Biotech stocks win October, rallying 8%

Biotechnology stocks are emerging as the standout performers in October. 

The Biotech ETF (IBB) is up 8% this month, while the S&P 500 is up about 2% in October. The IBB is on pace for its best month since January, when it gained 13.75%.

Leading the way are large-cap biotechnology companies Amgen and Celgene, which are up about 8% this month and Biogen, which is up nearly 30% in October. 

Last week, Biogen’s stock soared after the drugmaker announced it was seeking regulatory approval for an Alzheimer’s drug, aducanumab. The announcement came just months after Biogen discontinued clinical studies of the same drug following a data analysis that did not achieve its objective. However, new data showed the drug reduced the clinical decline in patients with Alzheimer’s, the company said. Biogen has a market value of about $54 billion. 

Vertex Pharmaceuticals is also boosting sentiment in the sector after it received approval for its Cystic Fibrosis drug 5-months earlier than expected. Vertex’s stock is up over 17% this month. 

Reata Pharma is up more than 154% in October, on pace for its best month ever back to its initial public offering in May 2016. Achillion, Aclaris and Ra Pharmaceuticals are other standout performers this month. 

It is important to note the Biotech ETF is up about 11% this year, lagging the broader market.