Up 230% in a year! Is the Mesoblast share price a buy?

After a rollercoaster week for the Aussie biotech company, is the Mesoblast share price back in the buy zone despite its recent gains?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) shares rocketed 39.1% higher on Friday to pare back last week's losses. But after roaring back to life, is the Mesoblast share price back in the buy zone?

Hands grabbing for high rung on a ladder pointing to the sky

Image source: Getty Images

What happened to the Mesoblast share price last week?

It was a rollercoaster ride for investors last week as regulatory approvals dominated Mesoblast's share price movements.

That kicked off on Tuesday with a briefing note from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The regulator noted concerns about the effectiveness of the company's remestemcel-L treatment, Ryoncil, for paediatric steroid-resistant acute Graft Versus Host Disease (aGVHD).

It was an important signal ahead of the company's pivotal meeting with the US Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) on Thursday.

The disappointing note from the FDA triggered a sell-off that saw Mesoblast shares fall 37.0% lower in just two days.

However, contrary to expectations, ODAC voted 9 to 1 in recommending the treatment's approval. That's a good sign for the Aussie biotech company with a decision on the final FDA approval expected by the end of September.

The decision took many investors by surprise and triggered a 39.1% rally in the Mesoblast share price to $4.70 per share at Friday's close.

Is the Aussie biotech in the buy zone?

Clearly, speculators who rolled the dice after the heavy share price falls have done well.

However, if you're a long-term investor like myself, you should really be buying and holding for decades to come.

I personally like Mesoblast shares and their future prospects. The company has some promising treatments in Phase 3 trials including Ryoncil for aGVHD.

I think Friday's share price rally just puts Mesoblast shares back to their initial intrinsic value.

If you're a big believer in the biotech industry, I think Mesoblast is a good option. The key with biotech companies is a strong research and development pipeline coupled with positive momentum.

Mesoblast appears to have both of these factors which makes the future outlook strong. Of course, there will be more speed bumps along the way.

If you're looking for less growth and a more mature company profile, I think CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) shares could be another strong biotech buy.

Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Healthcare Shares

Medical workers examine an x-ray or scan in a hospital laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

This ASX biotech has just announced a major US deal

This company's heart disease technology is gaining traction.

Read more »

Devastated woman sits near smartphone on home kitchen floor troubled with loneliness.
Healthcare Shares

Which beaten down ASX healthcare stock is a better buy right now: Pro Medicus vs Cochlear shares

Which do experts prefer?

Read more »

Health professional working on his laptop.
Healthcare Shares

Already up 42% this year, Morgans says this ASX healthcare stock can continue to rocket

This broker sees big upside for this healthcare stock.

Read more »

Medical workers examine an x-ray or scan in a hospital laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

This ASX small-cap healthcare stock could rocket more than 50%: Morgans

Share price weakness could present an opportunity.

Read more »

Male doctor in a lab coat working at laptop looking serious.
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX 300 stock was given a big boost from the US FDA

This healthcare stock has made a positive announcement today.

Read more »

A man in a business suit rides a graphic image of an arrow that is rebounding on a graph.
Broker Notes

Down 43% this week, are Cochlear shares now the best bargain buy of the year?

A leading analyst believes the historic selloff in Cochlear shares could present a unique buying opportunity.

Read more »

Young businesswoman sitting in kitchen and working on laptop.
Healthcare Shares

Down 50%, why I'd invest $20,000 into CSL shares

A 50% decline in a blue-chip share can signal trouble, but not always a broken story.

Read more »

Female scientist working in a laboratory.
Healthcare Shares

This ASX biotech stock could deliver 40%-plus returns Morgans says

This small company continues to kick goals.

Read more »