Moderna’s Personalized Cancer Vaccine (PCV) Could Be a Game-Changer When Combined with Merck’s KEYTRUDA

Image: Moderna’s therapeutics pipeline continues to advance, and the company recently received positive news regarding its personalized cancer vaccine (PCV), ID # mRNA-4157, when combined with Merck’s KEYTRUDA. Image Source: Moderna By Brian Nelson, CFA Modern medicine continues to advance. Our favorite idea in biotech remains Vertex Pharma (VRTX), which has a fantastic and commercialized cystic fibrosis portfolio and exposure to CRISPR technology, but the latest data to turn our heads came from Moderna’s (MRNA) personalized cancer vaccine (PCV). Investors perhaps are most familiar with Moderna in part because it has produced one of four authorized COVID-19 vaccines available for use in the US: Pfizer (PFE)-BioNTech’s (BNTX), Novavax’s (NVAX), Johnson & Johnson’s (JNJ) and Moderna’s. The PFE-BNTX and MRNA vaccines … Read more

Best Idea Vertex Pharma Outperforming in 2022

Image Shown: Shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc, an idea included in our Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio, have performed incredibly well year-to-date through October 2022. By Callum Turcan Through the end of normal trading hours on October 7, shares of Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX) are up ~34% year-to-date on a price-only basis. We include shares of Vertex Pharma as an idea in the simulated Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio and remain huge fans of the name. Vertex Pharma’s commercialized drug portfolio consists of various treatments for cystic fibrosis (‘CF’) and the cash flows generated from sales of these therapeutics are used to invest in the biotech company’s robust drug development pipeline. Earnings and Guidance Update On August 4, Vertex Pharma reported second … Read more

Our Favorite Biotech Vertex Pharma Powers Ahead, Leaps 6%+

Image: Vertex Pharma continues to soar toward our fair value estimate. By Brian Nelson, CFA  On Wednesday, January 26, Vertex Pharma (VRTX) reported solid fourth-quarter results that showed continued advancement across its clinical pipeline. For background reading on our thesis on the net cash rich, free cash flow generating biotech tied to established cystic fibrosis (CF) therapies and CRISPR technology, please read: “Best Idea Vertex Pharma Boosts Guidance (Again), Buying Back Stock While Awaiting Key Clinical Trials (December 2, 2021)” and “Best Idea Vertex Pharma Marching Forward with Innovative CRISPR Technology” (August 31, 2021).” Following fourth-quarter results, we’re reiterating our $250 per share fair value estimate at this time.   Image: Vertex finished an exciting 2021, and we look forward to … Read more

Best Idea Vertex Pharma Boosts Guidance (Again), Buying Back Stock While Awaiting Key Clinical Trials

Image Shown: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc is one of our favorite biotech ideas. Image Source: Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc – Third Quarter of 2021 IR Earnings Presentation By Callum Turcan One of our favorite biotech plays out there is Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRTX), which is included as an idea in the Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio. The company’s commercial portfolio, meaning therapeutics that have already been approved by key health regulators, is centered on drugs that treat cystic fibrosis (‘CF’), including patients as young as four months old as well as older patients. Its branded commercialized CF treatments include TRIKAFTA/KAFTRIO, SYMDEKO/SYMKEVI, ORKAMBI, and KALYDECO. Vertex Pharma is currently generating substantial revenue and cash flows from these offerings. Guidance Update Sales of its CF … Read more