Actinium Pharmaceuticals (ATNM) shares saw slight volatility on Tuesday, closing at $8.81 (-0.34%). However, recent announcements concerning the company’s Iomab-ACT project could spark renewed investor interest.
What is Iomab-ACT?
Iomab-ACT is an Antibody Radiation Conjugate (ARC) that targets CD45, a marker prevalent on both blood cancer cells and immune cells. This therapy has a unique role – to enable conditioning prior to cell and gene therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy. Crucially, it aims to replace the non-targeted, often harsh chemotherapy currently used for patient conditioning.
Why the Excitement?
- Market Potential: The CAR-T market alone exceeded $3.5 billion in 2023. Iomab-ACT, designed to support these therapies, could tap into a highly lucrative market that’s anticipated to grow significantly in the coming years.
- Trial Results: Actinium presented promising results in February 2024 for Iomab-ACT’s Phase 1 trial as a conditioning agent for CAR-T therapies. Notable observations include minimal Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), zero cases of ICANS (a common CAR-T side effect), and persistence of CAR-T cells.
- Expanded Development: Actinium plans to study Iomab-ACT in combination with a leading FDA-approved CAR-T at the University of Texas Southwestern in a trial led by Dr. Farrukh Awan, a leukemia and lymphoma specialist. This suggests confidence in the potential of their product.
The Investment Picture
Iomab-ACT’s early positive results and the potential to revolutionize cell and gene therapy conditioning create a bullish narrative. Its ability to potentially decrease side effects and enhance treatment outcomes could significantly disrupt the market.
While there’s some volatility today, the news of this upcoming trial and Iomab-ACT’s potential market size signal that ATNM may be worth a closer look for investors focused on the biotech and cell therapy sectors.
Important Considerations
Clinical trials are inherently uncertain, and investors should be aware of potential risks associated with biotech companies, especially those in early development stages. It’s crucial to conduct thorough research and due diligence before making investment decisions.
As of yesterday’s close, ATNM is trading at $8.81, showing a slight decrease of -0.03 (-0.34%). In after-hours trading, a further decline is noted with the price at $8.64 (-1.93%). The day’s range saw the stock fluctuate between $8.45 and $8.94. Looking at the broader picture, the stock has traded within a 52-week range of $4.00 to $9.86. Today’s volume was 225,276 shares, lower than the average volume of 394,386 shares.
Shares of radiopharma companies have been spiking lately as investors welcomed the latest M&A deal to hit the sector, this time between Swiss pharma giant Novartis (NYSE:NVS) and preclinical-stage biotech Mariana Oncology. Actinium Pharmaceuticals (ATNM) experienced a notable gain alongside other radiopharma players like Perspective Therapeutics (CATX), Cellectar Biosciences (CLRB), and CASI Pharmaceuticals (CASI). Shares of Lantheus Holdings (LNTH) have also climbed after the company’s results topped forecasts.
The proposed acquisition will further expand Novartis’ (OTCPK:NVSEF) radiopharmaceutical ambitions as the Watertown, Massachusetts-based biotech is set to bring its cancer-targeting radioligand therapies to the company in exchange for $1B upfront and $750M in milestone payments.
The radiopharma space has seen a flurry of dealmaking activity in recent months. In March, Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca (AZN) agreed to offer $2.4B to acquire Fusion Pharma (FUSN), a Canadian biotech focused on a class of cancer treatments called radioconjugates. The Astra-Fusion deal came close on the heels of Eli Lilly’s (LLY) decision to acquire Point Biopharma Global, a biotech specializing in radioligand therapies, for $1.4B in December.
This heightened interest in radiopharmaceuticals highlights the sector’s potential and bodes well for companies like Actinium Pharmaceuticals. ATNM’s focus on Antibody Radiation Conjugates (ARCs) aligns with the growing trend in targeted cancer therapies, potentially positioning the company for future growth or strategic partnerships
Biotech stocks are known for their potential volatility, and today several key players are seeing significant movement. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most active stocks in the sector and explore what might be driving investor interest.
Other notable top biotech stocks to place on top of radar include:
- Novo Nordisk A/S (NVON): Novo Nordisk, a major player in diabetes care, is seeing a healthy increase recently. Its price is currently at $127.29, up +2.70 (+2.17%).
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (REGN): Regeneron, known for its advancements in antibody therapies, is also experiencing a boost. The stock currently sits at $969.97, with an increase of +11.33 (+1.18%).
- Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (VRTX): Vertex is focusing on treatments for rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis. Currently, they have a share price of $410.24, showing an increase of +7.74 (+1.92%).
- Moderna, Inc. (MRNA): Moderna, a major name in mRNA vaccines, is experiencing a slight dip today. Its share price stands at $121.07, reflecting a change of -1.06 (-0.87%).
- Argenx SE (ARGX): Argenx, focused on developing antibody-based therapies, is gaining traction. It has a current price of $398.81, up +5.03 (+1.28%).
