5 Top Gainers In Healthcare Sector (CASM, VKTX, ADMA...)

(RTTNews) - The following are some of today's top gainers in the pharma/biotech sector.

1. CAS Medical Systems Inc. (CASM)

Gained 54.14% to close Tuesday's (Feb.12) trading at $2.42.

News: The Company is all set to be acquired by Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (EW) in an all-cash transaction for $2.45 per share of Common Stock, or an equity value of approximately $100 million.

The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2019.

2. Aileron Therapeutics Inc. (ALRN)

Aileron is a clinical-stage company developing therapies to treat cancer and other diseases.

Gained 26.63% to close Tuesday's trading at $2.14.

News: No news

Clinical Trials & Near-term Catalysts:

-- A phase IIa expansion of ALRN-6924 as monotherapy in cohorts of patients with relapsed or refractory peripheral T-cell lymphoma is underway. Interim data reported last December were promising. -- A phase IIa expansion cohort of ALRN-6924 in combination with Pfizer's IBRANCE in cancer patients with MDM2-amplified solid tumors is ongoing. Preliminary data from this trial is expected in the second half of 2019. -- A phase I and phase Ib open-label, multi-center dose-escalation trials of ALRN-6924 as a monotherapy and in combination with cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who failed hypomethylating agents are ongoing. Interim data reported last December were promising.

3. CorMedix Inc. (CRMD)

CorMedix is a biopharmaceutical company developing therapeutic products for the prevention and treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

Gained 24.41% to close Tuesday's trading at $2.65.

News: No news

Clinical Trial & Near-term Catalyst:

The lead product candidate Neutrolin, a novel, non-antibiotic antimicrobial solution designed to prevent costly and dangerous bloodstream infections associated with the use of central venous catheters, is under phase III development for patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis.

The phase III trial of Neutrolin, dubbed LOCK-IT-100, demonstrated efficacy last July. A meeting with the FDA to discuss Neutrolin's development path is expected this quarter (Q1, 2019).

4. ADMA Biologics Inc. (ADMA)

ADMA is a commercial biopharmaceutical and specialty immunoglobulin company.

Gained 24.41% to close Tuesday's trading at $2.65.

News: The Company announced that it has entered into a senior secured term loan facility with Perceptive Advisors for up to $72.5 million under two funding tranches.

Recent event:

On January 7, 2019, the Company submitted responses to the FDA for the Complete Response Letter received on December 19, 2018, for BIVIGAM's Prior Approval Supplement. The Company anticipates receiving an acknowledgment letter from the FDA within 30 days.

BIVIGAM, an intravenous immune globulin indicated for the treatment of primary humoral immunodeficiency, received FDA approval on December 19, 2012, when it was under the aegis of Biotest Pharmaceuticals Corp. After selling the drug in the U.S. market for nearly 4 years, Biotest Pharma halted the production of BIVIGAM in December 2016.

ADMA Biologics obtained ownership and all rights, title, and interest in BIVIGAM on June 6, 2017, as part of the Biotest Therapy Business Unit asset acquisition.

5. Viking Therapeutics Inc. (VKTX)

Viking Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for patients suffering from metabolic and endocrine disorders.

Gained 10.60% to close Tuesday's trading at $8.97.

News: One man's loss is another's gain. Viking's stock rose following news of Gilead Sciences Inc.'s (GILD) failure of phase III study of Selonsertib in patients with compensated cirrhosis due to NASH, dubbed STELLAR 4, to meet the pre-specified week 48 primary endpoint.

Viking is also developing a drug for NASH by the name VK2809. Last September, the Company announced positive top-line results from a 12-week phase II study of VK2809 in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

NASH is a more severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD.

Viking is planning to initiate a clinical study of VK2809 in biopsy-confirmed NASH this year.