Credit Suisse analysts endorse antibody makers
Investors should own "a basket" of stocks from biotechnology companies that have a focus on antibodies, according to a recent report from Credit Suisse analysts.
Antibodies have higher clinical success rates than traditional pharmaceuticals, and next-generation technologies offer significant long-term growth prospects in that biotech subsector, according to a note from several Credit Suisse analysts including Jason Kantor and Lee Kalowski.
"Consolidation trends in the industry have favored these companies, and the clinical and commercial success rates have been high," they said. "We favor companies with large pipelines, substantial funding from partners, and strong proprietary technologies."
The note released Monday names Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Seattle Genetics Inc. as favorites in the sector, with Regeneron a top pick. The analysts said they see "substantial upside" in the Tarrytown, N.Y., company's pipeline of drugs in development.
They also said the pipeline from Bothell, Wash.-based Seattle Genetics is grabbing more investor attention.
Regeneron shares rose $2.62 to $147.52 in Tuesday afternoon trading, while Seattle Genetics added 41 cents to $23.86.
