Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (SRPT), Keryx Biopharmaceuticals (KERX), MannKind Corporation (MNKD): Three Speculative Biotech Companies Primed to Pop

Ready for a giant leap
MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ:MNKD) stands closer than ever to taking a giant leap for its shareholders. The company expects to conclude two clinical studies in the next few months for its inhalable insulin product, Afrezza. Results from both studies will be announced in August. MannKind hopes to submit for FDA approval by October.

While the last decade proved to be a roller coaster ride for investors, 2013 is looking great for MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ:MNKD) so far. Shares are up nearly 60% year-to-date in anticipation of good news from the clinical studies. I fully expect that anticipation to be rewarded. The biotech encountered plenty of bumps and bruises in past attempts to gain approval for Afrezza, but this time MannKind should prevail in its quest.

The biggest risk stems from finding a partner to commercialize Afrezza. MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ:MNKD) won’t be able to go it alone. However, company president and COO Hakan Edstrom said in February that discussions are under way with several interested parties. I predict the biotech will snag a partner by the time it submits the NDA for Afrezza later this year.

Speculating
Speculative stocks, by definition, carry high risk in exchange for the hope of big gains. These three biotech companies certainly have risks, but I think that they all will gain regulatory approval for their lead products and ultimately achieve commercial success. Whether the timing is next week, next month, or later this year, these stocks are primed to pop.

The article 3 Speculative Biotech Companies Primed to Pop originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Keith Speights.

Fool contributor Keith Speights has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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