Aptose Restarts Its Long Journey

Biotech investors have a lot to contend with just in terms of the risks that go along with novel drug development, but market sentiment is an often-overlooked component as well – one that can cause every bit as much frustration for investors. I was worried a few months ago that Aptose Biosciences (APTO) shares could be at the not-so-tender mercies of the volatile biotech market in the absence of real thesis-changing news, and the shares have continued to fall (another 30% or so) on what has been a generally worsening sentiment in biotech, and particularly for riskier names.

Aptose just announced the enrollment of the first patient in its restarted Phase Ib study of APTO-253, though, and the initiation of CG-806 studies should follow in 2019. Both drugs hold meaningful potential in hematological oncology, but both also face a very long road of clinical and commercial development; a road that swallows up the large majority of candidates. I do believe these shares are back at an interesting price, but will again re-emphasize that this is an early-stage biotech with well-above average risks.

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Aptose Restarts Its Long Journey