In this article, we will be talking about the 10 worst performing biotech stocks in 2024.
Biotechnology Stocks: Navigating Volatility Amid Market Fluctuations and Industry Growth
Biotechnology stocks are among the most volatile in the market due to their high risk. The outcomes of FDA clinical trials and the effectiveness of their therapies in the real world might cause significant fluctuations in their pricing. The introduction of COVID-19 vaccinations in 2020 caused the biotech industry to soar to prominence. As Big Pharma started investing in acquisitions, investor interest increased in late 2023 and early 2024. But the enthusiasm faded, and for months, biotech stocks did not move. Few M&A transactions and initial public offerings (IPOs) broke the otherwise quiet period in the second quarter, which saw a steep fall in biopharma deal activity. Following a busy first quarter in which pharmaceutical companies finally began using their enormous cash reserves for acquisitions, there was a slowdown.
However, the reaction has been unexpectedly subdued, even though the industry was expecting a federal interest rate drop. The Federal Reserve lowered interest rates by half a percentage point earlier in September, which was a bigger drop than anticipated. Although it’s a good step, Mizuho Securities analyst Jared Holz thinks it’s unlikely that there will be a spike in fundraising, M&A transactions, or IPOs. A lot of biotech businesses have canceled programs and made large layoffs to save money in an attempt to survive in volatile markets. Although certain scientific projects may be revived as a result of the rate cut, Holz thinks it’s hard to gauge the effect. However, since the rate decrease, small-cap stocks have had “a bit more momentum,” the analyst noted, which is encouraging for the biotech industry.
Contrary to Holz’s perspective, 2024 has started off strongly for the biotechnology sector due to a rise in mergers and acquisitions as well as anticipations of falling interest rates. Therefore, estimates suggest that the worldwide biotechnology market might increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 14% from 2024 to 2033, reaching an astonishing $5.7 trillion. The market for agricultural biotechnology is also expected to develop at a 7.9% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and reach $232 billion by 2032.
Despite the recent mixed results, Morningstar strategist Karen Andersen believes that biotechnology has a lot of potential and space for growth. Here is what she said about the sector:
“We still see tailwinds for the industry going forward. Smaller-cap names are still targets for acquisitions by bigger biopharma firms, and a wave of acquisitions has continued since late last year, particularly focused on oncology and immunology. We think obesity acquisitions are likely going forward, as big biopharma can bring development and commercialization expertise to multiple programs in midstage trials at small biotechs. Second, on a more fundamental level, new technologies and launches in new therapeutic areas are poised to boost productivity and drive biotech performance.”
In view of this, let’s take a look at some of the worst performing biotech stocks.
Our Methodology
For our methodology, we focused on stocks with a market capitalization exceeding $4 billion and evaluated their year-to-date (YTD) returns. We then identified stocks with poor YTD performance and ranked them according to their year-to-date returns, as of the close of October 22.
Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter’s strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).
Here is our list of the 10 worst-performing biotech stocks in 2024.
10. Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDGL)
YTD Return: -9.04%
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDGL) is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing therapeutics for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Its primary product, Rezdiffra (resmetirom), is an oral, liver-directed thyroid hormone receptor (THR) β-selective agonist. Madrigal targets patients with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis and generates revenue through the development and potential commercialization of its NASH treatments.
Rezdiffra (resmetirom) received FDA approval in March of this year and this milestone establishes it as the first and only FDA-approved medication for NASH, addressing a substantial market with millions of potential patients.
Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:MDGL) reported Q2 2024 net sales of $14.6 million, exceeding the consensus estimate of $4.6 million, primarily due to the successful launch of their drug Rezdiffra. The company posted an earnings per share (EPS) of -$7.10, better than the expected -$7.52, indicating some financial efficiency improvement. Madrigal is working to achieve 80% coverage of commercial lives, which could enhance future Rezdiffra sales. However, the company faces challenges, including ongoing losses, anticipated increases in SG&A expenses, competitive pressure from GLP-1-based therapies, and lower-than-expected new prescriptions. Additionally, a trailing return on equity of -106.27% raises concerns about the efficient use of shareholder equity.
9. CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP)
YTD Return: -22.86%
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) is a biotechnology company that develops gene-based medicines using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, focusing on treating serious diseases by modifying genes to address their root causes. The company does not sell products directly but partners with pharmaceutical companies to market approved therapies to healthcare providers and patients. Its revenue comes from collaborations, licensing agreements, and potential future sales of approved therapies.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) is actively expanding its network of Authorized Treatment Centers (ATCs) for Casgevy. With over 35 ATCs now operational, this expansion could significantly boost revenue as more patients gain access to treatment.
CRISPR Therapeutics AG (NASDAQ:CRSP) is operating in a rapidly growing market that is expected to increase at an annual rate of 22.3% from 2022 to 2027, reaching a total value of $9.2 billion. Over the past year, the company has generated $200 million in revenue, giving it a strong competitive edge to capture a significant share of the market. Much of its income comes from royalty payments, especially from Vertex for a sickle cell treatment. In 2023, CRISPR Therapeutics received $170 million from this partnership and is set to receive another $130 million.
As of Q2 2024, 27 hedge funds in the Insider Monkey database held shares in the stock. The largest stakeholder in the stock was ARK Investment Management with stakes worth over $350 million.
8. Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IONS)
YTD Return: -23.92%
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IONS) is a biotechnology company focused on developing RNA-targeted therapeutics, particularly antisense drugs. These drugs are designed to target specific RNA sequences to treat various diseases. The company’s main areas of focus include rare diseases, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular conditions.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IONS) has 17 medicines in phase II or III trials, targeting diseases like ALS, Alzheimer’s, and rare conditions. A phase III success for Olezarsen, aimed at treating familial chylomicronemia syndrome, could expand its market and boost the company’s value. Additionally, Ionis could earn over $23 billion from milestone payments and partnerships, offering significant revenue potential.
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IONS) is working toward a more sustainable financial position even as it concentrates on making large investments in R&D to develop its pipeline. The company is expected to hit an EBIT trough in 2024, according to Wall Street analysts, although revenue growth is expected to be driven by several product launches scheduled for 2024–2025. The global distribution capabilities provided by its agreement with AstraZeneca may aid Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IONS) in optimizing the commercial potential of eplontersen.
In the third quarter of 2024, Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:IONS) reported revenue of $134 million, which fell by nearly 7% from the same period last year. However, the revenue beat analysts’ estimates by over $4 million. Loss from operations increased to $148 million, from $143 million in the prior year period. With a share price decline of 24% this year, IONS is one of the worst performing biotech stocks.
7. Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB)
YTD Return: -27.89%
Genmab A/S (NASDAQ:GMAB) is a Danish biotechnology company that specializes in developing antibody therapeutics for cancer and other serious diseases. The company’s core business revolves around creating innovative antibody-based medicines using its proprietary technology platforms, including DuoBody, HexaBody, and DuoHexaBody.
Genmab (NASDAQ:GMAB) has over 20 partnerships with leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies, boosting its ability to develop new therapies. In August, the European Commission granted conditional approval for TEPKINLY (epcoritamab), a first-of-its-kind bispecific antibody for relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma. Genmab aims to revolutionize cancer treatment with its innovative antibody medicines by 2030.
In July, the U.S. FDA approved Genmab’s EPKINLY (epcoritamab-bysp) for adults with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma (FL) after two or more systemic therapies. It’s the first subcutaneous T-cell engaging bispecific antibody approved for FL in the U.S., with an 82% overall response rate and 60% complete response in trials. EPKINLY is also approved for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, positioning it as a key therapy for B-cell malignancies.
As of Q3 2024, 14 hedge funds in the Insider Monkey database held shares in Genmab (NASDAQ:GMAB). The largest stakeholder in the stock was Renaissance Technologies with stakes worth over $43.5 million.
6. BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN)
YTD Return: -27.95%
BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) is a global biotechnology company founded in 1997 that focuses on developing and commercializing innovative therapies for rare genetic diseases, primarily affecting children. The company specializes in enzyme replacement therapies and other targeted treatments that address the underlying genetic causes of various disorders, aiming to serve small patient populations. The stock has fallen by nearly 28% since the start of 2024, which makes it one of the worst performing biotech stocks on our list.
In the latest quarter, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) achieved a revenue of $712.03 million, reflecting a 19.61% year-over-year increase, with earnings per share at $0.96. The VOXZOGO treatment is being administered to 3,500 children, particularly gaining traction in the U.S. among children under five, resulting in a 62% revenue increase.
Additionally, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) made progress in programs for hypochondroplasia, idiopathic short stature, Noonan Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, and SHOX deficiency. The company is focusing on ROCTAVIAN to support long-term revenue growth, aiming for profitability by the end of 2025 with a revised expense profile targeting annual expenses of around $60 million. The strong quarterly results and advancements in therapies underscore the company’s commitment to enhancing patient impact and shareholder value.
Parnassus Value Equity Fund stated the following regarding BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:
“We also closed out two positions, BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN), to invest in other opportunities with more potential upside. BioMarin’s risk/return profile has become less attractive due to an ill-timed drug launch and increased competition. We sold our profitable position in BioMarin in favor of other higher-conviction positions in the portfolio.”
As of the third quarter of 2024, 54 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey held stakes in BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (NASDAQ:BMRN), up from 48 in the previous quarter. These stakes are worth over $1.77 billion in total.
5. Legend Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ:LEGN)
YTD Return: -28.39%
Legend Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ:LEGN) is a global biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing cell therapies, particularly CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell) therapies. The company aims to create innovative cancer treatments, specifically targeting hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Its flagship product, CARVYKTI (ciltacabtagene autoleucel), is an FDA-approved CAR-T therapy for multiple myeloma. It is one of the worst performing biotech stocks on our list, falling by over 28% since the start of the year.
Legend Biotech reported strong earnings in the third quarter of 2024, with total revenue reaching $160.2 million, a 66.8% increase from the same period last year.
As of September 30, 2024, Legend Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ:LEGN) had $1.2 billion available in cash and cash equivalents. Its research and development expenses were $95.5 million, compared with $96 million in the prior year period. The company faces challenges, including ongoing losses, high R&D costs, dependence on collaborations—particularly with Johnson & Johnson for CARVYKTI, and intense market competition in the cell therapy sector.
Looking ahead, Legend Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ:LEGN) has potential for improvement by expanding its product pipeline with multiple CAR-T therapies, pursuing regulatory approvals that could boost sales, and leveraging manufacturing agreements with partners like Novartis to enhance production capabilities.
TimesSquare Capital U.S. Focus Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Legend Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ:LEGN) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:
“We began buying shares in Legend Biotech Corporation (NASDAQ:LEGN), a biotechnology developer of cell therapies to treat blood cancers such as multiple myeloma and leukemia. The European Union approved the use of Legend’s Carvykti treatment of multiple myeloma and later the FDA followed suit. Some investors may have been concerned about possible delays as Legend ramps up production, and its price declined. Though with a long-standing agreement with Johnson & Johnson and a new partnership with Novartis, we see a long runway of growth ahead, so we initiated a position.”
4. Immunovant, Inc. (NASDAQ:IMVT)
YTD Return: -30.52%
Immunovant, Inc. (NASDAQ:IMVT) is a clinical-stage immunology company focused on developing innovative therapies for autoimmune diseases. The company’s primary focus is on creating anti-FcRn (neonatal Fc receptor) antibodies, specifically IMVT-1402 and batoclimab, which aim to reduce harmful immunoglobulin G (IgG) autoantibodies in patients with various autoimmune conditions.
Immunovant, Inc. (NASDAQ: IMVT) has faced stock price challenges due to concerns over competitor argenx SE’s failure in pemphigus vulgaris, raising doubts about the FcRn class’s market potential. Coupled with significant cash burn, these factors have affected investor confidence.
However, Wall Street remains optimistic about Immunovant, Inc. (NASDAQ:IMVT)’s long-term growth, particularly after the company shifted its focus to IMVT-1402 as its lead drug candidate. Experts believe this decision is strategic, as IMVT-1402 has the potential to be best-in-class and is expected to enter 4-5 potentially registrational trials in the coming fiscal year.
Recently, Immunovant, Inc. (NASDAQ:IMVT) reported positive results from its Phase 2a trial of batoclimab for Graves’ Disease, further boosting market optimism about addressing this large unmet commercial need.
Baron Funds, an investment management company, released its first quarter 2024 investor letter. Here is what the fund said:
“Somewhat offsetting the above was adverse stock selection in biotechnology and health care supplies coupled with cash exposure amid favorable market conditions. Weakness in biotechnology was mainly due to disappointing performance from Rocket Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Immunovant, Inc. (NASDAQ:IMVT), whose shares fell double digits in the period. Immunovant is focused on autoimmune disorders targeting the FcRn mechanism of action. A host of concerns weighed on Immunovant’s stock price, the most critical of which was competitor argenx SE’s failure in pemphigus vulgaris, which has raised questions about the addressable opportunity for the FcRn class. Overall, we continue to believe FcRn will command billions in revenue and that Immunovant has one of the two competitive offerings in the space. We are most optimistic about Immunovant’s development plans in Graves’ disease, a large commercial unmet need in which they currently have no competition.”
Immunovant, Inc. (NASDAQ:IMVT) was a part of 36 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2024, compared with 41 in the previous quarter, as per Insider Monkey’s database. The stakes owned by these hedge funds have a collective value of over $685 million.
3. Cytokinetics, Incorporated (NASDAQ:CYTK)
YTD Return: -34.69%
Cytokinetics, Incorporated (NASDAQ:CYTK) is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing muscle activators and inhibitors for diseases with impaired muscle function. The company specializes in muscle biology and performance, creating small-molecule drug candidates designed to enhance myocardial muscle function and contractility.
In Q3 2024, Cytokinetics reported revenue of nearly $0.5 million, which saw a 22.4% growth from the same period last year. The company’s cash position also remained resilient as it ended the quarter with approximately $1.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents.
Cytokinetics, Incorporated (NASDAQ:CYTK) underperformed this year due to widening losses despite reduced R&D expenses, high cash burn, and regulatory uncertainties around Aficamten’s approval. However, the potential for improvement exists through a strong pipeline focused on cardiac muscle programs, a robust cash position for R&D, and a $575 million strategic collaboration with Royalty Pharma.
As of Q3 2024, 61 hedge funds in the Insider Monkey database held shares in the stock. The largest stakeholder in the company for that quarter was Polar Capital with stakes worth over $124 million. Despite Street analysts’ consensus Buy rating on CYTK, it is one of the worst performing biotech stocks on our list with a year-to-date decline of nearly 35%.
2. BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:BBIO)
YTD Return: -35.13%
BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:BBIO) is a commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing transformative medicines for patients with genetic diseases and cancers. Its primary business involves discovering and testing treatments for rare genetic disorders and cancers with clear genetic drivers.
BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:BBIO)’s revenue boost from licensing agreements highlights its ability to monetize intellectual property and forge strategic partnerships. The company’s diverse pipeline of genetic disease treatments serves as a potential catalyst, with positive clinical trial results expected to impact its prospects. Additionally, in August 2024, BridgeBio formed GondolaBio, a joint venture focused on early-stage programs, securing $300 million in financing from investors to support drug development.
In Q2 2024, BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:BBIO) reported revenue of $2.2 million, a slight increase from $1.6 million in Q2 2023. While this revenue growth is minimal, the company improved its net loss to $73.5 million from $157.9 million, primarily due to a $126.3 million gain on the deconsolidation of a subsidiary.
As of June 30, 2024, BridgeBio had $587.2 million in cash and equivalents, up from $392.6 million at the end of 2023, mainly from net proceeds from a term loan and equity financings. However, the company’s total debt stood at $447.13 million, raising concerns about financial stability.
BridgeBio’s stock performance has struggled due to several factors, including inconsistent revenue growth, ongoing significant losses, high operating expenses—especially in R&D—and a substantial debt burden that pressures financial flexibility and increases risk. With a year-to-date decline of over 35%, BBIO is one of the worst performing biotech stocks on our list.
1. Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA)
YTD Return: -44.88%
Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) is a biotechnology company specializing in messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines. It develops synthetic mRNA that instructs cells to produce proteins to prevent or treat diseases. The company primarily focuses on vaccines, including its COVID-19 vaccine, and potential treatments for rare diseases, cancer, and other medical conditions.
Challenges and failures have had a substantial impact on the company’s stock price in recent years. The revelation that Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) intends to cut its Research and Development (R&D) expenditure by about 20% over the next three years has put pressure on the company’s shares. This resulted from low vaccine sales and low sales estimates. The company intends to cut $1.1 billion from its yearly R&D spending by 2027 by ending five research and development initiatives. In addition to offering modest sales projections for 2025, the business is now aiming for a break-even operating result in 2028.
The stock suffered greatly due to the short-term challenges. These include RSV taking a while to ramp up and COVID-19 immunization rates, which are probably going to keep falling. Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) anticipates submitting applications for approval of three of the ten new items that are anticipated by 2027 this year. These include the company’s next-generation COVID-19 vaccine, the new Covid/flu vaccine, and the RSV vaccination for high-risk people between the ages of 18 and 59.
Wall Street is optimistic about Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA), believing its stock is poised for growth. The company is set to roll out its RSV vaccine, mRESVIA, in the U.S., and received a positive opinion from the European Medicines Agency. Additionally, positive Phase III results for its flu and COVID-19 combo vaccine and recent alliances with BARDA and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma are expected to support its performance.
Moderna, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) is confident in contributions from the EU market for sales in 2025 and 2026, and it continues to adapt to the dynamic vaccine market through new product roll-outs and partnerships.
Overall, MRNA ranks first among the 10 worst performing biotech stocks in 2024. While we acknowledge the potential of biotech companies, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than MRNA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.
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