The Week Ahead In Biotech: Conferences, PDUFA Dates, Clinical Trial Readouts And IPOs

Biotech stocks came made upward moves last week after a rangebound period.

Among big pharma companies, Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) was a standout gainer, notching up 52-week highs in successive sessions, partly due to the ongoing momentum of its cancer immunotherapy Keytruda.

Stocks also reacted to several independent clinical trial readouts as well as conference presentations. Melinta Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: MLNT) was a strong performer, trebling on the news of the FDA accepting its sNDA for Baxdela to treat community-acquired pneumonia.