Healthcare Stocks Are Showing Life Beyond Lilly and GLP-1s
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 10 2024
0mins
Should l Buy AZN?
Source: Barron's
Healthcare Sector Performance: Eli Lilly's stock has surged nearly 60% this year due to the popularity of GLP-1 drugs, while the broader healthcare sector is recovering from a decline in earnings following the end of the Covid-19 vaccine boom. The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) is up about 12% in 2024, with expectations for a 20% increase in earnings by 2025.
Investment Opportunities: Analysts suggest looking beyond major players like Lilly and Novo Nordisk, highlighting potential in companies such as Amgen, AstraZeneca, and Sanofi, driven by aging populations and ongoing innovation. Additionally, the political landscape appears less threatening for the healthcare industry, which may benefit investors seeking stability.
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Analyst Views on AZN
Wall Street analysts forecast AZN stock price to rise
14 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
0 Hold
1 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 185.780
Low
157.61
Averages
213.64
High
252.18
Current: 185.780
Low
157.61
Averages
213.64
High
252.18
About AZN
AstraZeneca PLC is a United Kingdom-based science-led biopharmaceutical company. The Company focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines. The Company operates across therapy areas, including Oncology; Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM); Respiratory and Immunology (R&I); Vaccines and Immune Therapies (V&I), and Rare Disease. In the Oncology area, its key products include Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Calquence, Lynparza, and Enhertu. The key products of CVRM area include Farxiga/Forxiga, Brilinta/Brilique, Crestor, and Lokelma. In the R&I area, the key products are Symbicort, Fasenra, Breztri/Trixeo, and Tezspire. In the V&I Therapies area, the products are Beyfortus and FluMist. The products in the Rare Disease area are Ultomiris, Soliris, Strensiq, and Koselugo. It has about 191 projects in its development pipeline, including 19 new molecular entities (NMEs) in the late-stage pipeline. The Company distributes its products in over 125 countries.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
AstraZeneca and Sanofi Expand R&D Operations in China
- Innovation Center Development: AstraZeneca announced plans to establish an innovation center in Shanghai, along with a cell therapy manufacturing and supply base, making it the first global drugmaker with end-to-end cell therapy facilities in China, which is expected to significantly enhance its competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific market.
- Cancer Drug Production Base: AstraZeneca also plans to build a production and supply base for radioconjugate drugs in Guangzhou, aimed at providing cancer medications for the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets, further solidifying its position in the rapidly growing Chinese pharmaceutical sector.
- Sanofi's New Center: Sanofi launched an innovation and operation center in Chengdu, southwestern China, which is expected to support its R&D, clinical operations, and manufacturing and supply chain services in China, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Chinese market.
- Market Trend Analysis: According to Goldman Sachs, Chinese biopharma companies accounted for 46% of new drug molecules entering human studies in the first half of 2025, reflecting the increasing focus and investment of Western pharmaceutical companies in the Chinese market.
See More
Senhwa Biosciences Achieves Breakthrough in Photodynamic Therapy
- Research Breakthrough: Senhwa Biosciences' first-in-class investigational drug Pidnarulex (CX-5461) has made significant progress in photodynamic therapy (PDT), with findings selected for presentation at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting, highlighting its clinical development potential recognized by the international scientific community.
- Increased Cytotoxicity: Preclinical studies show that CX-5461 generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to UV light, increasing cytotoxicity against cancer cells by approximately ten-fold, indicating its effectiveness and potential applications in cancer treatment.
- New Mechanism Discovery: The binding of CX-5461 to G-quadruplex DNA structures works synergistically with light-induced ROS generation, significantly enhancing anti-tumor activity and prolonging survival, demonstrating its potential as a novel photosensitizer.
- Broad Market Prospects: The global photodynamic therapy market is projected to grow from approximately USD 3.54 billion in 2024 to USD 5.89 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of about 7-8%, reflecting increasing demand for precision oncology and minimally invasive therapies, prompting Senhwa to advance related research and international collaborations.
See More
Andrew Hamilton Acquires Omeprazole.com Domain
- Digital Asset Acquisition: Venture capitalist Andrew Hamilton, through his firm Pale Horse Capital, has acquired the high-traffic pharmaceutical domain Omeprazole.com from AstraZeneca, marking a significant transfer of digital infrastructure tied to one of modern medicine's most recognized compounds, thereby enriching his portfolio of medical digital assets.
- Significant Market Impact: Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor commercially launched in 1989, has become one of the most widely used treatments for digestive conditions globally, and Hamilton's acquisition is expected to directly influence consumer search behavior, enhancing its importance in health information and pharmaceutical commerce.
- Strategic Positioning: Hamilton stated that this acquisition reflects a broader strategy focused on building digital infrastructure around well-known pharmaceutical compounds and medical terms, which is anticipated to drive innovation in healthcare distribution and information systems, further expanding his influence in the medical field.
- Portfolio Expansion: This transaction not only adds Omeprazole.com but also includes recent acquisitions of Tapeworm.com and Tapeworms.com, with Hamilton's portfolio of medically relevant domains now valued at over $10 million, showcasing his forward-thinking approach in search-driven healthcare discovery.
See More
AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo Secure US Priority Review for Enhertu
- Priority Review Approval: AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's candidate drug Enhertu received Priority Review from the FDA on March 9, marking a significant advancement in treating HER2-positive breast cancer and is expected to accelerate the drug's development and regulatory review process.
- Breakthrough Therapy Designation: The FDA granted Enhertu Breakthrough Therapy Designation, indicating its potential to significantly improve upon existing treatment options, which could establish it as a new standard of care for HER2-positive early breast cancer, enhancing its market competitiveness.
- Clinical Trial Results: The DESTINY-Breast05 Phase III trial demonstrated that Enhertu can reduce the risk of invasive disease recurrence or death by 53%, with a consistent safety profile that did not raise new safety concerns, thereby increasing its market acceptance.
- Global Approval Status: Enhertu is currently approved in over 90 countries for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, showcasing its broad application potential in the global market and further solidifying AstraZeneca's leadership position in oncology.
See More
Analysis of Investment Opportunities in International Stocks
- Market Valuation Comparison: Despite recent market turbulence due to the Iran conflict, U.S. stock valuations remain historically high, with the average S&P 500 stock trading at nearly 23 times earnings, making it challenging for investors to find true bargains.
- Attractiveness of International Stocks: Currently, nearly all major international stock indices are trading at significant discounts compared to their U.S. counterparts; for instance, the MSCI EAFE index has a price-to-earnings ratio of just over 15 times and a dividend yield of 3.4%, compared to 1.5% for the S&P 500.
- ETF Investment Advantages: The Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF), with an expense ratio as low as 0.03%, tracks mid- and large-cap stocks from developed countries, holding approximately 1,500 stocks with the largest accounting for only 1.64%, providing investors with excellent diversification opportunities.
- Risk and Reward: While investing in international stocks carries currency and geopolitical risks, the risk-reward dynamics of the Schwab International Equity ETF appear particularly attractive in the current high-valuation market, especially considering the relative undervaluation of international stocks.
See More
International Stocks Trading at Significant Discounts Compared to U.S. Equities
- Valuation Comparison: International stocks are currently trading at significantly lower valuations compared to the U.S. market, with the MSCI EAFE index at just over 15 times earnings, while the S&P 500 averages nearly 23 times, making it challenging for investors to find attractive opportunities.
- ETF Investment Opportunity: The Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) offers a diversified investment in nearly 1,500 stocks at an extremely low expense ratio of 0.03%, with a dividend yield exceeding 3.2%, making it an appealing choice for income-focused investors.
- Market Performance Shift: After underperforming for nearly a decade, international stocks outperformed the S&P 500 by over 10 percentage points in 2025 and continue to show strong performance in 2026, indicating a potential recovery in the international market.
- Risk and Reward Dynamics: While investing in international stocks carries currency and geopolitical risks, the risk-reward dynamics of the Schwab International Equity ETF appear particularly attractive in the current expensive market, making it suitable for value-seeking investors.
See More
AstraZeneca and Sanofi Expand R&D Operations in China
- Innovation Center Development: AstraZeneca announced plans to establish an innovation center in Shanghai, along with a cell therapy manufacturing and supply base, making it the first global drugmaker with end-to-end cell therapy facilities in China, which is expected to significantly enhance its competitiveness in the Asia-Pacific market.
- Cancer Drug Production Base: AstraZeneca also plans to build a production and supply base for radioconjugate drugs in Guangzhou, aimed at providing cancer medications for the Chinese and Asia-Pacific markets, further solidifying its position in the rapidly growing Chinese pharmaceutical sector.
- Sanofi's New Center: Sanofi launched an innovation and operation center in Chengdu, southwestern China, which is expected to support its R&D, clinical operations, and manufacturing and supply chain services in China, demonstrating a strong commitment to the Chinese market.
- Market Trend Analysis: According to Goldman Sachs, Chinese biopharma companies accounted for 46% of new drug molecules entering human studies in the first half of 2025, reflecting the increasing focus and investment of Western pharmaceutical companies in the Chinese market.
See More
Senhwa Biosciences Achieves Breakthrough in Photodynamic Therapy
- Research Breakthrough: Senhwa Biosciences' first-in-class investigational drug Pidnarulex (CX-5461) has made significant progress in photodynamic therapy (PDT), with findings selected for presentation at the 2026 AACR Annual Meeting, highlighting its clinical development potential recognized by the international scientific community.
- Increased Cytotoxicity: Preclinical studies show that CX-5461 generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to UV light, increasing cytotoxicity against cancer cells by approximately ten-fold, indicating its effectiveness and potential applications in cancer treatment.
- New Mechanism Discovery: The binding of CX-5461 to G-quadruplex DNA structures works synergistically with light-induced ROS generation, significantly enhancing anti-tumor activity and prolonging survival, demonstrating its potential as a novel photosensitizer.
- Broad Market Prospects: The global photodynamic therapy market is projected to grow from approximately USD 3.54 billion in 2024 to USD 5.89 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of about 7-8%, reflecting increasing demand for precision oncology and minimally invasive therapies, prompting Senhwa to advance related research and international collaborations.
See More
Andrew Hamilton Acquires Omeprazole.com Domain
- Digital Asset Acquisition: Venture capitalist Andrew Hamilton, through his firm Pale Horse Capital, has acquired the high-traffic pharmaceutical domain Omeprazole.com from AstraZeneca, marking a significant transfer of digital infrastructure tied to one of modern medicine's most recognized compounds, thereby enriching his portfolio of medical digital assets.
- Significant Market Impact: Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor commercially launched in 1989, has become one of the most widely used treatments for digestive conditions globally, and Hamilton's acquisition is expected to directly influence consumer search behavior, enhancing its importance in health information and pharmaceutical commerce.
- Strategic Positioning: Hamilton stated that this acquisition reflects a broader strategy focused on building digital infrastructure around well-known pharmaceutical compounds and medical terms, which is anticipated to drive innovation in healthcare distribution and information systems, further expanding his influence in the medical field.
- Portfolio Expansion: This transaction not only adds Omeprazole.com but also includes recent acquisitions of Tapeworm.com and Tapeworms.com, with Hamilton's portfolio of medically relevant domains now valued at over $10 million, showcasing his forward-thinking approach in search-driven healthcare discovery.
See More
AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo Secure US Priority Review for Enhertu
- Priority Review Approval: AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's candidate drug Enhertu received Priority Review from the FDA on March 9, marking a significant advancement in treating HER2-positive breast cancer and is expected to accelerate the drug's development and regulatory review process.
- Breakthrough Therapy Designation: The FDA granted Enhertu Breakthrough Therapy Designation, indicating its potential to significantly improve upon existing treatment options, which could establish it as a new standard of care for HER2-positive early breast cancer, enhancing its market competitiveness.
- Clinical Trial Results: The DESTINY-Breast05 Phase III trial demonstrated that Enhertu can reduce the risk of invasive disease recurrence or death by 53%, with a consistent safety profile that did not raise new safety concerns, thereby increasing its market acceptance.
- Global Approval Status: Enhertu is currently approved in over 90 countries for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, showcasing its broad application potential in the global market and further solidifying AstraZeneca's leadership position in oncology.
See More
Analysis of Investment Opportunities in International Stocks
- Market Valuation Comparison: Despite recent market turbulence due to the Iran conflict, U.S. stock valuations remain historically high, with the average S&P 500 stock trading at nearly 23 times earnings, making it challenging for investors to find true bargains.
- Attractiveness of International Stocks: Currently, nearly all major international stock indices are trading at significant discounts compared to their U.S. counterparts; for instance, the MSCI EAFE index has a price-to-earnings ratio of just over 15 times and a dividend yield of 3.4%, compared to 1.5% for the S&P 500.
- ETF Investment Advantages: The Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF), with an expense ratio as low as 0.03%, tracks mid- and large-cap stocks from developed countries, holding approximately 1,500 stocks with the largest accounting for only 1.64%, providing investors with excellent diversification opportunities.
- Risk and Reward: While investing in international stocks carries currency and geopolitical risks, the risk-reward dynamics of the Schwab International Equity ETF appear particularly attractive in the current high-valuation market, especially considering the relative undervaluation of international stocks.
See More
International Stocks Trading at Significant Discounts Compared to U.S. Equities
- Valuation Comparison: International stocks are currently trading at significantly lower valuations compared to the U.S. market, with the MSCI EAFE index at just over 15 times earnings, while the S&P 500 averages nearly 23 times, making it challenging for investors to find attractive opportunities.
- ETF Investment Opportunity: The Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF) offers a diversified investment in nearly 1,500 stocks at an extremely low expense ratio of 0.03%, with a dividend yield exceeding 3.2%, making it an appealing choice for income-focused investors.
- Market Performance Shift: After underperforming for nearly a decade, international stocks outperformed the S&P 500 by over 10 percentage points in 2025 and continue to show strong performance in 2026, indicating a potential recovery in the international market.
- Risk and Reward Dynamics: While investing in international stocks carries currency and geopolitical risks, the risk-reward dynamics of the Schwab International Equity ETF appear particularly attractive in the current expensive market, making it suitable for value-seeking investors.
See More
