3 Drug Stocks Making Huge Moves

Upbeat drug data is lifting GTx

Josh Selway

Mar 5, 2018 at 3:01 PM

The Nasdaq is surging higher today, thanks to another strong showing for healthcare stocks. Three names in particular making notable moves are Atara Biotherapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:ATRA), GTx, Inc. (NASDAQ:GTXI), and Dermira Inc (NASDAQ:DERM) Let's take a closer look at what's moving shares of ATRA, GTXI, and DERM.

Jefferies Thinks Atara Can Deliver On MS Drug

Atara Biotherapeutics stock is trading 9.3% higher at $43.05, after Jefferies analyst Maury Raycroft said "there is a chance for success" for the company's multiple sclerosis treatment. Raycroft lifted his price target to $46 from $30 for ATRA stock, though this offers little upside from its current perch. In fact, the shares peaked at a two-year high of $49.90 back on Feb. 14. Overall, the equity has surged 138% year-to-date.

Despite this, short interest remains near its mid-June record high. More than one-third of ATRA's float is sold short, equaling a week's worth of buying power, going by average daily volumes.

Drug Data Boosts GTXI Stock

Positive mid-stage trial results for GTx's stress urinary incontinence drug, enobosarm, has the stock up 31% at $22, with the shares earlier tapping a four-year high of $22.89. It's been an incredible run up the carts for GTXI, which has exploded higher since its early June annual lows below $3. Plus, today's breakout earned GTXI shares price-target hikes to $20 at Baird and to $45 at Stifel.

DERM Stock Demolished After Trial Fails

Mizuho downgraded Dermira stock to "neutral" from "buy," and slashed its price target to $9 from $39. Cowen also cut its price target -- to $25 from $55 -- after the company's acne treatment failed two late-stage studies. Dermira is discontinuing development of the drug as a result. DERM shares were last seen 64% lower at $9.05, hitting a record low of $8.95 earlier. Even with the stock short-sale restricted today, short sellers have to be celebrating. These bearish bets increased by 12% over the past two reporting periods, and account for 14.1% of the equity's float.

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