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As large swaths of the US economy were being shuttered earlier this year to help mitigate the fallout from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the biotechnology industry unleashed its capacity for innovation, creating new methods for testing, therapeutic treatments, and vaccines for COVID-19. Progress in these areas has been achieved at an unprecedented pace, and numerous clinical trials are currently ongoing. As the economy reopens, many are depending on the success of newly created therapeutics and vaccines to save lives and avoid future lockdowns. Indeed, the last few months have demonstrated the critical importance of a robust biotechnology industry.
As an investment theme, biotechnology has also worked relatively well during the crisis; the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Index reached a new all-time high in June. Nonetheless, we believe the industry's best days may still lie ahead. In our view, the events of the past few months help to improve the long-term outlook for these stocks, which may benefit from more efficient regulation, industry consolidation, and a rehabilitated public image.
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