Adagio enters a crowded field

Article Excerpt

ADAGIO THERAPEUTICS INC. $27 is a hold. The company (Nasdaq symbol ADGI; Manufacturing sector; Shares outstanding: 108.5 million; Market cap: $2.9 billion; No dividend paid; Takeover Target Rating: Lowest; www.adagiotx.com) is developing drugs that aim to treat and prevent illness caused by COVID-19 and its new variants. These treatments are based on lab-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses. On August 10, 2021, Adagio completed an IPO of 20.9 million shares at $17 each. The stock is now up 59% from that price. Even though there are several COVID-19 vaccines already in wide use, Adagio feels the increasingly likely need for booster shots will spur demand for its drug. It plans to seek emergency use approval from the Food and Drug Administration in early 2022. However, the company faces strong competition from much larger drugmakers, particularly as they adjust their vaccines for new variants. Adagio Therapeutics is a hold. hold…