Midday Movers: Biotech Gets Bold- From Fentanyl Defense to Tokenized Stem Cells

August 20, 2025

DENVER, Colo., Aug 20, 2025 (247marketnews.com)- A wave of breakthrough biotechs and bold strategic moves have microcaps moving sharply.

Tharimmune (NASDAQ:THAR) announced positive pharmacokinetic (PK) simulation results for its lead candidate TH104, a buccal film formulation of nalmefene developed as a prophylactic countermeasure for military and first responders exposed to high-potency synthetic opioids like weaponized fentanyl.

“A threshold effect… was found to be achieved in approximately 30 minutes post dose and shown to maintain above this protection for about 24 hours.”

Unlike naloxone, whose rescue effects last 30–90 minutes, TH104 may provide a full-day protective window, a potentially game-changing advantage in high-risk environments.

NovaBay (NYSE:NBY) hit a 52-week high of $1.25 after announcing a $6 million securities purchase agreement with investor David Lazar. The capital injection gives NovaBay a financial runway to continue product development and operations.

LIXTE Biotechnology (NASDAQ:LIXT) is making headlines after researchers at the Netherlands Cancer Institute published findings in Cancer Discovery showing that its lead compound LB-100 induces “lethal activation” in colon cancer cells, a mechanism that overactivates tumor signaling until the cells die.

With LB-100 in trials alongside Roche’s (OTCQX:RHHBY) atezolizumab and GSK’s (NYSE:GSK) dostarlimab, LIXTE is fast carving a unique niche in oncology. The compound’s potential as an immunotherapy enhancer could reshape the landscape in colorectal and ovarian cancers.

M&A is heating up in biotech. XOMA Royalty (NASDAQ:XOMA) agreed to acquire all outstanding shares of Mural Oncology (NASDAQ:MURA), forming XRA 5 Corp. to facilitate the deal. The cash transaction is subject to shareholder approval but has already been cleared by both boards. The deal underscores the rising value of oncology assets even in early stages.

Rocket Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:RCKT) confirmed that the FDA lifted the clinical hold on its Phase 2 trial of RP-A501, a gene therapy for Danon disease, a rare, fatal cardiac condition. The study resumes with a lower recalibrated dose (3.8 x 10¹³ GC/kg) and a refined immunosuppressive regimen modeled on pediatric data. Rocket is now eyeing accelerated approval as more patients are dosed and new data rolls in.

Trinity Biotech (NASDAQ:TRIB) received regulatory clearance to outsource manufacturing of its WHO-prequalified TrinScreen HIV test. This milestone supports the company’s transformation strategy by enhancing scalability while maintaining compliance.

“The approval by in-country regulators will allow Trinity to scale up production cost-effectively…”

Global expansion of its rapid diagnostics portfolio now seems within reach.

Shineco (NASDAQ:SISI) lit up the speculative space after launching the first on-chain platform for tokenized biological cellular assets, in partnership with Plus Me Limited. Its new Cell Infusion Redemption Tokens (ERC-1400/ERC-20 compliant) can be redeemed for stem cell therapies, and are burned upon use to ensure scarcity.

Propanc Biopharma (NASDAQ:PPCB) completed its initial public offering, though financial details were not disclosed. The company specializes in cancer stem cell-targeting therapies and plans to advance its lead product, PRP, into clinical trials.

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