Evotec, Vidac Pharma, BioNTech – Cancer research: The gold mine in the portfolio

Evotec – Takeover off the table for the time being

The biotechnology company Evotec is one of the pioneers in the development of innovative approaches in oncology. With strategic alliances and high-tech platforms, the Company is advancing research into cancer drugs. Collaborations such as those with Rappta Therapeutics to reactivate tumor-suppressing enzymes or with Dewpoint Therapeutics to accelerate drug development mark key advances. Evotec is also focusing on artificial intelligence, for example, in its partnership with Owkin, to optimize drug development and clinical applications. Supported by partnerships with industry giants such as Janssen Biotech, Evotec is demonstrating its clear focus: creating groundbreaking therapies for cancer patients worldwide.

After there had been repeated rumors of a takeover of the Company and the US biotech company Halozyme had even made a non-binding offer of EUR 11, the Americans surprisingly withdrew their takeover plans. According to Halozyme CEO Helen Torley, a collaboration did not materialize because Evotec's management and supervisory boards showed no interest in constructive discussions. Halozyme's offer would have valued Evotec at nearly EUR 2 billion, but it remained unnegotiated. After the news broke, Evotec's share price fell significantly, while Halozyme gained on the US stock exchange. In a statement, Evotec emphasized that it would continue to pursue its independent growth strategy, which it believes will create long-term shareholder value.

Despite this, calm has not returned to the Hamburg-based company. Evotec will lose a long-standing board member, Dr. Craig Johnstone, by the end of the year. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) has been with the Company for 12 years and has played a driving role in its strategic development. Johnstone announced his departure for personal reasons. His responsibilities will be divided internally for the time being until a new structure is presented. The withdrawal raises questions about the stability of the management team, especially after the change of leadership that has already taken place at the beginning of the year. Investors reacted with disappointment, and the stock ended Xetra trading down 2.43% at EUR 8.83.

Vidac Pharma - Progress in the fight against cancer

Vidac Pharma celebrated a significant milestone on September 19: The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted the biopharmaceutical company a broad patent that protects the unique mechanisms of its cancer therapies. This protection includes, in particular, the active ingredients VDA-1102 and VDA-1275, which specifically reverse the metabolic mechanism of cancer cells – known as the Warburg effect. Vidac Pharma is the only company in the world pursuing this approach. The goal is to normalize cell functionality, stop tumor growth and reactivate the immune system. With this exclusive position in the US market, the patent success paves the way for the further expansion of the product pipeline and strengthens the market position of the innovative company.

Vidac Pharma's two promising compounds are developing rapidly. Thanks to a EUR 600,000 capital increase from existing investors, the Company plans to start a further Phase 2b study of VDA-1102 in advanced actinic keratosis. The disease is a precursor to skin cancer and affects many patients worldwide. In addition, preparations are underway for the use of VDA-1102 against cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of skin cancer. Vidac relies on modern research collaborations and precise study planning to accelerate approval and thus generate long-term growth potential.

Sphene Capital's analysts have a positive view of the stock and confirm a target price of EUR 4.90 per share based on a discounted cash flow model. Future sales of the current lead candidates and potential market breakthroughs play a decisive role here. The Company's focus is on sustainably strengthening its position in the oncology and dermato-oncology markets through compound-specific patents and strategic investments. The innovation-driven orientation makes Vidac Pharma a potentially promising player in the biotech sector. After the strong increase in mid-October to EUR 1.30, a consolidation has begun. The share is currently moving sideways between EUR 0.48 and 0.60. Currently, the value is trading at EUR 0.585.

BioNTech - Acquisition of Biotheus strengthens research focus

BioNTech, a pioneer in mRNA technology, is increasingly focusing on oncology, underscoring its strategic commitment to advancing innovative approaches to cancer medicine. With a diversified pipeline of over 32 clinical studies, including mRNA cancer vaccines and antibody-drug conjugates, the Company aims to set new standards. In 2024, several advanced programs and potential pivotal trials are at the center of attention, while collaborations with international partners provide additional innovation. From 2026, BioNTech expects to have the first market-ready products and a strong position in the immuno-oncology sector.

With the planned acquisition of the Chinese company Biotheus, BioNTech is further expanding its expertise in the field of bispecific antibodies. The acquisition includes an upfront payment of USD 800 million and potential milestone payments. Most significantly, BioNTech is securing the worldwide rights to BNT327/PM8002 and expanding its production capacity. In addition, the Company is strengthening its presence in Asia by integrating the Biotheus employees and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. This step underscores BioNTech's commitment to advancing innovative combination therapies for oncology with a global focus and bringing its product portfolio to market faster.

The latest quarterly figures show that BioNTech has a solid financial foundation despite market uncertainties. With revenues of EUR 1.2 billion and a net profit of EUR 198.1 million, the Company significantly exceeded the previous year's results in the third quarter. Revenues were primarily supported by the adapted COVID-19 vaccines. Nevertheless, long-term growth remains heavily dependent on the oncology pipeline. Research and development spending of EUR 550.3 million underscores this focus. Analysts see great potential in the pipeline and expect new market potential from advances such as BNT327/PM8002. The stock has withstood the announcement that Trump is to make Robert F. Kennedy Jr. US Secretary of Health and Human Services and is trading at EUR 113.60, just below the September high.

As the three companies presented show, oncology research remains an attractive growth market for investors. Evotec is convincing with innovative partnerships and technology use, but faces challenges after the failed takeover bid by Halozyme and personnel changes. Vidac Pharma scores with groundbreaking research approaches such as the Warburg effect and a protected product pipeline that offers long-term potential despite the current low share valuation. BioNTech is strengthening its position in oncology with the acquisition of Biotheus and is focusing on a promising pipeline that is expected to deliver market-ready products from 2026. Overall, all three companies remain exciting, but risky.