Reasons Why Mpox-Related Stocks Are Gaining Attention
Recently, the Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) virus has been rapidly spreading again, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare an international public health emergency (PHEIC) regarding Mpox.
Moreover, cases have been reported in South Korea, leading to growing fears of another pandemic similar to COVID-19. For more detailed information on Mpox, please refer to another post we have prepared.
(Link) The Global Spread of Mpox (MPOX)!! Is This the Second Coming of COVID-19?
As a result, Mpox-related stocks are once again drawing attention. In particular, pharmaceutical companies that develop and produce Mpox vaccines and treatments are receiving significant interest, with stock prices surging due to the expansion of vaccine supplies and new contract signings.
Given that we have experienced a similar situation during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely that similar attention will be paid this time as well. Now, let’s take a closer look at seven U.S. stocks related to Mpox.
Overview of the 7 Mpox-Related Stocks
| Company Name | Ticker | Current Price (2024/8/16) | Change from Last Month | Brief Overview |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bavarian Nordic | BAVA | $257.50 | +20% | Manufacturer of the Mpox and smallpox vaccine “Jynneos.” Recently signed a major contract with the U.S. government. |
| Emergent BioSolutions | EBS | $9.12 | +15% | Manufacturer of vaccines and treatments for biological defense and public health threats. Produces Mpox vaccines. |
| SIGA Technologies | SIGA | $5.50 | +18% | Developer of antiviral treatments for viral diseases, including the Mpox antiviral “TPOXX.” |
| Tonix Pharmaceuticals | TNXP | $0.70 | +10% | Developer of immunology and infectious disease treatments, currently developing an Mpox vaccine. |
| Chimerix | CMRX | $1.02 | +8% | Developer of antiviral treatments, currently working on an Mpox treatment. |
| GeoVax Labs | GOVX | $0.78 | +12% | Research and development company for infectious disease prevention vaccines, developing an Mpox vaccine. |
| SIGMA Pharmaceuticals | SPH | $6.45 | +11% | Biopharmaceutical company researching vaccines and treatments to combat the Mpox virus. |
Detailed Explanation of the 7 Mpox-Related Stocks
1. Bavarian Nordic (BAVA)
Company Introduction:
Bavarian Nordic, headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, is a global biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of vaccines for infectious diseases and immunotherapies.
Founded in 1994, the company primarily develops vaccines for viral diseases, particularly known for its “Jynneos” vaccine for the prevention of smallpox and Mpox.
This vaccine has been approved by regulatory authorities in multiple countries, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Health Canada, and the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Bavarian Nordic works closely with the U.S. government to provide vaccines for bioterrorism and public health threats, having secured numerous major contracts in the process.
Reason for Classification as an Mpox-Related Stock:
Bavarian Nordic is the sole manufacturer of the “Jynneos” vaccine for the prevention of Mpox and smallpox. Following WHO’s recent declaration of a Mpox emergency, demand for this vaccine has surged, bringing the company into the spotlight.
In August 2024, the company signed a major contract worth $156.8 million with the U.S. government to replenish the country’s vaccine stockpile.
This contract is promoting the mass production and global supply of the Mpox vaccine, positioning Bavarian Nordic as a key company in the response to the spread of Mpox.
The company had already played a significant role as a major supplier during the Mpox outbreak in 2022, and it continues to strengthen its position as a primary supplier.
2. Emergent BioSolutions (EBS)
Company Introduction:
Emergent BioSolutions, founded in 1998 in Maryland, USA, is a pharmaceutical and biotechnology company that develops vaccines and treatments to counter biological threats, infectious diseases, and public health issues.
The company focuses on providing solutions for bioterrorism and public health threats, with a diverse portfolio of biologic defense vaccines, including FDA-approved products.
Emergent BioSolutions’ product line includes vaccines and treatments for various biological threats such as anthrax, smallpox, and Mpox. The company has secured large contracts through collaborations with the U.S. government and international organizations.
Reason for Classification as an Mpox-Related Stock:
Emergent BioSolutions produces vaccines for the prevention of Mpox, among other biological threats.
The company is particularly specialized in developing products to counter biological defense and public health threats, which brings it into focus whenever an infectious disease like Mpox spreads.
With WHO declaring a Mpox emergency, the company’s vaccine production capabilities and existing public health contracts are being re-evaluated, leading to a rise in its stock price.
Emergent BioSolutions has recently enhanced its research and development (R&D) and production capabilities for Mpox, cementing its position as a key Mpox-related stock.
3. SIGA Technologies (SIGA)
Company Introduction:
Founded in 1995 in New York, USA, SIGA Technologies is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing antiviral treatments for deadly viral diseases.
The company’s flagship product, “TPOXX” (SIGA’s ST-246), is an antiviral drug developed for the treatment of deadly viral infections like smallpox and Mpox.
TPOXX is the first oral antiviral drug approved by the FDA for the treatment of smallpox and has also been approved as a treatment for Mpox.
SIGA has invested significant resources in the research and development (R&D) of antiviral treatments like TPOXX, playing a crucial role in responding to public health threats both in the U.S. and globally.
Reason for Classification as an Mpox-Related Stock:
SIGA Technologies is classified as an Mpox-related stock due to its development of TPOXX, an antiviral treatment for viral diseases like Mpox, which has been approved by the FDA.
With the recent spread of Mpox, demand for TPOXX has surged, and SIGA is playing a critical role in Mpox treatment through the supply of this product.
Following WHO’s declaration of a Mpox emergency, SIGA has expanded TPOXX production, making a significant contribution to the global Mpox response.
The company is also expected to see increased revenue through various government contracts for the supply of TPOXX.
4. Tonix Pharmaceuticals (TNXP)
Company Introduction:
Tonix Pharmaceuticals, headquartered in New Jersey, USA, is a biopharmaceutical company that researches and develops treatments for infectious diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders.
The company focuses on developing innovative treatments for immunology and infectious diseases, particularly those that utilize the body’s immune system.
Tonix operates multiple vaccine development programs for infectious diseases, including a new vaccine for Mpox, which is currently under development.
The company is evaluating its vaccine candidates across various clinical trial stages, aiming to lead the development of the next generation of vaccines.
Reason for Classification as an Mpox-Related Stock:
Tonix Pharmaceuticals is currently focused on developing a vaccine for Mpox, which has drawn attention as an Mpox-related stock.
In response to the spread of Mpox, the company has accelerated its vaccine development program, particularly targeting innovative vaccines that induce immune responses.
With the Mpox vaccine entering clinical trial stages, Tonix has attracted investor interest, and successful clinical results could position the company as a major player in Mpox response.
In addition to Mpox, the company is developing vaccines and treatments for several other infectious diseases, playing an important role in addressing public health threats.
5. Chimerix (CMRX)
Company Introduction:
Chimerix, founded in 2000, is a U.S.-based biopharmaceutical company focused on developing antiviral drugs and anticancer therapies.
The company adopts innovative approaches to the development of treatments for infectious diseases and cancer, with a particular focus on treatments for deadly viral diseases.
Chimerix has a broad portfolio of antiviral drugs and is engaged in significant research and development (R&D) projects to counter the global threat of infectious diseases.
The company offers treatment options for viral diseases like smallpox and Mpox through FDA-approved products.
Reason for Classification as an Mpox-Related Stock:
Chimerix is working on developing a treatment for Mpox, which has led to its classification as an Mpox-related stock.
The recent spread of Mpox has heightened interest in treatment development, leading to a re-evaluation of Chimerix’s antiviral drug portfolio.
The company is particularly focused on developing effective treatments for the Mpox virus, with ongoing clinical trials to validate their effectiveness.
Chimerix is also collaborating with the U.S. government to supply treatments in response to public health threats, and it is expected to play a significant role in the Mpox treatment market in the future.
6. GeoVax Labs (GOVX)
Company Introduction:
GeoVax Labs, headquartered in Atlanta, USA, is a biopharmaceutical company primarily focused on developing vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases.
Founded in 1992, the company emphasizes the development of vaccines that leverage the body’s immune system, with a particular strength
in providing prevention solutions for high-risk groups.
GeoVax develops vaccines based on a technology platform proven in clinical trials, focusing on preventing viral diseases such as HIV, Zika virus, Ebola, and more recently, Mpox.
The company’s vaccine development uses highly innovative viral vector systems to induce immune responses, offering potential in the prevention of various infectious diseases.
Reason for Classification as an Mpox-Related Stock:
GeoVax Labs is actively pursuing the development of a vaccine for the prevention of Mpox in response to its spread, drawing attention as an Mpox-related stock.
The company is currently conducting clinical trials for the Mpox vaccine, and successful commercialization could position GeoVax as a key player in the Mpox response.
With WHO designating Mpox as an international public health emergency, global demand for Mpox prevention vaccines is rapidly increasing, and GeoVax is accelerating vaccine development to meet this demand.
The company’s technology platform has the capability to respond to various infectious diseases, making it expected to play a significant role not only in Mpox but also in the prevention of other viral diseases in the future.
7. SIGMA Pharmaceuticals (SPH)
Company Introduction:
SIGMA Pharmaceuticals is a global pharmaceutical company focused on the research and development of biopharmaceuticals, particularly vaccines and treatments for various infectious diseases.
The company integrates the entire process from drug development to clinical research, with a strong ability to respond quickly to urgent public health threats such as infectious diseases.
SIGMA conducts research on vaccines and treatments for various infectious diseases, playing an important role in the global healthcare market.
The company’s research and development team is particularly focused on developing high-efficiency vaccines using the latest biotechnology, positioning SIGMA as a leading biopharmaceutical company.
Reason for Classification as an Mpox-Related Stock:
SIGMA Pharmaceuticals is developing vaccines and treatments to combat the Mpox virus, which has led to its classification as an Mpox-related stock.
With WHO declaring a Mpox emergency, SIGMA’s Mpox vaccine development program has gained significant attention, and the company plans to contribute to the global supply of vaccines through this program.
SIGMA is also accelerating the development of vaccines and treatments to prevent the spread of Mpox in collaboration with governments and global organizations, continuing efforts to prove the safety and effectiveness of its vaccines through clinical trials.
These development efforts are positioning SIGMA as a key player in the Mpox response, positively impacting the company’s market value and stock price.