COVID-19 Index Update
The Vox Markets COVID-19 Index soared 21% to 1106.1 as all but one of the 24 companies in the index gained during the four-day trading period to 9 April.
There were standout performances from Avacta and Novacyte in the Healthcare sector, each gaining 95%, with Genedrive, eTherapeutics and Yourgene Health supporting the rise with 43%, 27% and 20% share price gains respectively.
Outside the healthcare sector, the value of Tekcapital more than doubled during the period to 14p, although some of these gains may not be directly related to newsflow from the Company’s portfolio company developing a portable oxygen enrichment ventilation system.
Special mention must be given to Novacyt SAS which had a flurry of positive news during the week with regulatory approval being granted in France and Thailand, the collaboration with AstraZeneca, GSK and the University of Cambridge to support the national testing effort in the UK and announcing its test is now eligible for World Health Organisation (“WHO”) procurement under the WHO Emergency Use Listing process for an initial one year period.
Gainers / Fallers
JOINERS / LEAVERS
Tiziana Life Science (Mkt Cap; £78.5m)
We are adding Tiziana Life Sciences to the index following news the biotechnology company has developed investigational new technology to treat COVID-19 infections, which consists of direct delivery of anti-IL-6 receptor (anti-IL-6R) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) into the lungs using a handheld inhaler or nebulizer.
Development of this novel technology is a step forward toward expediting development of TZLS-501, a fully human anti-interleukin-6 receptor (anti-IL6R) monoclonal antibody (mAb) for treatment of patients infected with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) coronavirus.
Silence Therapeutics (Mkt Cap £314.1m)
We are adding Silene Therapeutics to the index following news that tit has repurposed equipment in its Berlin site to produce critical reagents for COVID-19 PCR diagnostic test kits, which are currently in short supply. We are doing this work on a cost only basis for TIB Molbiol GmbH, based in Berlin, and believe the use of our specialist equipment will significantly increase their capacity to produce test kits on short notice and with high demand for global distribution.
Omega Diagnostics (Mkt Cap: £24.4m)
We are adding Omega Diagnostics to the Index following news it has signed MoU with three UK companies in order to jointly develop and manufacture a COVID-19 point-of-care antibody test. Omega will work alongside Abingdon Health, BBI Solutions, and CIGA Healthcare for an initial six-month period to optimise a design for a potential accelerated scale-up to manufacturing rapid test for COVID-19. Once the test reaches design freeze, procedures will be shared with the parties to enable manufacturing to be undertaken at each site, including at Omega's own site in Scotland.
Disclaimer & Declaration of Interest
The information, investment views and recommendations in this article are provided for general information purposes only. Nothing in this article should be construed as a solicitation to buy or sell any financial product relating to any companies under discussion or to engage in or refrain from doing so or engaging in any other transaction. Any opinions or comments are made to the best of the knowledge and belief of the writer but no responsibility is accepted for actions based on such opinions or comments. Vox Markets may receive payment from companies mentioned for enhanced profiling or publication presence. The writer may or may not hold investments in the companies under discussion.