Expanded Recommendation for COVID-19 Vaccine and Introduction of New South Korean Supplier: Could this be a Breath of Fresh Air for BioNTech, Moderna, and Similar Companies?
In the world of vaccines and investments, there have been significant developments this week.
Moderna's Stock Surge and Germany's Coronavirus Incidence
The Nasdaq value for Moderna closed at an impressive $150 in the USA, marking a strong performance for the pharmaceutical company. Meanwhile, Germany reported a 18% decrease in the nationwide seven-day incidence of coronavirus infections compared to the previous week, according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI).
BioNTech's Future Prospects and Booster Recommendations
BioNTech, another key player in the vaccine market, has not been left behind. Berenberg remains optimistic for BioNTech, with a price target of 312 US dollars and a "Buy" rating. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the administration of a second corona booster vaccination for older people for the first time, and the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko) recommends a fourth vaccination against the coronavirus for all people over 60 years of age. The Stiko also recommends a booster vaccination for people aged five and over with an increased risk of severe corona courses.
Analyst Zhiqiang Shu from Berenberg believes BioNTech is on a good path to achieving the sales target for Covid-19 products, despite sales in the second quarter falling short of expectations. However, it is unclear to what extent this vaccine also protects against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Germany and Austria's Booster Strategies
In Germany, STIKO’s booster recommendations are integrated into national vaccination plans and are frequently updated based on the current scientific evidence. The fourth dose is particularly promoted for individuals aged 60 and older or with certain risk factors. Austria’s vaccination schedules, formulated in coordination with national expert committees, similarly reflect this approach, updating vaccine recommendations to include booster doses for defined risk groups and older adults.
BioNTech's Share Price and Potential
From the current price level, there is thus around 44 percent potential for the BioNTech share according to BOERSE ONLINE. BOERSE ONLINE considers the BioNTech share to be worth buying and has recently set a price target of 210 euros. However, the Moderna share fell by around three percent to 146.76 euros on Friday.
Conflict of Interest
It is worth noting that the CEO and majority shareholder of the publisher Börsenmedien AG (parent company of boerse-online.de), Mr. Bernd Förtsch, has directly and indirectly acquired positions in BioNTech.
Vaccines in the EU
Currently, there are six vaccines against the coronavirus approved in the EU. Two of these preparations have been adapted to variants of the virus, but the EMA is still examining the data of these adapted preparations. SK Bioscience's vaccine contains smallest particles of the spike protein of the coronavirus, according to the EMA.
In summary, the current booster vaccine recommendations prioritize older adults (generally 60+ years), immunocompromised persons, individuals with pre-existing risk conditions, healthcare workers, and those with an increased risk of severe corona courses. These groups are advised to receive additional booster doses at intervals recommended by national health authorities considering local virus circulation and variant emergence. The WHO supports this risk-based booster approach globally.
Moderna's impressive stock surge in the pharmaceutical sector is a testament to the potential in science and health-and-wellness industries, as the company's Nasdaq value closed at $150 this week. Meanwhile, as advised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Standing Vaccination Commission (Stiko), older people are being recommended to receive a fourth vaccination against the coronavirus, highlighting the continuing importance of science and health-and-wellness in mitigating the ongoing pandemic.
