Four healthcare stocks racing to develop a cure

Editor's note: Read the latest on how the coronavirus is rattling the markets and what you can do to navigate it.

Even as some countries start to ease lockdown restrictions and open parts of their economies, scientists and pharmaceutical companies are racing to develop COVID-19 treatments and a vaccine to rein in the catastrophic consequences of the virus. Fear of a second wave in the fall that may prove to be just as severe has given governments, charities and drugmakers the impetus to go all out in pursuit of protection against the deadly virus. Billions are being poured into research and development efforts, regulations have been eased to speed up the process, and human trials are underway, much of it in a big departure from traditional rules.

As a result, the pipeline of potential therapies to treat or prevent coronavirus infection is growing steadily. The U.S. FDA counted 10 investigation drugs in trials, with 15 being considered for trial launches, as of March 31, according to a Morningstar report. The companies with experience with vaccines and those with infectious disease expertise could benefit from the coronavirus outbreak. “There could be some intangible benefits to drug companies, as goodwill would build substantially if they can navigate a path out of this crisis,” says Morningstar sector director, Damien Conover.

Opportunistic investors may want to take a close look at these healthcare companies that are at the forefront of multiple initiatives to fight COVID-19, including potential treatments in trial stages. Their robust portfolios comprise treatments for critical illnesses which provide them cushion against periods of economic uncertainty.

Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) is the world's largest and most diverse healthcare company that operates three divisions: pharmaceutical (focused on immunology, oncology, neurology, pulmonary, cardiology, and metabolic diseases), medical devices and diagnostics (orthopedics, surgery tools, vision care), and consumer (baby care, beauty, oral care, over-the-counter drugs, and women’s health). The drug and device groups accounts for close to 80% of sales and generate the bulk of cash flow.

The company is working on a potential coronavirus vaccine with human testing due to begin in September. “We expect J&J to lead the charge in developing a coronavirus vaccine with annual production of 600 million-900 million vaccines likely by early 2021,” says a Morningstar equity report, but adds the firm may initially offer the vaccine on a nonprofit basis.

The firm’s research and development efforts are resulting in blockbuster therapies and next-generation products, adds Conover, who recently reduced the stock’s fair value from US$137 from US$133, due to disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

French healthcare giant, Sanofi (SNY) develops and markets drugs focused on multiple therapeutics areas including oncology, immunology, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and vaccines. The company generates nearly 30% of revenue from the U.S., 25% from Europe, while emerging markets making up most of the rest.

The European drugmaker recently announced plans to test their arthritis drug Kevzara as a coronavirus treatment. Sanofi is conducting a second clinical trial, which is among several medicines being investigated by the World Health Organization (WHO) in an effort to find a solution for COVID-19.

The global biopharmaceutical company’s diverse array of drugs and vaccines, and robust pipeline create strong cash flows and a wide economic moat. “Sanofi's existing product line boasts several top-tier drugs, including long-acting insulin Lantus,” says a Morningstar equity report, adding that the growth of existing products and new product launches should help mitigate weakening pricing in the insulin market. “In particular, immunology drug Dupixent looks well positioned to reach peak sales over EUR 7 billion ($10.6 billion), with an initial focus on the moderate to severe atopic dermatitis market,” says Conover, who recently lowered the stock’s fair value from US$57 to US$55, based on disruptions caused by the coronavirus.