BioNTech, Pfizer, Defence Therapeutics, Valneva - The Corona year 2022 is coming

BioNTech and Pfizer - Anti-Corona pill or continue vaccinating?

According to the pronouncements of most immunologists who speak publicly in the media, the virus cannot be stopped without further progress in vaccination rates. A general vaccination requirement in Germany and many other countries is being discussed, so the target for the new year 2022 is already set. BioNTech and its US partner Company Pfizer are taking a two-pronged approach, offering the well-known vaccine "Comirnaty" as well as the new drug "Paxlovid".

The broad vaccination of the population is a clear goal of governments, but there is also initial progress on the part of drug manufacturers in the development of drugs. In this context, the question arises as to how effective Pfizer's anti-corona pill "Paxlovid" is and when it will be available? Hope germinated shortly before Christmas with the emergency approval of two drugs against the coronavirus in the USA: The combination of vaccines and drugs could herald a change in the pandemic.

BioNTech shares have been the clear blockbuster among vaccine manufacturers since their launch in August 2019. The placement price was USD 20 - in the summer of 2021, the shares reached over USD 450. As a result, the Marburg-based Company was already valued at over USD 100 billion. Currently, the share price is coming under some pressure due to profit-taking and is hovering between USD 240 and 270. If one believes analysts' estimates, the valuation of the BioNTech share for 2022 is already at a P/E ratio of less than 10. In 2021, a return of over 160% could be achieved with the share.

Pfizer didn't really get going until late 2021 when it was announced that the drug giant was working on a Corona medication. Now, a new oral drug has been approved and is flushing initial revenue into the Company. In the last quarter of 2021, the share price increased by over 40%. With a dividend yield of 3.8% and a P/E ratio in 2022 of 13, the stock is not expensive. Pfizer is even suitable for addition to conservative portfolios.

Defence Therapeutics - Further progress in gene-editing technology

Defence Therapeutics (DTC) is a publicly-traded biotech company based in Canada working to develop the next generation of vaccines and ADC products using its proprietary platform. The core of the Defence Therapeutics platform is ACCUM technology, which enables precise delivery of vaccine antigens or ADCs in the intact form to target cells. As a result, improved efficiency and efficacy against serious diseases such as cancer and infectious diseases can be achieved.

Defence Therapeutics has now announced that the use of the Accum™ platform can effectively enhance Cas9 delivery to target cells, significantly advancing gene-editing technology. CRISPR gene editing involves the targeted replacement of gene sequences. The new technology has the potential to transform medicine by enabling the treatment or prevention of numerous diseases through targeted deletion or insertion of genes. The biotech industry has been searching for years for methods that can be used to treat numerous diseases such as cancer, viral diseases (HIV and hepatitis B), and various genetic disorders.

The essence of this technology is simple and requires two important tools. First, a piece of genetic material to drive the editing process, and second, the delivery of a Cas protein to edit the DNA. The Accum platform is designed to enrich a specific molecule in target cells. The Defence team has tested Accum's ability to enhance the delivery of Cas9 into cells continuously. With only a single Accum dose and without the additional use of a complex lipid formulation, the results obtained are astounding. Accumulation of Accum-bound Cas9 in the nucleus was at least 9-fold higher than that of free Cas9 when added to mammalian cells in vitro. Given these impressive data, Defence will actively seek partnerships with key players in the field to advance the development of CRISPR-based treatments for specific indications.

According to an analysis by Fior Markets, the global genetic editing market is expected to grow from USD 4.2 billion in 2020 to USD 13 billion in 2028, a weighted growth rate (CAGR) of 15.2% per annum. Defence Therapeutics is at the forefront of many human genetics topics and is advancing innovatively. The stock is still in the early stages of its development, with a market capitalization of CAD 195 million.

Valneva - First sales of the dead vaccine have been made

French vaccine maker Valneva is gearing up to shake up the vaccine market in a big way next year. With orders slowly taking shape and becoming substantial, the Company is currently negotiating with the Scottish authorities for a grant to build another production facility. A modern production line for the VLA2001 vaccine is to be built in Livingston. A government grant of 10 to 20 million pounds is being considered to create new capacities and jobs. Valneva will urgently need this production facility to meet upcoming supply agreements.

Unlike the vaccines approved in Europe from AstraZeneca, BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson, which are vector or mRNA vaccines, Valneva is developing an inactivated vaccine to fight COVID-19 and has already submitted a marketing authorization application to the EMA in Amsterdam. With approval, the Company will have access to many people who have refused vaccination with the new, little-researched mRNA vaccines but who do not oppose vaccination in the traditional way.

The German government has also already ordered 11 million doses of the vaccine, and negotiations are currently underway with several countries about possible deliveries. The Valneva share is currently riding a roller coaster on the stock market, as the pending approval is decisive for the success of the vaccine producer. The price is currently fluctuating, very volatile, between EUR 23 and 27. However, with a 12-month price performance of 230%, the Valneva share is already the clear winner among listed vaccine producers. Next year, things should continue positively if everything goes smoothly with the approval. At the moment, the share is only suitable for speculative investors, but one should always keep an eye on the news ticker.

The biotech companies presented here are subject to different cycles. BioNTech and Pfizer are already established companies with approved products. Valneva could become the next shooting star with an approval. Defence Therapeutics is very variably positioned with its platform and can deliver surprises at any time.