Virtus LifeSci Biotech Products ETF Price & Performance (BBP)

Vinay Prasad’s appointment as head of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research is raising uncertainty in the biotech sector. Multiple cell and gene therapy stocks, including Taysha, Solid Biosciences, and Sarepta, saw double-digit declines as investors worried about stricter review standards and changing regulatory priorities.12

Merck Germany’s purchase of U.S. cancer drugmaker SpringWorks, following FDA approval of OGSIVEO, has lifted SpringWorks shares by over 3%. This acquisition is expected to impact biotech-focused ETFs, including those tracking immunology and clinical-stage companies, as investors anticipate further consolidation in the sector.34

Iovance Biotherapeutics’ recent earnings call disappointed investors, with management’s lack of transparency over revenue shortfalls fueling speculation about a potential takeover. With shares trading below $2, market watchers cite poor judgment and process inexperience as key risks, and expect continued volatility in the coming months.56