3 stocks of COVID vaccines that could be millionaires

Some investors have made a lot of money this year on shares of companies developing coronavirus vaccines. Many of these stocks have increased by hundreds of percentage points in a relatively short period of time. And that happened before any COVID-19 vaccine got emergency use authorization or regulatory approval.

Investors still have a lot of money to gain in the race for the coronavirus vaccine. These three stocks of COVID vaccines could even potentially be millionaire manufacturers.

1. Modern

Modern (NASDAQ: ARNM) appears to be very close to hitting the market with its COVID-19 vaccine mRNA-1273. Biotechnology reported fantastic efficacy results for the experimental vaccine a few weeks ago. Assuming there are no bumps in the road, Moderna could earn emergency use clearance for mRNA-1273 in December.

An influx of cash is likely to flow into Moderna’s coffers soon. Biotech has supply agreements on hand for more than 330 million doses. While financial details of all of its supply deals have not been announced, the combined price of those deals is likely to exceed $ 6 billion and may be much more than that.

Don’t expect mRNA-1273 to propel Moderna into millionaire’s stock. Biotechnology market capitalization already reflects much of the potential of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the success of mRNA-1273 could bode well for the rest of Moderna’s pipeline – and it could simply allow investors who buy the stock now to become millionaires over time.

Moderna believes its messenger RNA (mRNA) technology can be used in vaccines and therapies targeting a myriad of diseases. The company currently has a dozen mRNA programs in its pipeline. CEO Stephane Bancel hopes to use the cash he hopes will be on the way from the 1273 mRNA supply agreements to expand the pipeline to up to 50 mRNA programs in clinical trials. This is a multiplier effect that could make Moderna shareholders very wealthy if several of these candidates are successful.

2. Novavax

Although Moderna ranks among the clear leaders in the coronavirus vaccine race, the biotech action has not generated the biggest gains so far this year. This honor belongs to Novavax (NASDAQ: NVAX): Its shares have skyrocketed by more than 3,000% since the start of the year.

Novavax currently has an advanced stage clinical study underway for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373. The company plans to start an advanced U.S. study of the experimental vaccine by the end of November. It has already made deals with Australia, Canada and the UK to deliver a combined total of 176 million doses of NVX-CoV2373 if all goes well. In addition, Novavax has received $ 1.6 billion in Operation Warp Speed ​​funding as part of an agreement that includes the supply of 100 million doses to the United States.

In addition to its promising coronavirus vaccine, Novavax also has an influenza vaccine candidate, NanoFlu, which could be submitted for approval to the Food and Drug Administration. Biotechnology announced exceptional results earlier this year from an advanced stage study of NanoFlu. The main hurdle to overcome now is a batch consistency test to demonstrate that the company’s manufacturing processes are in order.

Despite its huge gain this year, Novavax’s market capitalization stands at around $ 6 billion. With two potential hit vaccines waiting behind the scenes, the stock could increase dramatically.

3. Vaxart

Vaxart (NASDAQ: VXRT) is not as advanced in clinical testing of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, VXA-CoV2-1. However, the stock has been a bigger winner than most, climbing nearly 1,900% so far this year.

Biotech is currently evaluating VXA-CoV2-1 in a Phase 1 clinical study. Vaxart completed its study enrollment earlier this month and may report the first results in the coming weeks.

Could Vaxart be too late at the party to pass the VXA-CoV2-1? Not necessarily. There’s something unique about VXA-CoV2-1 that could be a game-changer: it’s a single-dose tablet. All of the major coronavirus vaccine candidates are injections, with most of them requiring two doses several weeks apart.

If VXA-CoV2-1 proves safe and effective, Vaxart could have great opportunities with oral vaccines targeting other viral diseases. With its market cap of less than $ 750 million, investors could still potentially make a fortune with the stock if all goes well in Vaxart’s clinical studies.

Don’t count your money yet

These three stocks of COVID vaccines have already generated massive gains and may have plenty of room to function. But don’t count your money just yet.

Vaxart is obviously the riskiest of the group because it is still in its infancy. However, Moderna and Novavax are also risky. There are still significant hurdles to overcome for each biotechnology.

The potential for any action to make big money comes hip with the potential to lose big money. Investors should weigh the risks against the possible rewards before buying stocks, even those that could be millionaires.