Health Archives - Channelchek

Biotech IPOs Raise $700 Million, Led by MBX Biosciences, Bicara Therapeutics, and Zenas BioPharma

Posted on September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com

Key Points:
– MBX Biosciences raised $163.2 million, focusing on metabolic and endocrine disorders.
– Bicara Therapeutics and Zenas BioPharma raised $315M and $225M, respectively.
– These IPOs reflect renewed investor interest in biotech amid a sluggish broader market.

In a significant boost to the biotech IPO market, three emerging biotech companies—MBX Biosciences, Bicara Therapeutics, and Zenas BioPharma—collectively raised over $700 million through initial public offerings (IPOs). This surge in biotech IPOs, after a quiet summer, underscores the sector’s ability to attract investor attention despite broader market challenges.

MBX Biosciences successfully raised $163.2 million by pricing 10.2 million shares at $16 each, the high end of its expected range. MBX is developing peptide-based therapies for treating metabolic and endocrine disorders, including its lead candidate, MBX 2109, which targets chronic hypoparathyroidism. The company is also developing a preclinical therapy, MBX 4291, aimed at treating obesity by mimicking the effects of gut hormones GLP-1 and GIP. These advances in weight-loss therapies have garnered significant investor interest, especially as obesity treatments like Eli Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy continue to show potential for reducing risks such as stroke and heart attacks.

Another notable IPO, Bicara Therapeutics, raised $315 million, positioning itself as the third-largest biotech IPO of the year. Bicara is focused on developing bifunctional antibody drugs for treating cancers, including head and neck cancers. With plans to launch a late-stage trial alongside Merck’s Keytruda, Bicara is well-positioned to explore treatments for other solid tumors as well.

Zenas BioPharma raised $225 million through its IPO and is gaining traction in the immunology space. Zenas is developing a dual-targeting antibody currently in Phase 3 testing for treating IgG4-related diseases and anemia. With potential applications for multiple sclerosis and lupus, the company is riding a wave of enthusiasm for immune therapies, contributing to its successful public offering.

These IPOs reflect a growing interest in later-stage biotech companies, with all three firms advancing drugs already in human testing. The renewed confidence in the sector could also signal more biotech IPOs on the horizon, particularly as companies look to capitalize on robust investor demand for novel therapies in metabolic diseases, cancer, and immunology.

In a market that has been challenging for biotech firms, these successful IPOs highlight the resilience of companies with strong pipelines and innovative approaches to medical treatment. With MBX Biosciences set to trade under the symbol “MBX” on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, investors are closely watching the sector, hopeful that this uptick in activity is a sign of better things to come for biotech in 2025.

Take a moment to take a look at Noble Capital Markets Senior Research Analyst Robert LeBoyer’s coverage list of emerging growth biotechnology companies.

MustGrow Biologics Corp. (MGROF) – Onto the East Coast

Posted on September 12, 2024September 12, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Another Approval. Following the approval from the state of Arizona late last month, MustGrow announced receipt from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) for the registration approval of its TerraSante product. Florida now becomes the sixth state to approve the Company’s product alongside Arizona, Idaho, California, Oregon, and Washington.

Florida Market. The state consists of around 47,300 farms which utilized 9.7 million acres, 5,000 farms of which had sales exceeding $100,000 according to the FDACS. Florida ranked first in 2022 in value of the production of bell peppers, Valencia oranges, grapefruit, sugarcane, fresh market tomatoes, and watermelons. The average farm size in the state is around 205 acres. The state adds plenty of opportunity to MustGrow’s expanding pipeline and we expect more states to be added in the future.

Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.

MAIA Biotechnology (MAIA) – New THIO Data Shows Improved Survival and Meets Trial Goals

Posted on September 12, 2024September 12, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, September 12, 2024

MAIA is a targeted therapy, immuno-oncology company focused on the development and commercialization of potential first-in-class drugs with novel mechanisms of action that are intended to meaningfully improve and extend the lives of people with cancer. Our lead program is THIO, a potential first-in-class cancer telomere targeting agent in clinical development for the treatment of NSCLC patients with telomerase-positive cancer cells. For more information, please visit www.maiabiotech.com.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

New Data Announced For Additional Patients. MAIA announced new interim data from its Phase 2 THIO-101 open-label trial testing the combination of THIO and Libtayo in non-small cell lung cancer. The new data shows that as of August 1, 2024, 16 patients had passed the 12-month survival point with reported median survival of 10.2 months. This greatly exceeds published data for comparable patients with survival of 5.8 months.

THIO-101 Treated Third-Line Patients With Advanced Disease. Patients in the trial had advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and were treated with the combination of THIO and cemiplimab (Libtayo, an anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor from Regeneron) after failing 2 or more standard-of-care therapy regimens. Patients received 3-week cycles of THIO 60 mg administered on days 1, 2 and 3 (180 mg total), rest on day 4, and cemiplimab 350mg administered on day 5. Patients on treatment for 12-months have received up to 21 cycles.

Get the Full Report

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

Release – Zomedica Secures CE Mark for TRUVIEWTM Digital Microscope & Telepathology System, Expanding Global Market Opportunities

Posted on September 5, 2024September 5, 2024 by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on ZOM

CE Mark approval opens European market for TRUVIEW system

ANN ARBOR, MI / ACCESSWIRE / September 5, 2024 / Zomedica Corp. (NYSE American:ZOM) (“Zomedica” or the “Company”), a veterinary health company offering point-of-care diagnostics and therapeutic products for equine and companion animals, today announced it has secured the CE Mark for its revolutionary TRUVIEW™ digital microscopy and telepathology platform. The CE Mark certification affirms the system’s compliance with the stringent health, safety, and environmental standards required by the European Union, enabling Zomedica to commercialize the TRUVIEW microscope across the European Economic Area (EEA).

The TRUVIEW platform integrates advanced diagnostic features, including LiquiView™ liquid lens technology for superior imaging and the proprietary TRUprep™ automated slide preparation system. This all-in-one solution empowers veterinary professionals with advanced capabilities that enhance both diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.

“The TRUVIEW microscope represents the latest leap in veterinary diagnostic technology,” commented Bill Campbell, VP of Imaging at Zomedica. “By automating slide preparation and offering telepathology services, we are revolutionizing how veterinarians approach diagnostics, delivering unparalleled precision and operational efficiency.”

Microscopic examination is a cornerstone of veterinary care, and the TRUVIEW system optimizes workflow by providing consistently high-quality slide preparation while saving valuable technician time. Additionally, the platform’s telepathology feature enables real-time remote consultation, fostering collaboration among veterinary professionals and enhancing diagnostic confidence.

“Securing the CE Mark is a significant milestone for Zomedica,” stated Larry Heaton, CEO of Zomedica. “Our TRUVIEW microscope’s cutting-edge optics, automated slide preparation, and telepathology services set a new standard for veterinary diagnostics in Europe and throughout the world. We are excited to bring this transformative technology to veterinary practices across the EEA.”

To learn more about the TRUVIEW digital microscope and its transformative capabilities, visit Zomedica’s website at www.zomedica.com/truview.

About Zomedica

Zomedica is a leading equine and companion animal healthcare company dedicated to improving animal health by providing veterinarians innovative therapeutic and diagnostic solutions. Our gold standard PulseVet^® shock wave system, which accelerates healing in musculoskeletal conditions, has transformed veterinary therapeutics. Our suite of products also includes the Assisi^® Loop line of therapeutic devices and the TRUFORMA^® diagnostic platform, the TRUVIEW™ digital cytology system, and the VetGuardian® no-touch monitoring system, all designed to empower veterinarians to provide top-tier care. In the aggregate, their total addressable market in the U.S. exceeds $2 billion. Headquartered in Michigan, Zomedica employs approximately 150 people and manufactures and distributes its products from its world-class facilities in Georgia and Minnesota. An NYSE American company, Zomedica grew revenue 33% in 2023 to $25 million and maintains a strong balance sheet with approximately $83 million in liquidity as of June 30, 2024. Zomedica is advancing its product offerings, leveraging strategic acquisitions, and expanding internationally as we work to enhance the quality of care for pets, increase pet parent satisfaction, and improve the workflow, cash flow and profitability of veterinary practices. For more information visit www.zomedica.com.

Follow Zomedica

Email Alerts: http://investors.zomedica.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zomedica
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/zomedica
X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/zomedica
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zomedica_inc

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain “forward-looking information” or “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may” or “will” occur and include statements relating to our expectations regarding future results. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance, or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, including assumptions with respect to economic growth, demand for the Company’s products, the Company’s ability to produce and sell its products, sufficiency of our budgeted capital and operating expenditures, the satisfaction by our strategic partners of their obligations under our commercial agreements, our ability to realize upon our business plans and cost control efforts and the impact of COVID-19 on our business, results and financial condition.

Our forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: the outcome of clinical studies, the application of generally accepted accounting principles, which are highly complex and involve many subjective assumptions, estimates, and judgments, uncertainty as to whether our strategies and business plans will yield the expected benefits; uncertainty as to the timing and results of development work and verification and validation studies; uncertainty as to the timing and results of commercialization efforts, as well as the cost of commercialization efforts, including the cost to develop an internal sales force and manage our growth; uncertainty as to our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions; uncertainty as to our ability to supply products in response to customer demand; uncertainty as to the likelihood and timing of any required regulatory approvals, and the availability and cost of capital; the ability to identify and develop and achieve commercial success for new products and technologies; veterinary acceptance of our products; competition from related products; the level of expenditures necessary to maintain and improve the quality of products and services; changes in technology and changes in laws and regulations; our ability to secure and maintain strategic relationships; performance by our strategic partners of their obligations under our commercial agreements, including product manufacturing obligations; risks pertaining to permits and licensing, intellectual property infringement risks, risks relating to any required clinical trials and regulatory approvals, risks relating to the safety and efficacy of our products, the use of our products, intellectual property protection, risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact upon our business operations generally, including our ability to develop and commercialize our products, and the other risk factors disclosed in our filings with the SEC and under our profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Investor Relations Contact:

Zomedica Investor Relations
investors@zomedica.com
1-734-369-2555

SOURCE: Zomedica Corp.

Unicycive Therapeutics (UNCY) – NDA Submission Keeps OLC Approval On Expected Timeline

Posted on September 4, 2024September 4, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, September 04, 2024

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Unicycive Announced Submission Of The OLC Application For Approval. Unicycive has announced that its New Drug Application (NDA) for its phosphate binder OLC (oxylanthanum carbonate) has been submitted to the FDA. This is consistent with our expectations after data from the last clinical study showing efficacy in treating high phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on dialysis. We continue to anticipate product approval in 2Q25.

We Believe Dosing and Efficacy Could Make OLC The Leading Phosphate Binding Drug. OLC was developed with proprietary nanoparticle technology to reduce the daily number of pills to just one three times a day for a full dose. This gives an advantage over other phosphate binders, which require 9 to 12 pills each day. Its formulation is based on lanthanum, the active entity in the approved drug Fosrenol. We expect this to be a strong advantage for OLC.

Get the Full Report

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

MustGrow Biologics Corp. (MGROF) – Gearing Up for Sales

Posted on September 3, 2024September 3, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Tuesday, September 03, 2024

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

2Q Results. MustGrow had no revenue during the quarter. We estimated revenue of CAD$1,000. Net loss was CAD$960,209, or a loss of $0.02/sh, compared to a loss of CAD$1.2 million last year, or a loss of $0.02/sh. We estimated a net loss of $1.1 million, or a loss of $0.02/sh.

But Revenue Underway. Revenue for MustGrow’s TerraSante product is now coming in. We believe this initial revenue recognition to be an important milestone for the Company, with the product now in farmers’ hands. Management noted that sales are performing as expected, with farmers having small-scale testing of TerraSante to understand the product.

Get the Full Report

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

MustGrow Biologics Corp. (MGROF) – Another State Added

Posted on August 23, 2024August 23, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, August 23, 2024

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

A New State. On the heels of Idaho’s approval of TerraSante earlier in the month, MustGrow announced receipt from the Arizona Department of Agriculture for the registration approval of its TerraSante product. The approval will give MustGrow the ability to commence sales within the state. Arizona now joins a list that includes four other states in the aforementioned Idaho, Oregon, California, and Washington State.

Synergy with California. Arizona’s approval is key with the Company’s commercialization strategy with BioAg Product Strategies. In the winter months, agriculture companies in California use the winter climate in Arizona for its winter farming production. We believe that the Company can ‘double-dip’ in potential sales to farming companies looking to use MustGrow’s products for both California and Arizona, providing increased revenue.

Get the Full Report

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

GeoVax Labs (GOVX) – Raising Price Target To $10 Based On Program Progress

Posted on August 19, 2024August 19, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Monday, August 19, 2024

GeoVax Labs, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing novel therapies and vaccines for solid tumor cancers and many of the world’s most threatening infectious diseases. The company’s lead program in oncology is a novel oncolytic solid tumor gene-directed therapy, Gedeptin®, presently in a multicenter Phase 1/2 clinical trial for advanced head and neck cancers. GeoVax’s lead infectious disease candidate is GEO-CM04S1, a next-generation COVID-19 vaccine targeting high-risk immunocompromised patient populations. Currently in three Phase 2 clinical trials, GEO-CM04S1 is being evaluated as a primary vaccine for immunocompromised patients such as those suffering from hematologic cancers and other patient populations for whom the current authorized COVID-19 vaccines are insufficient, and as a booster vaccine in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In addition, GEO-CM04S1 is in a Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating the vaccine as a more robust, durable COVID-19 booster among healthy patients who previously received the mRNA vaccines. GeoVax has a leadership team who have driven significant value creation across multiple life science companies over the past several decades.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

GeoVax Has Made Substantial Clinical and Manufacturing Process. We are raising our Price Target on GEOX to $10 based on the recent progress that has driven the stock through our previous $6 target. The company recently announced a DARPA grant for CM04S1 and its Phase 2 plans for Gedeptin in HNSCC. Last week, Mpox news highlighted recent advances in GeoVax’s manufacturing platform and its MVA-based vaccine for smallpox and Mpox.

Mpox News Draws Attention To GeoVax’s MVA Manufacturing Platform. On August 14, WHO declared Mpox to be a “public health emergency of international concern”, or PHEIC, due to a new type of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) spreading in West Africa. The new type is more infectious and more fatal than the type seen 2022. The previous virus spread through sexual contact (bodily fluids), while the current strain has also spread to health care workers through contact with patients’ clothing and bedding.

Get the Full Report

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

Traws Pharma (TRAW) – Traws Reports 2Q24 and Gives Post-Acquisition Update

Posted on August 16, 2024August 16, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Friday, August 16, 2024

Onconova Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing novel products for patients with cancer. The Company has proprietary targeted anti-cancer agents designed to disrupt specific cellular pathways that are important for cancer cell proliferation. Onconova’s novel, proprietary multi-kinase inhibitor narazaciclib (formerly ON 123300) is being evaluated in a combination trial with estrogen blockade in advanced endometrial cancer. Based on preclinical and clinical studies of CDK 4/6 inhibitors, Onconova is also evaluating opportunities for combination studies with narazaciclib in additional indications. Onconova’s product candidate rigosertib is being studied in multiple investigator-sponsored studies. These studies include a dose-escalation and expansion Phase 1/2a study of oral rigosertib in combination with nivolumab in patients with KRAS+ non-small cell lung cancer, a Phase 2 program evaluating rigosertib monotherapy in advanced squamous cell carcinoma complicating recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB-associated SCC), and a Phase 2 trial evaluating rigosertib in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with metastatic melanoma.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Operations Were Integrated During The Second Quarter. Traws Reported a 2Q24 loss of $123.1 million or $(4.87) per share, including a $117.5 million charge for in-process research and development related to the acquisition of Transfynydd. Excluding the charge, net loss would have been around $5.7 million or about $(0.22) per share. The company ended the quarter with $16.4 million in cash, which we expect to fund operations and clinical milestone announcements through the end of 2024.

Influenza Program Is In Phase 1.TRX100 (tivoxavir marboxil) is a cap-dependent endonuclease inhibitor for influenza. Inhibition of this enzyme in the influenza virus inhibits viral replication of both influenza A and B strains. Early dosing studies have shown safety and tolerability, with data to support a single oral dose for therapeutic or prophylactic use. A Phase 1 dose single-dose escalation study is currently in progress.

Get the Full Report

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

Unicycive Therapeutics (UNCY) – 2Q24 Reported With Guidance For NDA Submission By End Of August

Posted on August 15, 2024August 15, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

OLC Data and NDA Dominated 2Q24. Unicycive reported 2Q24 income of $3.0 million or $0.08 per share and a loss of $(0.15) on a fully diluted basis. Loss from operations for 2Q24 was $7.4 million, with a gain of $16.8 million from the change in fair value of warrant conversion. This offsets a charge of $11.8 million in 1Q24, bringing the six-month total for fair value of warrant conversion to $5.0 million. Cash on June 30 was $41.8 million, which we expect to fund operations into 2H25.

Pivotal Study Met Its Endpoints and Showed Patients Reaching Target Levels. As discussed in our Research Note on June 26, Unicycive reported results from its OLC pivotal study met its tolerability and safety endpoints with data that compares favorably with Fosrenol (lanthanum carbonate). Over 90% of the patients were able to lower their serum phosphate to target levels, with 70% reaching target at the lowest dose tested. We believe these results could make OLC highly competitive in the marketplace.

Get the Full Report

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

Schwazze (SHWZ) – Post Call Notes and Updated Model

Posted on August 15, 2024August 15, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Schwazze (OTCQX:SHWZ, NEO:SHWZ) is building a premier vertically integrated regional cannabis company with assets in Colorado and New Mexico and will continue to take its operating system to other states where it can develop a differentiated regional leadership position. Schwazze is the parent company of a portfolio of leading cannabis businesses and brands spanning seed to sale. The Company is committed to unlocking the full potential of the cannabis plant to improve the human condition. Schwazze is anchored by a high-performance culture that combines customer-centric thinking and data science to test, measure, and drive decisions and outcomes. The Company’s leadership team has deep expertise in retailing, wholesaling, and building consumer brands at Fortune 500 companies as well as in the cannabis sector. Schwazze is passionate about making a difference in our communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and doing our part to incorporate climate-conscious best practices.

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Audit. Schwazze and its auditor are working diligently to complete the necessary re-audit of the 2023 financials. While management did not provide a timetable, we believe the process will be completed in the near-term. No material misstatements have been uncovered to date. Once audited financials are filed, we expect the Company to apply for re-listing of its shares.

Re-Scheduling. We continue to expect re-scheduling to occur in the near-term, which will have a positive impact on the entire industry. Schwazze continues to believe the elimination of 280e taxes will have a significant impact on cash flows for the Company. The Company also will seek to refile past tax returns to capture prior excess taxes paid under 280e.

Get the Full Report

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

Cocrystal Pharma (COCP) – 2Q24 Reported With Focus On Influenza

Posted on August 15, 2024August 15, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Cocrystal Pharma, Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company discovering and developing novel antiviral therapeutics that target the replication process of influenza viruses, coronaviruses (including SARS-CoV-2), hepatitis C viruses and noroviruses. Cocrystal employs unique structure-based technologies and Nobel Prize-winning expertise to create first- and best-in-class antiviral drugs. For further information about Cocrystal, please visit www.cocrystalpharma.com.

Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Clinical Programs Reported Strong Progress. Cocrystal reported a 2Q24 loss of $5.3 million or $(0.54) per share, with $18.1 million in cash on June 20, 2024. The Phase 2a human challenge study testing the influenza vaccine CC-42344 is on schedule to report results later in 2025. During the quarter, preclinical testing for CC-42344 showed efficacy against the avian influenza A (H5N1), a new strain that has infected dairy cattle and has jumped to humans. Separately, CDI-988 reached a Phase 1 clinical milestone and is expected to report full top-line results for coronavirus and norovirus in late 2024/early 2025.

CC-42344 Moves Forward. CC-42344 is a vaccine for influenza that works through inhibition of PB2, a viral enzyme needed for early steps in the reproduction cycle of the influenza virus. CC-42344 has completed enrollment in a Phase 2a study testing the vaccine in human volunteers in the UK. Data is expected later in 2024, to be followed by an IND for clinical studies in the US. An inhaled version is currently in toxicology studies, with Phase 1 studies for prophylactic and post-exposure therapeutic use planned for 2025.

Get the Full Report

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

Schwazze (SHWZ) – A First Look into 2Q24 Results

Posted on August 14, 2024August 14, 2024 by cpereira@noblefcm.com

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Joe Gomes, CFA, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Generalist , Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Joshua Zoepfel, Research Associate, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Results. Revenue of $43.2 million increased 2% y-o-y and was in-line with our $43 million estimate. Gross profit margin fell to 44% from 54.4% a year ago, but was in-line with our 43.6% projection. The GM decline reflects ongoing pricing pressure in both Colorado and New Mexico, as well as a greater mix of 3rd-party products in New Mexico and higher medical sales in Colorado. Schwazze reported a net operating loss of $2.7 million and a net loss of $13.9 million, or $0.20/sh. We were at a net loss of $0.19/sh.

Quarter Highlights. Schwazze generated sequential quarterly growth across all key financial metrics during the quarter. The Company continued to focus on sharper pricing and promotional strategies to drive store traffic and market share in both Colorado and New Mexico. Wholesale margins continued to show improvement.

Get the Full Report

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).