Vaccine Stocks Rise Sharply as New Omicron Variant Has Big Pharma Licking its Chops
Since the omicron variant, which originated in southern Africa, began popping up in various countries worldwide, the S&P 500 has fallen from its all-time high of 4,701 to 4,567, a drop of 2.8%.
However, while the overall market was retreating, investors were bidding up some of the companies developing life-saving tools in the fight against COVID-19.
Deservedly so, the Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) vaccine is considered the gold standard among the available COVID-19 vaccines. The 91% efficacy in preventing infection after a 2nd dose has proven to be a game-changer in the fight against the virus. The company also has an anti-COVID pill in development that has proven equally adept at preventing infection.
Shares of Pfizer closed Tuesday’s trading session at $55.54, up +0.6% on the day. Since news of the Omicron variant broke, PFE shares have climbed as much as +9.32%. YTD PFE stock is up +50.88%.
Learn more about Pfizer: Website | Investor Deck | PFE Chart
A German pharmaceutical company, BioNTech (NASDAQ: BNTX), developed the Pfizer vaccine; Pfizer merely handled the testing and logistics. With omicron being potentially resistant to current vaccines, BioNTech’s world-class research and development team should prove instrumental in combating it.
Shares of BioN Tech closed Tuesday’s trading session at $276.77, down -0.52% on the day. Since news of the Omicron variant broke, BNTX shares have soared as much as +26.98%. YTD BNTX stock is up +222.84%.
Learn more about BioNTech: Website | Investor Deck | BNTX Chart
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Another very successful vaccine was the one developed by Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA). Along with Pfizer, it was one of the first vaccines widely available and is still one of the most requested vaccines for those seeking both their initial shots and its follow-up boosters. If the world goes back into lockdown due to omicron, there should be even more demand for the Moderna vaccine.
Shares of Moderna closed Tuesday’s trading session at $277.16, up +1.9% on the day. Since news of the Omicron variant broke, MRNA shares have skyrocketed as much as +37.96%. YTD MRNA stock is up +148.06%.
Learn more about Moderna: Website | Investor Deck | MRNA Chart
While their vaccine is a few months behind the vaccines from other significant drugmakers, Novavax Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX) vaccine has shown to be just as effective. The vaccine has demonstrated an efficacy of 89% against COVID-19 infection. The drug is still undergoing clinical trials before approval in the U.S., but it is being distributed internationally, including in South Korea and India. While the stock popped nearly 9% after omicron came onto the scene, it has since given back those gains and more.
Shares of Novavax closed Tuesday’s trading session at $168.43, down –0.37% on the day. Since news of the Omicron variant broke, NVAX shares have jumped as much as +16.11%. YTD NVAX stock is up +49.08%.
Learn more about Novavax: Website | Investor Deck | NVAX Chart
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Wealthy VC does not hold a position in any of the stocks mentioned in this article.
