Yahoo Finance Why Cancer-Fighting Stocks & ETFs Are Soaring
In this episode of ETF Spotlight, I speak with Brad Loncar, CEO of Loncar Investments. Brad is in Chicago to attend the annual meeting of ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology). It is the world’s largest and most prestigious cancer conference where participants learn about the latest developments in treating the disease.
Brad explains why ASCO is so important and how he uses it as an investor. He says Amgen (AMGN) is the most exciting large biotech company this year at ASCO with two very promising therapies--BiTE and KRAS.
The global market for cancer drugs is estimated to be about $123 billion and big players are investing heavily to gain an edge in this increasingly competitive market. Pharmaceutical giant Bristol-Myers BMY, a pioneer in immunotherapy, is acquiring rival Celgene CELG for $74 billion.
Merck MRK is acquiring cancer drug developer Peloton Therapeutics for $1.05 billion. The announcement came as Peloton was preparing for its IPO. Earlier this year, Eli Lilly LLY bought Loxo Oncology for $8 billion.
Should we expect more M&A in the space?
Brad created the index for the Loncar Cancer Immunotherapy ETF CNCR, which invests in companies at the forefront of immunotherapy research. He explains why immunotherapy, which harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer, is often called a game changer for cancer treatment.
He also talks about important developments in the space and promising work being done by some smaller, innovative biotech companies.
Mirati Therapeutics MRTX, Iovance Biotherapeutics (formerly Lion Biotechnologies) IOVA and Nektar Therapeutics NKTR are soaring today. These are among the top holdings in CNCR. Find out more about them on the podcast.
WSJ recently reported that AstraZeneca AZN is planning to target early stages of the disease, whereas traditionally, pharma companies focus on drugs that treat advanced forms of cancer. Will the new approach help AstraZeneca gain an edge over competitors?
Health Care is the worst performing sector this year, thanks mainly to policy concerns. Will there be a big focus on policy related issues at the conference?
Tune into the podcast to learn more.
Brad also created the index for the Loncar China BioPharma ETF CHNA which focuses on the booming biopharma industry in China. To learn more about these ETFs, please visit loncarfunds.com.
Please also visit the Cancer Research Institute to learn about this cancer treatment and clinical trials.
Make sure to be on the lookout for the next edition of ETF Spotlight! If you have any comments or questions, please email podcast@zacks.com.
Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox?
Zacks’ free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week. Get it free >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) : Free Stock Analysis Report
AstraZeneca PLC (AZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMY) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Loncar Cancer Immunotherapy ETF (CNCR): ETF Research Reports
Celgene Corporation (CELG) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Mirati Therapeutics, Inc. (MRTX) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Amgen Inc. (AMGN) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Nektar Therapeutics (NKTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Lion Biotechnologies, Inc. (IOVA) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Loncar China BioPharma ETF (CHNA): ETF Research Reports
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
Zacks Investment Research
