The Week Ahead In Biotech: Novo Nordisk And Merck Await FDA Rulings, 2 IPOs On Deck

The Week Ahead In Biotech: Novo Nordisk And Merck Await FDA Rulings, 2 IPOs On Deck

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Yahoo/Benzinga
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Biotech stocks rebounded in last week after declining modestly in the previous week.

Some of the drugs that cleared the FDA hurdle this week include Ardelyx Inc (NASDAQ: ARDX)'s constipation drug Ibsrela; South African drugmaker Apsen Pharmacare's hydroxyprogesterone caproate, indicated to prevent preterm birth in pregnant women; and GlaxoSmithKline plc (NYSE: GSK)'s Nucala for treating severe eosinophilic asthma in children, ages 8-11 years.

The week turned out to be a disappointing one for a few nano- and micro-cap stocks, which reported negative clinical trial readouts. Tocagen Inc (NASDAQ: TOCA) tumbled about 78% after its brain cancer drug failed to ace a late-stage study and Ritter Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: RTTR)'s pipeline asset to treat lactose intolerance also stumbled in a late-stage study, sending its shares to a record low.

Here are the key catalysts a biotech investor needs to focus on for the upcoming week.