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CRMD vs. TBPH: Which Small-Cap Biotech Stock Is the Better Buy?
ZACKSยท 2025-10-30 19:06
Core Insights - CorMedix (CRMD) and Theravance Biopharma (TBPH) are small-cap biotechnology companies with market caps under $1 billion, operating in niche therapeutic markets and characterized by limited product portfolios and high volatility potential for investors [1][5] CorMedix (CRMD) - CorMedix's lead product, DefenCath, received FDA approval in late 2023 as the first antimicrobial catheter lock solution in the U.S., aimed at reducing catheter-related bloodstream infections in adult patients undergoing hemodialysis [2] - DefenCath generated $78.8 million in net revenues in the first half of 2025, with expectations for strong year-over-year growth in the third quarter [7] - The company plans to expand DefenCath's label into total parenteral nutrition, enhancing its customer base [8] - CorMedix acquired Melinta Therapeutics for $300 million, adding seven approved therapies to its portfolio and diversifying its revenue streams [9] - Preliminary third-quarter 2025 results showed net revenues exceeding $125 million, prompting an increase in full-year revenue guidance to at least $375 million [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CorMedix's 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year increases of approximately 488% and 717%, respectively [19] Theravance Biopharma (TBPH) - Theravance collaborates with Viatris to commercialize Yupelri, a nebulized treatment for COPD, sharing profits with Viatris receiving 65% and Theravance 35% [13] - Revenues from the Viatris collaboration rose 19% year-over-year to $34.1 million in the first half of 2025 [15] - Theravance is developing ampreloxetine for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, with top-line data expected in Q1 2026 [16] - The company sold its remaining royalty interest in Trelegy Ellipta to GSK for $225 million, strengthening its balance sheet [17] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Theravance's 2025 sales implies an 88% year-over-year increase, with a projected 75% narrowing of loss per share [19] Comparative Analysis - CorMedix's strategy focuses on immediate revenue generation through DefenCath, while Theravance relies on a partnership for revenue and is dependent on the success of its late-stage drug program [4][31] - CorMedix's diversified portfolio and strong commercial execution position it favorably compared to Theravance, which faces higher risks due to its limited pipeline and reliance on a single collaboration [31] - Year-to-date, CRMD shares have gained 39.6%, while TBPH shares have increased by 50.5%, outperforming the industry average of 10.7% [24]