Are Biotechs the Next Target for Cyber Criminals?
Minerva Neurosciences shares dropped sharply on Tuesday after the firm announced that it was the victim of a cyberattack. Minerva also provided an update on its clinical trials.
After Minerva Neurosciences Inc. (NASDAQ: NERV) announced that it was the victim of a cyberattack, its shares dropped sharply on Tuesday. Minerva also provided an update on its clinical trials.
The company said that it had a cyberattack on an external contractor, which resulted in delays in patient recruitment for the Phase 3 trial of its schizophrenia treatment, roluperidone.
So far, Minerva noted that a total of 384 patients of a targeted 501 have been enrolled, with complete enrollment now expected by year’s end, and top-line results are expected in the first half of 2020.
Minerva also said that its patient screening has been completed in the Phase 2b trial of MIN-117 in moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The top-line results are expected in the fourth quarter of 2019.
Excluding Tuesday’s move, Minerva had underperformed the broad markets, with its stock up only 15% year to date. In the past 52 weeks, the stock was down 38%.
Shares of Minerva traded down 23% to $5.97 on Tuesday, in a 52-week range of $4.07 to $11.99. The consensus price target is $19.20.
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Chris Lange is a financial and geopolitical writer with more than a decade of experience covering a myriad of topics. He has published thousands of articles for 24/7 Wall St., with past coverage focused heavily on stocks, IPOs, healthcare, defense, global affairs, and technology.
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