The pharmaceutical industry is no stranger to long-term investments in research and development (R&D). One of India’s prominent pharmaceutical companies, Wockhardt, witnessed an unprecedented stock surge, climbing fivefold due to the success of a unique molecule developed over 25 years.
In July, Wockhardt’s new drug Zaynich, an antibiotic targeting highly resistant infections, helped treat a challenging infection in a young cancer patient in California. News of Zaynich’s successful trials is already boosting Wockhardt’s stock price, with some investors making long-term bets on the company.
Wockhardt’s shares have struggled, underperforming the Nifty 50 by over 150% over the past decade, impacting its reputation as an investment. However, its recent breakthrough antibiotic drug has sparked interest from mutual funds and prominent investors.
Mutual funds and high-net-worth investors like Rekha Jhunjhunwala were among the first to spot the opportunity. The stock has surged 5x in a year to over INR 1,100 per share, yet the company’s financial struggles persist. It has reported losses for 11 straight quarters, its return ratios have declined for over a decade, and its sales growth remains highly inconsistent.
For Wockhardt chairman Habil Khorakiwala, it was a wait spanning over two decades. His first antibiotic, WCK771, began its journey in 2000, with Zaynich standing out as a promising lead that his scientists were hopeful about.
What is Zaynich
It is an antibiotic designed to combat bacterial infections that have developed significant resistance to other treatments. Known as WCK5222 or Zaynich, this unassuming drug has captured the attention of investors. Wockhardt now has an opportunity to reclaim its former glory.
WCK 5222: Zaynich
| Indication Potential -Complicated Urinary Tract Infections -Complicated Intra-abdominal InfectionsBlood Stream Infections | WCK 5222 -Patents: Compound & Composition patent, granted in key markets. -Qualified Infectious Disease Product status granted by USFDA -Key opinion leaders from US, EU & China. |
| Treatment Regimen -Hospital Injectible -TID for 7-14 Days | WCK 5222 -Patents: Compound & Composition patent, granted in key markets. -Qualified Infectious Disease Product status granted by USFDA -Key opinion leaders from the US, EU & China. |
The Financial Impact: Why Wockhardt’s Stock Surged
- Stock Market Reaction: Wockhardt’s stock performance reflected strong investor sentiment, rallying five times its previous value as news of the molecule’s success spread. This reaction highlights the market’s confidence in the drug’s revenue potential.
- Attraction for Institutional Investors: A breakthrough drug with regulatory approval attracts institutional investors. This spike indicates heightened interest, setting Wockhardt apart from its competitors in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Regulatory Milestones: According to reports, Wockhardt plans to secure Indian regulatory approval for Zaynich by March next year. Phase three clinical trials are expected to conclude by early 2026, and a global launch could follow by mid-2026.
- Breakthrough in Antibiotic Innovation: Zaynich combines Wockhardt’s drug, zidebactam, with cefepime, a Bristol-Myers Squibb antibiotic, and is one of the rare treatments effective against various difficult-to-treat pathogens discovered in the last five decades.
- A Timely Solution to Antibiotic Resistance: In a world where antibiotic misuse is rampant, fatal infections from resistant pathogens are becoming a leading cause of death. Zaynich provides critical hope, especially for patients facing severe infections after complex surgeries.
- Expansive Market Opportunity: According to Khorakiwala, this drug could benefit approximately 700,000 patients in the US alone, and it has an even larger market in India, impacting over 1.1 million. Source: Economic Times
Challenges and Future Prospects
Wockhardt is conducting a global phase three clinical study for Zaynich, indicating advanced human testing across multiple countries. Successful completion of this study could lead to registrations and marketing authorizations within the next two years.
Pricing Strategy
- When Zaynich becomes available in India, Wockhardt plans to price it at a 75%—80% discount compared to US rates, which range from USD 8,000 to USD 10,000 per treatment course.
Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
- In the US, there are over 2.8 million AMR cases annually, resulting in approximately 48,000 deaths.
- Wockhardt projects that by 2050, AMRs could cause over 8 million deaths worldwide and impact the global economy by USD 100 trillion.
Market Potential
- Zaynich represents a significant advancement in managing bacterial infections, particularly against carbapenem-resistant strains.
- Competitors include Pfizer’s Avycaz, Zavicefta, and Shionogi’s Fetroja.
- The global market for these drugs is expected to reach USD 1 billion, with potential sales for Zaynich projected at around USD 500 million in a few years.
Cautions and Considerations
- Zaynich will not be a first-line treatment due to the need for careful assessment to avoid misuse and resistance.
- Challenges may arise in achieving rapid adoption among doctors. Experts emphasize the importance of effective marketing and distribution for Wockhardt to capitalize on its research investments.
- Alliances with global players are recommended for better licensing and negotiation outcomes.
Competition Landscape
Orchid Pharma achieved a breakthrough with enmetazobactam (Exblifep) earlier this year, receiving FDA approval for complicated urinary tract infections. Companies are focusing on promising molecules to inhibit beta-lactamases, reducing the frequency of AMR development.
Bugworks is another player with promising antibiotic research, particularly with drug BWC0977, which is effective against various life-threatening infections. Other companies like Rempex Pharmaceuticals and Merck are also pursuing new treatment options.
Wockhardt’s Opportunity
Wockhardt faces significant opportunities in the market, but these come with considerable risks. The company’s track record in risk management has been inconsistent.
Historical Challenges
- In the early 2000s, Wockhardt accumulated debt by spending USD 453 million on three international acquisitions.
- The company suffered losses of INR 555 crore from foreign exchange and derivatives during the global financial crisis of 2008, which severely impacted its economic health.
- By 2012, Wockhardt resolved its debt issues through loan restructuring and the sale of hospital assets. It experienced a brief period of recovery, with sales exceeding INR 5,500 crore in FY13.
Recent Struggles
- Following this peak, Wockhardt entered a downward trend, with all seven manufacturing plants facing scrutiny from US regulatory authorities between 2014 and 2019.
- Additional debt restructuring and partial monetization of non-core businesses have kept the company afloat during these challenging years.
- In 2020, Wockhardt sold part of its domestic branded business, including a manufacturing plant in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh, to Dr. Reddy’s for INR 1,850 crore.
Current Risk-Reward Assessment
- With Wockhardt’s stock price already reflecting expectations of potential sales from Zaynich, the current risk-reward ratio appears unfavorable, indicating limited upside potential.
- The company must improve profitability before Zaynich’s launch to justify the current market valuation.
Source: Economic Times
Conclusion
The 25-year journey to develop this molecule speaks volumes about the dedication, innovation, and resilience required to thrive in the pharmaceutical industry. Wockhardt’s success could catalyze more investment in patient-centered R&D, reshaping market dynamics and inspiring confidence in long-term scientific pursuits.
Disclaimer Note: The securities quoted, if any, are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. This article is for education purposes only and shall not be considered as a recommendation or investment advice by Equentis – Research & Ranking. We will not be liable for any losses that may occur. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by SEBI, membership of BASL & the certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors.
FAQ
What is Wockhardt’s Molecule, and why is it significant?
Wockhardt’s molecule is a novel therapeutic compound that treats a specific medical condition with promising results. This breakthrough discovery, stemming from over 25 years of intensive research, can potentially revolutionize the treatment landscape. The molecule’s efficacy and safety profile have garnered significant attention from the scientific community and investors alike, leading to a substantial increase in Wockhardt’s stock price.
What are the Potential Benefits of This Molecule?
The potential benefits of Wockhardt’s molecule are far-reaching. It could offer significant advantages over existing treatments, such as increased efficacy, reduced side effects, and improved patient outcomes. Additionally, this breakthrough could lead to the development of new therapies for related conditions, expanding the therapeutic potential of this novel compound.
What are the Next Steps for Wockhardt’s Molecule?
Wockhardt is currently focused on advancing the clinical development of its molecule. This involves conducting rigorous clinical trials to assess its safety, efficacy, and optimal dosage. Upon successful completion of these trials, the company aims to seek regulatory approval to bring this innovative therapy to market. This molecule’s successful commercialization could profoundly impact patient care and the company’s financial performance.
waitfor delay '0:0:5'--
I’m Archana R. Chettiar, an experienced content creator with
an affinity for writing on personal finance and other financial content. I
love to write on equity investing, retirement, managing money, and more.
