Although the BioWorld Biopharmaceutical Index has recovered slightly within the last month, it is showing only a small gain since the start of the year. Up by 2.82%, it is somewhat in line with the Nasdaq Biotechnology Index gain of 4.83%, but significantly beneath the broader markets. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, for example, was up by 17.03% at the end of October.

A comparison of the first 10 months of every year going back to 2000 indicates that the volume and value of IPOs and of venture capital financings are at their highest levels in 2021. Private placements and other similar financings are coming in second to last year, while follow-on offerings – the weakest type of financing this year – fall at about fourth place.

As booster shots become increasingly available and COVID-19 vaccines for young children are introduced into pediatric offices, several potential therapeutics to battle the SARS-CoV-2 virus are lining up for regulatory authorizations.

The top 10 biopharma stock gainers and losers for the week.

On target with last year, a total of 87% of funds recorded in 2021 through biopharma collaborations with nonprofit entities by the end of October are focused on COVID-19 pandemic efforts. The pandemic accounts for 54% of the money collected through grants, which is still a sturdy amount but down from 76% in 2020.