Blog Post Title: Stocks Update – August 31, 2023

Introduction:

Adagene Inc. Reports Promising Results in Clinical Trials and Expands Combination Therapy Trials

Adagene Inc., a leading biotechnology company specializing in the discovery and development of novel antibody-based therapies, has recently announced positive results from their anti-CTLA-4 clinical programs. The company’s candidates have shown a significant increase in therapeutic index, specifically targeting patient populations where CTLA-4-mediated Treg depletion is crucial for efficacy.

In a phase 2 single-arm study, Adagene’s SAFEbody® ADG126 demonstrated a strong efficacy signal in combination with pembrolizumab, a PD-1 therapy, in patients with microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC) at the 10 mg/kg every three weeks dosing regimen. As a result, the company is expanding the MSS CRC cohort by adding ten more patients, adhering to Simon’s two-stage statistical design. This promising data suggests that ADG126, with its enhanced therapeutic index, has the potential to unlock the clinical potential of CTLA-4 treatment, especially when combined with PD-1 therapy.

Furthermore, Adagene has initiated a randomized phase 1b/2 trial with SAFEbody ADG126 in a novel triple combination for first-line hepatocellular carcinoma. This marks an important milestone in the development of the company’s therapy, as it expands beyond its initial focus on MSS CRC.

With a healthy cash balance of US$128.8 million, Adagene’s operations are supported until late 2025. This financial stability provides the company with ample resources to continue their research and development efforts.

As an investor, these positive results and advancements in Adagene’s clinical programs are encouraging. The efficacy signal observed in the MSS CRC study, along with the expansion of combination therapy trials, demonstrates the potential market viability and strategic growth of the company.

Based on the positive news, it is recommended to consider buying the stock of Adagene Inc. The company’s breakthrough therapies and strong clinical responses in relevant patient populations indicate the potential for significant market success in the future. Adagene’s ability to target specific patient groups and enhance therapeutic index positions them well within the competitive biotech landscape.

Overall, Adagene’s recent achievements in their anti-CTLA-4 clinical programs showcase their dedication to transforming the field of antibody-based therapies. Investors should closely monitor Adagene’s clinical progress and developments as the company continues to unlock the clinical potential of CTLA-4 treatment in combination with PD-1 therapy and beyond.

Lifecore Biomedical Reports Strong Growth and Strategic Refinancing in Q4 2023

Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (Nasdaq: LFCR), a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), recently announced its impressive results for the fiscal 2023 fourth quarter and full year ended May 28, 2023.

CEO James G. Hall highlighted the company’s successful transition to a stand-alone life sciences firm, with the final divestitures of the Curation Foods segment. Lifecore also achieved substantial growth in its development portfolio and secured a comprehensive strategic refinancing and expanded supply agreement with key customer Alcon.

As a fully integrated CDMO, Lifecore focuses on the development, fill and finish of complex sterile injectable pharmaceutical products in syringes and vials, along with injectable grade Hyaluronic Acid (HA). Their goal is to expand their position in the market by offering highly differentiated capabilities in these areas.

During the fiscal fourth quarter, Lifecore added five projects affiliated with five new customers to its development portfolio. This demonstrates the effectiveness of their expanded commercial strategy and targeted sales approach, as they continue to build a robust opportunity pipeline.

To meet the anticipated growth in their portfolio, Lifecore is implementing measures to increase their capacity and workforce. They are on track to deliver multi-use fillers in the coming months, effectively doubling their theoretical filling capacity to approximately 45 million units. With these advancements, Lifecore aims to meet market demands and optimize production across their manufacturing footprint.

Additionally, Lifecore invested in their HA fermentation capacity during Q4, transitioning from a single-shift fermentation production staff to a full 24/7 staffing model. This move is expected to boost production and further enhance their ability to meet customer requirements.

Looking at Lifecore’s impressive performance and the strategic measures they have implemented, I believe this is a positive development for the company. Their expansion in the development portfolio and investments in capacity and staff demonstrate a commitment to growth and market leadership.

I recommend considering buying Lifecore Biomedical, Inc. (Nasdaq: LFCR) based on their strong quarter and outlook. Their position as a leading CDMO with differentiated capabilities is likely to result in continued success and potential stock price appreciation in the future.

Alvotech Reports Strong Product Revenue Increase and Expands Commercialization Partnerships

Alvotech (NASDAQ: ALVO) recently released its unaudited financial results for the first half of 2023, revealing a significant increase in product revenue. The company reported a revenue of $22.7 million, a stark contrast to the $3.9 million recorded during the same period last year. This impressive growth can largely be attributed to the expansion of Alvotech’s commercialization partnerships with Teva Pharmaceuticals for the US market and Advanz Pharma for Europe.

Furthermore, Alvotech secured a settlement with Johnson & Johnson, enabling a US license entry date for AVT04, their biosimilar candidate to Stelara® (ustekinumab), no later than February 21, 2025. This development not only strengthens Alvotech’s position in the biosimilars market but also boosts investor confidence.

As a blogger, I am optimistic about Alvotech’s recent accomplishments. The increased product revenue and expanded partnerships demonstrate the company’s ability to deliver strong results and establish itself as a key player in the biotech industry. Alvotech’s commitment to investing in manufacturing and quality processes, as emphasized by Chairman and CEO Robert Wessman, further assures its dedication to delivering high-quality biosimilar medicines to patients worldwide.

Considering the positive developments and the company’s promising trajectory, I recommend buying Alvotech stocks. The growth opportunities presented by the expansion of commercialization partnerships, the settlement with Johnson & Johnson, and the company’s continuing investments in manufacturing and quality processes make Alvotech an attractive investment prospect.

With a business update conference call and webcast scheduled for August 31, 2023, investors should keep an eye on further developments and announcements from Alvotech. Overall, the company’s recent achievements position it favorably for future success in the biosimilar market.

Victoria’s Secret & Co. Reports Strong International Sales Growth in Q2 2023

Victoria’s Secret & Co. (NYSE: VSCO), a leading retailer of women’s apparel and lingerie, announced its financial results for the second quarter ended July 29, 2023. Despite challenges in the North American market, the company reported impressive sales growth of over 25% in its international business compared to the previous year.

The macro environment continues to place pressure on Victoria’s Secret’s customer base and core intimates categories. However, Chief Executive Officer Martin Waters remains optimistic about the outlook for the fall season. The company entered the third quarter with lean inventory levels and experienced improving sales trends in August, surpassing those of July and the entire spring season.

The resilience of Victoria’s Secret’s teams is commendable, as they focused on managing selling margins, controlling costs, and reducing inventory levels at the Victoria’s Secret and PINK businesses by double digits compared to the previous year. The recently acquired Adore Me brand also contributed to sales growth during the quarter, showcasing the strength of the company’s business model and unique digital strategies.

As a shareholder of Victoria’s Secret, I am pleased with the strong international growth and the company’s efforts to address the challenges in the North American market. With a promising outlook for the fall season and numerous growth initiatives underway, including the introduction of a multi-tender loyalty program and enhanced technology for the customer experience, I believe that this stock is worth holding onto.

Considering the positive sales trends and the potential for future growth, I recommend buying Victoria’s Secret & Co. stock. The company’s focus on cost control and inventory management, along with the success of its international business and recent acquisitions, positions Victoria’s Secret for continued success in the coming months.

Please note that this is not financial advice, and it is important to consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.