Shares of ADMA, SPPI, and DBVT are crashing
Stocks are again falling to new lows today, as headlines point to a potential government shutdown. Looking at the Nasdaq in particular, three of the worst performers are ADMA Biologics Inc (NASDAQ:ADMA), Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPPI), and DBV Technologies (NASDAQ:DBVT). We'll take a closer look at the shares of biotech stocks ADMA, SPPI, and DBVT below.
FDA News Sinks ADMA Stock
ADMA stock is collapsing today due to news that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve the relaunch of Bivigam, the company's immune deficiency drug. ADMA shares have fallen 48.6% to trade at $2.17, earlier hitting a 52-week low of $2.13. The equity was trading right near the $7 mark at its September peak.
As such, Raymond James halved its price target on ADMA to $5 from $10. More bearish analyst notes could come through, too. All five brokerage firms in coverage have "buy" or "strong buy" ratings, and the average 12-month price target stands up at $11.50. This bullish tilt leaves the door wide open for downgrades and/or additional price-target reductions.
No Breakthrough Designation for SPPI's Poziotinib
SPPI is also sinking on FDA news, after the company's lung cancer treatment, poziotinib, didn't receive Breakthrough Therapy Designation. The stock was last seen down 35.4% at $6.75, tapping an annual low of $6.22 in the process, and has given back roughly 69% in the past three months.
While short sellers still control 8.5 days' worth of buying power, based on average daily trading volumes, short interest declined by 15.8% in the last two reporting periods -- so many bears missed today's sell-off. Of course, the equity is on the short-sale restricted list today.
DBVT Withdraws Peanut Allergy Treatment Application
DBV Technologies has withdrawn the marketing application for its Viaskin Peanut allergy treatment, after discussions with the FDA. A company statement said the application "lacks sufficient detail ... on manufacturing procedures and quality controls."
A number of bearish analyst notes have since come through, including downgrades to the equivalent of "hold" at Jefferies, Stifel, and Barclays, as well as a huge price-target cut to $8 from $37 at Jefferies. As such, the stock is trading down 70% at $7.71 -- the worst stock on the Nasdaq today -- hitting an all-time low of $3.60. Analysts were extremely bullish coming into today, with five of six handing out "strong buy" ratings.