Pfizer (PFE) and BioNTech (BNTX) topped headlines this morning when the FDA announced its full approval of the two companies’ mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccination, marketed under the name “COMIRNATY” is the first COVID-19 vaccination to receive full FDA approval in the United States, potentially marking a path forward for other vaccinations such as those created by Moderna ($MRNA) and Johnson&Johnson ($JNJ) According to the CDC, the United States has thus far administered over 200 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
Receipt of FDA approval is a sweeping success, not just for the two companies, but for the public at large, as FDA approval increases confidence in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. This added conviction from the FDA could lead businesses and universities to implement vaccine mandates.
After market open, large-flow options activity for PFE and BNTX were mixed, with a bullish-leaning sentiment for both; BNTX demonstrates a number of puts sold and purchased.
Pfizer also made waves in the Unusual Whales Live News Flow with a story of acquisition. Trillium Therapeutics (TRIL) and Pfizer announced earlier this morning that they have signed a decisive agreement for Pfizer to acquire Trillium (who specializes in immuno-oncology, the use of one’s own immune system to combat cancer) in an equity deal valued up to $2.26 billion.
Pfizer will acquire all outstanding Trillium shares for $18.50 a share. Trillium shares soared on the news, rising a factor of nearly 190% at the time of writing this, to $17.64 per share.Following the news, Options Activity for TRIL shows heavy bullish flow, with numerous large orders of sold puts and purchased calls alike, both indicative of the bullish sentiment surrounding Trillium Therapeutic’s acquisition by PFE.
