Some experts say we’re in “the golden age of biotechnology.” Scientific advances are opening up possibilities for the treatment and prevention of diseases that could only have been imagined in the past. This golden age is also presenting tremendous opportunities for investors.
Biotech stocks offer the potential for substantial long-term returns. The best biotech stocks to buy now boast robust pipelines; some already have winning drugs on the market.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals (VRTX) is the undisputed leader in cystic fibrosis therapies. The company’s portfolio of approved CF drugs will deliver at least an estimated $8.4 billion this year, made possible by an intense level of market penetration and decades-long devotion to research and development in the space.
So far, the company has remained strongly profitable and has continued to expand revenue within the CF market at a steady pace. If management’s plans for expanded approvals for younger age cohorts continue to come to fruition over the next few years, Vertex will eventually be treating as many as 90% of all people with CF.
The company is moving its pipeline beyond CF with a handful of mid-stage clinical programs for pain relief, kidney disease, and genetic hematologic disorders like sickle cell disease. In other words, even if it eventually corners the entire CF therapy market, there will still be other growth opportunities.
One potential catalyst is its partnership with CRISPR Therapeutics (CRSP) in developing gene-editing treatments for two rare blood disorders, which is expected to begin regulatory studies in March 2023. This means investors can look forward to a steadily increasing flow of new revenue and expanded approvals, which should significantly support the stock’s price.
Of 26 analysts offering recommendations for VRTX, 18 give the stocks a Buy rating, and 9 rate it a Hold. There are no Sell ratings. It seems likely that Vertex will reward patient investors as the steadily growing biopharma company seems ripe for expansion for years to come.
