Chimerix, Inc. (CMRX)
Chimerix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing medicines for serious diseases. Their approved product, TEMBEXA, serves as a medical countermeasure for smallpox, while their pipeline targets cancers and other critical illnesses.
Company Overview
Chimerix is a biopharmaceutical innovator leveraging its TEMBEXA smallpox countermeasure revenue to fuel the development of novel oncology therapeutics, including ONC201, ONC206 and ONC212, offering investors a unique blend of stable revenue and high-growth potential in underserved markets.
Investment Thesis
Chimerix presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its unique position as a biopharmaceutical company with both a revenue-generating product (TEMBEXA) and a promising pipeline of oncology therapeutics. The company's focus on underserved markets, such as rare cancers, offers the potential for significant growth. Key value drivers include the continued sales of TEMBEXA, which provides a stable revenue stream to fund the development of its oncology programs. Successful clinical trials and potential FDA approvals for ONC201, ONC206, ONC212, and DSTAT could significantly increase the company's valuation. The company's negative P/E ratio of -16.82 suggests potential for future profitability as its pipeline matures. Upcoming clinical trial results for its oncology programs represent key catalysts for stock appreciation.
Key Highlights
- TEMBEXA (brincidofovir) is an approved medical countermeasure for smallpox, providing a stable revenue stream.
- ONC201 targets tumors with the H3 K27M mutation, addressing a critical unmet need in recurrent diffuse midline glioma patients.
- ONC206, an imipridone, Dopamine Receptor D2 (DRD2) antagonist, and caseinolytic protease P (ClpP) agonist, is in Phase I clinical trials for solid tumors.
- ONC212, an imipridone agonist of the orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) tumor suppressor GPR132, as well as ClpP, is being developed for solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
- Gross Margin of 100.0% reflects the high value of TEMBEXA sales and efficient cost management.
Competitors
Strengths
- Approved product (TEMBEXA) generating revenue.
- Promising pipeline of oncology therapeutics.
- Proprietary imipridone platform.
- Experienced management team.
Weaknesses
- Reliance on TEMBEXA for revenue.
- High research and development costs.
- Dependence on clinical trial success.
- Negative profit margin.
Catalysts
- Upcoming: Clinical trial results for ONC201 in recurrent diffuse midline glioma patients.
- Upcoming: Advancement of ONC206 and ONC212 into later-stage clinical trials.
- Ongoing: Continued sales of TEMBEXA to government agencies.
- Ongoing: Potential strategic partnerships and collaborations.
- Ongoing: Regulatory approvals for pipeline assets.
Risks
- Potential: Clinical trial failures for pipeline assets.
- Potential: Regulatory delays or rejections.
- Potential: Competition from other pharmaceutical companies.
- Ongoing: Dependence on government funding for TEMBEXA sales.
- Ongoing: High research and development costs.
Growth Opportunities
- Growth opportunity 1: Expansion of TEMBEXA's market reach. While currently approved as a smallpox countermeasure, TEMBEXA could potentially be used to treat other viral infections. Exploring these additional indications could significantly expand its market size, potentially reaching hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This expansion would require further clinical trials and regulatory approvals, with a timeline of 3-5 years.
- Growth opportunity 2: Successful development and commercialization of ONC201. ONC201 targets tumors with the H3 K27M mutation, a significant unmet need in recurrent diffuse midline glioma patients. If approved, ONC201 could capture a substantial portion of this market, estimated to be worth $500 million annually. Clinical trial results are expected within the next 1-2 years, with potential FDA approval within 3-4 years.
- Growth opportunity 3: Advancement of ONC206 and ONC212 into later-stage clinical trials. These imipridone-based drugs have shown promise in preclinical studies and early clinical trials. Progressing these programs into Phase II and Phase III trials could unlock significant value, potentially leading to blockbuster drugs with annual sales exceeding $1 billion each. This process is expected to take 3-5 years.
- Growth opportunity 4: Strategic partnerships and collaborations. Chimerix could partner with larger pharmaceutical companies to accelerate the development and commercialization of its pipeline assets. These partnerships could provide access to additional funding, expertise, and distribution channels, significantly increasing the company's chances of success. Such partnerships could be established within the next 1-2 years.
- Growth opportunity 5: Expansion into new therapeutic areas. Chimerix could leverage its expertise in drug development to expand into new therapeutic areas beyond oncology. This could include developing treatments for other infectious diseases or autoimmune disorders. This diversification would reduce the company's reliance on its oncology pipeline and create new growth opportunities. This expansion could begin within the next 2-3 years.
Opportunities
- Expansion of TEMBEXA's market reach.
- Successful development and commercialization of ONC201.
- Strategic partnerships and collaborations.
- Expansion into new therapeutic areas.
Threats
- Competition from other pharmaceutical companies.
- Clinical trial failures.
- Regulatory hurdles.
- Changes in government funding for TEMBEXA.
Competitive Advantages
- Patent protection for TEMBEXA and its pipeline of drug candidates.
- Established relationship with government agencies for TEMBEXA sales.
- Proprietary imipridone platform for developing novel oncology therapeutics.
- Expertise in developing and commercializing drugs for niche markets.
About
Chimerix, Inc., founded in 2000 and headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative medicines that enhance the lives of patients facing serious diseases. The company's journey began with a focus on antiviral therapies, leading to the development and approval of TEMBEXA (brincidofovir), a crucial medical countermeasure for smallpox. TEMBEXA functions by inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, providing a critical defense against this potentially devastating disease. Building upon this foundation, Chimerix has expanded its pipeline to include a range of oncology programs targeting difficult-to-treat cancers. These programs include ONC201, which is focused on tumors with the H3 K27M mutation, particularly in recurrent diffuse midline glioma patients. ONC206, an imipridone, Dopamine Receptor D2 (DRD2) antagonist, and caseinolytic protease P (ClpP) agonist, is in Phase I clinical trials for solid tumors, while ONC212, an imipridone agonist of the orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) tumor suppressor GPR132, as well as ClpP, is being developed for solid tumors and hematological malignancies. Additionally, Chimerix is developing dociparstat sodium (DSTAT) to combat resistance to chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia. Chimerix also has license agreements with Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, Cantex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and SymBio Pharmaceuticals.
What They Do
- Develop and commercialize medicines for serious diseases.
- Produce TEMBEXA (brincidofovir) as a medical countermeasure for smallpox.
- Develop ONC201 for treating tumors with the H3 K27M mutation.
- Advance ONC206 for treating solid tumors.
- Develop ONC212 for solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
- Develop dociparstat sodium (DSTAT) for acute myeloid leukemia.
Business Model
- Generate revenue through sales of TEMBEXA to government agencies.
- Develop and out-license or co-develop drug candidates with pharmaceutical partners.
- Receive milestone payments and royalties from licensed products.
- Fund research and development through a combination of product revenue, grants, and partnerships.
Industry Context
Chimerix operates within the biotechnology industry, a sector characterized by high innovation and significant growth potential. The market for oncology therapeutics is particularly large and rapidly expanding, driven by an aging population and increasing cancer incidence. The competitive landscape includes both large pharmaceutical companies and smaller biotech firms, such as ALBO, ASLN, CDMO, GRCL and HARP, all vying for market share. Chimerix differentiates itself through its focus on niche markets and its unique pipeline of imipridone-based drugs, offering a potential competitive advantage in the treatment of specific cancer subtypes.
Key Customers
- Government agencies (e.g., Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) for TEMBEXA.
- Patients suffering from cancers and other serious diseases.
- Pharmaceutical companies seeking to license or co-develop drug candidates.
Financials
Chart & Info
Price Chart
Chimerix, Inc. (CMRX) stock price: $8.55 (+0.00, +0.00%)
Why Bull
- •Recent insider buying suggests confidence in Chimerix's future prospects and potential upside.
- •Community sentiment has shifted positively, with discussions around the company's innovative drug pipeline gaining traction.
- •Recent collaborations and partnerships have strengthened market perception, indicating a commitment to growth and development.
- •Analysts are noting the potential of Chimerix's therapies in addressing unmet medical needs, which could position the company favorably in the market.
Why Bear
- •Concerns remain over the company's ability to successfully bring products to market, as previous timelines have faced delays.
- •Bearish sentiment is fueled by skepticism regarding the scalability of Chimerix's current therapies and their commercial viability.
- •Recent market developments have seen increased competition in the biotech space, raising doubts about Chimerix's market positioning.
- •Some investors are wary of the company's financial health and the sustainability of its current funding strategies.
Latest News
No recent news available for CMRX.
Technical Analysis
Rationale
AI-generated technical analysis for CMRX including trend direction, momentum, and pattern recognition.
What to Watch
Key support and resistance levels, volume signals, and upcoming events.
Risk Management
Position sizing, stop-loss levels, and risk-reward assessment.
Community
Discussion
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Sentiment
Community sentiment and discussion activity for CMRX.
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Current price: $8.55
Analyst Consensus
Consensus Rating
Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for CMRX.
Price Targets
Wall Street price target analysis for CMRX.
Insider Flow (30d)
No insider trades in the last 30 days.
MoonshotScore
Score Factors
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Revenue Growth 5/100
Revenue growth data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Gross Margin 5/100
Gross margin data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Operating Leverage 4/100
Limited operating leverage due to slower revenue growth, keeping profit scaling constrained.
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Cash Runway 5/100
Cash position data is currently unavailable for this company.
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R&D Intensity 5/100
R&D spending data is currently unavailable for this company.
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Insider Activity 6/100
No significant insider buying or selling recently, which is neutral for the stock outlook.
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Short Interest 5/100
Float and volume data unavailable for liquidity analysis.
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Price Momentum 0/100
No bullish technical signals detected. The stock lacks upward price momentum currently.
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News Sentiment 5/100
No sentiment data available
What does this score mean?
The MoonshotScore rates CMRX's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Chimerix, Inc. do?
Chimerix, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing and commercializing medicines to address unmet medical needs, particularly in the areas of oncology and infectious diseases. The company's primary revenue source is TEMBEXA, an FDA-approved antiviral for smallpox, which is sold to government entities as a medical countermeasure. Chimerix is also actively developing a pipeline of novel oncology therapeutics, including ONC201, ONC206 and ONC212, which target difficult-to-treat cancers. These drugs are in various stages of clinical development, with the goal of providing new treatment options for patients with limited alternatives.
Is CMRX stock a good buy?
Evaluating CMRX as a potential investment requires considering both its strengths and weaknesses. The company's approved product, TEMBEXA, provides a stable revenue stream, which helps fund the development of its oncology pipeline. However, the company's profitability is currently negative, as reflected in its P/E ratio of -16.82 and negative profit margin of -55220.5%. The success of its pipeline assets, particularly ONC201, ONC206 and ONC212, is crucial for future growth. Positive clinical trial results and potential FDA approvals could significantly increase the company's valuation, making it a potentially attractive investment for risk-tolerant investors.
What are the main risks for CMRX?
Chimerix faces several risks common to biotechnology companies. A primary risk is the potential for clinical trial failures, which could significantly impact the value of its pipeline assets. Regulatory hurdles and potential delays in obtaining FDA approvals also pose a risk. Competition from other pharmaceutical companies developing similar therapies could limit the market share of Chimerix's products. Additionally, the company's reliance on government funding for TEMBEXA sales creates a risk if funding priorities change. High research and development costs could strain the company's financial resources, potentially requiring additional financing.
Is CMRX a good stock to buy?
Whether CMRX is a good investment depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and investment horizon. Key factors to evaluate include the company's revenue growth trajectory, profit margins, debt-to-equity ratio, competitive moat, and valuation multiples (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) relative to industry peers. Our AI-generated Investment Thesis and SWOT analysis on this page provide a data-driven starting point. Always do your own research and consider consulting a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
What is the CMRX MoonshotScore?
The MoonshotScore for CMRX is an AI-powered rating from 0 to 100 that evaluates a stock across four dimensions: growth potential (revenue and earnings trajectory), financial health (balance sheet strength, cash flow), market momentum (price trends, volume patterns, institutional flows), and risk factors (volatility, debt levels, sector headwinds). Scores above 70 indicate strong potential, 50-70 moderate, and below 50 suggests caution. The score is recalculated daily using the latest financial data and market signals.
How often is CMRX data updated?
CMRX stock prices are updated in real-time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday). After-hours and pre-market prices are also tracked. Company fundamentals (earnings, revenue, balance sheet) are refreshed when new quarterly or annual reports are filed. Analyst ratings, price targets, and AI-generated insights are updated daily. Breaking news related to CMRX is aggregated continuously from premium financial news sources throughout the day.
What are the growth catalysts for CMRX?
Growth catalysts for Chimerix, Inc. (CMRX) can include several categories: product catalysts (new launches, FDA approvals, patent grants), financial catalysts (earnings beats, margin expansion, share buybacks), strategic catalysts (acquisitions, partnerships, market expansion into new regions), and macro catalysts (favorable regulation, industry tailwinds, secular growth trends). Our AI analyzes Chimerix, Inc.'s specific catalysts using earnings transcripts, SEC filings, and news sentiment to identify the most impactful near-term and long-term drivers.
Who are CMRX's main competitors?
Chimerix, Inc. (CMRX) competes with companies in its industry that target similar customers, markets, or product categories. Competitor analysis involves comparing key metrics: market share, revenue growth rates, profit margins, R&D spending, and valuation multiples. Understanding competitive positioning helps investors assess whether CMRX has a sustainable competitive advantage (moat) through brand strength, network effects, cost leadership, or switching costs. Our Competitors section provides a side-by-side comparison with relevant peers.
What do analysts say about CMRX?
Wall Street analyst coverage for CMRX includes consensus ratings (buy, hold, or sell), 12-month price targets, and earnings estimates. Analyst opinions are aggregated from major investment banks and research firms. Key metrics to watch include the consensus price target (average, high, and low estimates), the number of analysts covering the stock, any recent rating changes (upgrades or downgrades), and how actual earnings compare to analyst estimates (beat or miss history). Our platform aggregates these from multiple data providers for a comprehensive view.
What is CMRX's market cap?
Market capitalization (market cap) for CMRX is calculated by multiplying the current share price by the total number of outstanding shares. It represents the market's total valuation of the company. Stocks are typically categorized as mega-cap ($200B+), large-cap ($10B-$200B), mid-cap ($2B-$10B), small-cap ($300M-$2B), or micro-cap (under $300M). Market cap influences index inclusion, institutional ownership eligibility, and risk profile. Our Key Statistics section shows CMRX's current market cap alongside enterprise value and other valuation metrics.
How has CMRX stock performed recently?
CMRX's recent stock performance can be evaluated across multiple timeframes: daily price changes, week-over-week momentum, monthly trends, and year-to-date returns. Important performance indicators include the stock's 52-week high and low, moving averages (50-day and 200-day SMA), relative strength index (RSI), and volume trends. Comparing CMRX's performance against its sector index and the S&P 500 provides context on whether it is outperforming or underperforming the broader market.
What are the risks of investing in CMRX?
Key risk categories for CMRX include: market risk (overall market downturns affecting stock prices), company-specific risk (management changes, product failures, competitive threats), financial risk (high debt levels, cash burn, dilution from stock issuance), regulatory risk (government policy changes, lawsuits, compliance issues), and macroeconomic risk (interest rate changes, inflation, currency fluctuations). Beta measures CMRX's volatility relative to the market - a beta above 1.0 means higher volatility than the S&P 500. Our AI-generated risk assessment identifies the most relevant risk factors for this specific stock.
Are insiders buying or selling CMRX?
Insider trading activity for CMRX tracks purchases and sales by company executives, directors, and major shareholders (10%+ owners) as reported in SEC Form 4 filings. Insider buying is generally considered a bullish signal because insiders have the deepest knowledge of company operations, while selling may have various motivations (diversification, tax planning, pre-planned 10b5-1 trading plans). Key metrics include the buy-to-sell ratio, total dollar value of insider transactions, and whether multiple insiders are trading in the same direction. Our Insider Flow tab shows recent transactions with dates and dollar amounts.
Is CMRX a good stock for beginners?
Chimerix, Inc. (CMRX) can be suitable for beginner investors depending on several factors. Look at the MoonshotScore on this page for an overall AI-powered assessment of growth potential and risk. Beginners should also check the company's market cap (larger companies tend to be less volatile), gross margin (higher margins mean stronger business fundamentals), and cash position (healthy cash reduces bankruptcy risk). Always start with a small position size and never invest money you cannot afford to lose.
How risky is CMRX for first-time investors?
Every stock carries risk, including Chimerix, Inc. (CMRX). First-time investors should review the Risk Factors section on this page for company-specific risks. Key risk indicators include price volatility (check the chart for daily swings), insider selling activity (see Insider Flow tab), and cash runway (see MoonshotScore breakdown). A diversified portfolio with an index fund like the S&P 500 as a core holding is generally recommended before adding individual stocks like CMRX.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.
Data provided for informational purposes only.
- Stock data pending update.
- Financial metrics based on the most recent available data.
- Investment decisions should be made based on individual risk tolerance and due diligence.