Piper Jaffray's Favorite Antibody Plays (SGEN, MITI, REGN)

Piper Jaffray has released a report that focuses on next-gen antibody companies. “Over the past several years, we have seen significant consolidation in the biotherapeutic space,” Piper Jaffray writes. “We expect this trend to continue due to the scarcity of antibody technologies and the longer patent protection of biotherapeutics. Several next generation antibody companies are preparing to launch their first drugs in the next 12-18 months. “These factors support our Overweight ratings on Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. REGN, Seattle Genetics, Inc. SGEN and Micromet, Inc. MITI. These companies have strong balance sheets and partnerships to advance their pipelines.” Seattle Genetics, Inc. closed Tuesday at $15.34 Micromet, Inc. closed at $8.11; and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. closed at $33.26.