Seeking Alpha: Vectura Group Following A Familiar Path

Investors who like Nektar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:NKTR) or Alkermes (NASDAQ:ALKS) may want to take a look at Britain's Vectura Group plc (OTC:VEGPF) (VEC.L). Although not a household name, Vectura has established itself as a technology leader in the formulation and manufacture of inhaled drugs and devices to administer these drugs. Vectura boasts a key partnership with Novartis (NYSE:NVS) for potential blockbuster Ultibro as well as Seebri, as well as a diverse pipeline of generic and branded respiratory drugs.

Vectura Group has multiple avenues to growth. The company can continue its policy of being a partner of choice for companies that wish to enter the large (and still under-served) market for therapies for respiratory ailments like COPD and asthma, or the company can choose to start developing and commercializing drugs on its own - transitioning from earning mid-single digit to mid-teens royalties to being a more fully fledged specialty pharmaceutical company. While there are risks associated with the performance of its licensing partners, clinical development risks, and potential risks from a long-term change in strategy, I believe Vectura could be almost 50% undervalued today.

Readers considering these shares should note that the U.S. ADRs are of the "F-type" and not very liquid. The London-listed shares (VEC.L) are considering more liquid and most major brokerages will allow clients to trade on major foreign exchanges like the LSE.

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Vectura Group Following A Familiar Path