared to 55 such approvals in 2023. Last year's FDA approvals include Eli Lilly and Company's (NYSE:LLY) Alzheimer's disease treatment Kisunla.
Big pharma largely stole the show in 2024, but some small- and mid-cap NASDAQ pharma stocks also made gains.
Below the Investing News Network profiles the top five small-cap pharma stocks on the NASDAQ by year-on-year share price performance. Data was compiled on January 13, 2025, using TradingView’s stock screener, and all companies listed had market caps between US$50 million and US$500 million at that time.
Read on to learn more about their activities this past year.
1. Chimerix (NASDAQ:CMRX)
Year-on-year gain: 239.49 percent
Market cap: US$297.69 million
Share price: US$3.31
Chimerix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing medicines to improve the quality of life for patients facing deadly diseases. Its most advanced drug development program is ONC201 (dordaviprone), which is in development for recurrent H3 K27M-mutant glioma, a lethal form of brain cancer.
After trading mostly sideways for much of the past year, shares of Chimerix received a big boost late in the fourth quarter of 2024 as the company reached important milestones in its drug development program. The stock jumped more than 217 percent on December 10 to hit US$2.76; the move came one day after Chimerix announced it would submit a new drug application for accelerated approval of dordaviprone to the FDA before the end of the year.
Shares continued to gain momentum in the following weeks, pushing past US$3 by December 23. The day after a December 30 release confirming it had completed the submission process, Chimerix reached US$3.48.
“With this submission, we now turn our attention to preparing for potential commercial launch in the U.S. next year,” stated CEO Mike Andriole. Chimerix shares hit a yearly high of US$3.66 on January 7, 2025.
2. Eton Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ETON)
Year-on-year gain: 195.98 percent
Market cap: US$372.89 million
Share price: US$14
Eton Pharmaceuticals is developing and commercializing treatments for ultra-rare diseases.
Its commercial portfolio of rare disease products includes Alkindi Sprinkle, Increlex, PKU Golike and multiple FDA-approved generic bioequivalents. The company also has several product candidates in late-stage development: hydrocortisone oral solution ET-400, ET-600 for diabetes insipidus and the ZENEO hydrocortisone autoinjector.
Eton’s share price performed exceptionally well in the second half of 2024 and into the first few weeks of 2025 on the back of robust quarterly financials, acquisitions and key company milestones.
The stock made steady gains following the release of the company’s Q2 2024 report in early August.
The quarter brought royalty revenue of US$9.1 million and a 40 percent increase in product sales over Q2 2023, representing “the 14th straight quarter of sequential product sales growth.”
Shares of Eton climbed by more than 65 percent to reach US$6 by the end of Q3.
In early October, the company announced plans to acquire Increlex, a medication used in the treatment of pediatric patients with severe IGF-1 deficiency, from French biopharma company Ispen (EPA:IPN).
By the end of the month, Eton’s share price had reached a value of US$8.62.
November was a busy month for positive newsflow out of Eton. The company was awarded a second patent for its liquid formulation of hydrocortisone on November 7. A few days later, its Q3 2024 report highlighted another consecutive quarter of growth in product sales, up 40 percent year-on-year. Eton closed out the month with the acquisition of the US rights to Amglidia for the treatment of neonatal diabetes mellitus from French biotech firm AMMTeK.
By the end of November, Eton’s share price had surged to US$13.53. The stock reached its highest yearly value of US$14.31 on January 2, 2025. The next day, Eton announced the acquisition of Galzin, an FDA-approved treatment for patients with Wilson disease, which it plans to begin commercializing in the US early this year.
3. Corvus Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:CRVS)
Year-on-year gain: 139.63 percent
Market cap: US$334.14 million
Share price: US$5.20
Corvus Pharmaceuticals is a clinical-stage biopharma company developing an immunotherapy platform based on ITK inhibition for the treatment of various cancer and immune diseases. The company’s lead product candidate is soquelitinib, an investigational small molecule drug that selectively inhibits ITK and is delivered orally.
Corvus is another NASDAQ pharma stock that saw significant gains in the last half of 2024.
Its share price got its first major boost in early August, when the FDA granted fast-track designation to soquelitinib "for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T cell lymphoma after at least two lines of systemic therapy." By the end of the month, shares of Corvus had grown by nearly 50 percent to hit US$4.48.
Corvus’ stock value received another bump to the upside following the September 10 announcement it had initiated registration in its Phase 3 clinical trial of soquelitinib for the aforementioned indication. Shares of the company reached what was then their highest point of US$5.91 on September 20, and continued to gain value throughout the following weeks to hit a yearly high of US$9.56 on November 11.
4. ATyr Pharma (NASDAQ:ATYR)
Year-on-year gain: 110.9 percent
Market cap: US$276.17 million
Share price: US$3.29
ATyr Pharma is using its proprietary tRNA synthetase platform, which includes a library of domains derived from all 20 tRNA synthetases, to develop new therapies for fibrosis and inflammation. The company’s lead therapeutic candidate is efzofitimod, a first-in-class biologic immunomodulator targeting interstitial lung disease.
The fourth quarter of 2024 was very good for aTyr, and it has continued to perform well into January 2025.
In early October, aTyr announced the publication of an analysis on a Phase 1b/2a clinical trial of efzofitimod in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis, a major form of interstitial lung disease, in the European Respiratory Journal.
aTyr climbed more than 92 percent through the month to come in at US$3.35 on October 22.
On December 10, the company shared a third positive safety review of its ongoing Phase 3 EFZO-FIT study of efzofitimod in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. Shares of the company hit their highest yearly value of US$3.98 on January 3.
5. Inhibikase Therapeutics (NASDAQ:IKT)
Year-on-year gain: 90 percent
Market cap: US$178.73 million
Share price: US$2.66
Inhibikase Therapeutics is developing protein kinase inhibitor therapeutics for modifying the course of cardiopulmonary and neurodegenerative disease through Abl kinase inhibition. The company's two leading drug candidates are IkT-001Pro, which is a prodrug of imatinib mesylate, for pulmonary arterial hypertension with fewer on-dosing side effects; and risvodetinib, a selective c-Abl inhibitor to treat Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s-related disease.
In late October, Inhibikase closed on an approximately US$110 million private placement, which with the full cash exercise of accompanying warrants could lead to a potential aggregate financing of up to approximately US$275 million before deducting fees and expenses. The company intends to use the funds in part for a Phase 2b 702 trial for IkT-001Pro in pulmonary arterial hypertension. Shares of Inhibikase reached a yearly high of US$3.97 on December 17.
Don’t forget to follow us @INN_LifeScience for real-time news updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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