January 31, 2023 7:51am
News: uniQure NV (QURE +$0.17) and Apic Bio, a gene therapy company developing novel treatment options for patients with rare genetic diseases have entered into a global licensing agreement for APB-102 to treat superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a rare, genetic form of ALS.
Pre-Open Indications: 3 Positive Indications and 1 Negative Indication
I write this blog/newsletter to inform investors with facts and supporting numbers focused on what they need to hear that others won’t say or write about - truth! Subscription is coming, it’s not conscription but, an offer to join our collective of like-minded investors! Join me … in the NO spin zone.
The 8:00 a.m. edition
Remember that overnight and pre-open actions in futures don't necessarily translate into actual trading in the coming day’s session. My interpretation of the morning’s numbers is written to be informative; it’s built on will happen behind the headlines today, not tomorrow or yesterday …
Dow futures are DOWN -0.33% or (-112 points), S&P futures are DOWN -0.23% or (-9 point) and NASDAQ futures are DOWN -0.39% or (-46 points) early in the pre-open – so far
Stock futures declined Tuesday,
European markets also declined,
Asia-Pacific markets trade mostly lower
Henry’omics:
We need to understand the macro to comprehend the micro re “our” universe of cell and gene therapy companies …
Attention also turns to the latest interest rate decision due out of the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting kicking off Tuesday. Traders widely expect a 25-basis point increase, but will monitor commentary for clues into how much further the Fed intends to hike, or when it plans to cut rates. <CNBC>
Indexes closed lower Monday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average snapping a six-day win streak. The Dow closed DOWN -260.9 points (-0.77%), the S&P closed DOWN -52.79 points (1.30%) while the Nasdaq closed 227.90 points (-1.96%)
Economic Data Docket: The Federal Open Market Committee meets; will also include the Case-Shiller home price index, Chicago PMI and consumer confidence.
News (continued): QURE and Apic Bio, “Under the agreement, uniQure acquires global rights for the development and commercialization of APB-102, adding to its pipeline of gene therapies to treat neurological disorders. The U.S. FDA has cleared the investigational new drug (IND) application for APB-102 and has granted Orphan Drug and Fast Track designations. APB-102 is designed to be a novel, one-time, intrathecally administered gene therapy for ALS caused by mutations in SOD1, a rapidly progressing, rare motor neuron disease that leads to loss of everyday functions and is uniformly fatal. Mutations in the SOD1 gene of ALS account for approximately one-fifth of all inherited forms of this fatal disease1. APB-102 is comprised of a recombinant AAVrh10 vector that expresses a micro ribonucleic acid (miRNA) designed to knock down the expression of SOD1 with the goal of slowing down or potentially reversing the progression of ALS in patients with SOD1 mutations.
Monday’s (1/30) … RegMed Investors’ (RMi) closing bell: who said economics don’t matter? Think of the newest idiocy “slap fest”, as share pricing weakens. Quote, “A couple of companies have become … black holes … of investor sentiment; yet, some get financing to continue the chain around investors’ necks until they recognize it could be forever with “some” of these equities.” <me> … https://www.regmedinvestors.com/articles/12809
Ebb and flow:
Q1/23 – 2 holiday, 10 positive and 9 negative closes
Q4
· December – 1 holiday, 13 negative and 8 positive closes
· November -1 holiday, 14 negative and 8 positive closes
· October -1 neutral, 11 positive and 9 negative closes
Companies in my headlights – It’s your decision; I provide ideas and context: INDICATIONS
Risk is STILL … HIGH today … Expect the worst … hope for the best!
Positive Indications:
Ionis Pharmaceuticals (IONS) closed down-$0.78 to $39.24 with a positive +$0.78 or +1.99% pre-open indication.
Ultragenyx (RARE) closed down -$0.74 to $42.98 with a positive +$0.86 or +2% aftermarket indication.
uniQure NV (QURE) closed down -$0.60 to $20.64 with a positive +$0.17 or +0.82% aftermarket indication.
Negative Indication:
BioLife Solutions (BLFS) closed down -$0.38 to $23.12 with a negative -$0.70 or -3.03% aftermarket indication,
The BOTTOM LINE: I try to keep it simple and short!
I hate to be so negative or contrarian but, this is a NO spin zone and truth is its product.
And I can always be WRONG but, mostly EARLY!
So be cautious about adding exposure and stick to loss-cutting rules.
A couple of companies have become … black holes … of investor sentiment; yet, some get financing to continue the chain around investors’ necks until they recognize it could be forever with “some” of these equities.
I do NOT believe there aren't a lot of cell/gene therapy companies in position yet – UNTIL earnings (Q4) are reported – any breakout is a false hope with the inevitable downside re-occurring.
Opinions expressed are those of the author and are subject to change, and not intended to be a forecast of future events, a guarantee of future results, nor investment advice.
All investments are subject to risks. Investors should consider investment objectives.
Regulation Analyst Certification (Reg AC): The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this report certifies the following under Reg AC: I hereby certify that all views expressed in this report accurately reflect my personal views about the subject company or companies and its or their securities. I also certify that no part of my compensation was, is or will be, directly or indirectly, related to the specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.
Henry McCusker, the editor and publisher of RegMed Investors does not hold or have positions securities referred to in this publication.
