We can readily understand why investors are attracted to unprofitable companies. For example, biotech and mining...

Q1 2020 Marinus Pharmaceuticals Inc Earnings Call

Biotech stocks started last week on a strong note but the upward momentum slowed through the week. The week saw a slew of earnings from big pharma names, including Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) and Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE). Merck disappointed by lowering its outlook, although sell-side stayed positive on the prospects.Presentations at the American Association of Cancer Research Virtual Conference created some volatility. Verastem Inc (NASDAQ: VSTM) became a casualty of "not-so-impressive" clinical data on its Phase 1 asset VS-6766 that targets KRAS mutant advanced solid tumors. The stock shed about 57% to a low of $1.77 before recovering some lost ground.Here are the key catalysts for the unfolding week.Conferences SunTrust Robinson Humphrey 6th Annual Life Sciences Summit (Virtual Conference): May 5-6 Maxim Group M-Vest Infectious Disease Virtual Conference: May 5Related Link: A Deep Dive On Coronavirus Vaccine Plays Moderna, InovioClinical Readouts Adverum Biotechnologies Inc (NASDAQ: ADVM) is scheduled to present new data from the OPTIC Phase1 clinical trial of ADVM-022 intravitreal gene therapy in wet age-related macular degeneration. The call discussing the results is scheduled for Monday afternoon.Auris Medical Holding Ltd (NASDAQ: EARS) is due to release top-line data from the completed Phase 1b AM-201 trial in early May. AM-201 is being evaluated in antipsychotic-induced weight gain.Early Q2 Schedule Ovid Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: OVID): Phase 2 top-line data for OV101 in Fragile X syndromeIterum Therapeutics PLC (NASDAQ: ITRM): Phase 3 data for Sulopenem in uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infectionsEnanta Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ENTA): data from our INTREPID study of EDP-305 in patients with primary biliary cholangitisEarnings Monday View more earnings on IBB• Marinus Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: MRNS) (before the market open) • Minerva Neurosciences Inc (NASDAQ: NERV) (before the market open) • Epizyme Inc (NASDAQ: EPZM) (before the market open) • SI-Bone Inc (NASDAQ: SIBN) (after the market close) • Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated (NASDAQ: CORT) (after the market close) • Chembio Diagnostics Inc (NASDAQ: CEMI) (after the market close) • GenMark Diagnostics, Inc (NASDAQ: GNMK) (after the market close) • Kura Oncology Inc (NASDAQ: KURA) (after the market close) • Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE: VAR) (after the market close) • Fulgent Genetics Inc (NASDAQ: FLGT) (after the market close)See Also: Inovio Analysts Project About 24% Upside Potential Amid Optimism On Coronavirus DNA Vaccine Tuesday • Oxford Immunotec Global PLC (NASDAQ: OXFD) (before the market open) • Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: KPTI) (before the market open) • Haemonetics Corporation (NYSE: HAE) (before the market open) • Antares Pharma Inc (NASDAQ: ATRS) (before the market open) • Harvard Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: HBIO) (before the market open) • Vericel Corp (NASDAQ: VCEL) (before the market open) • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: REGN) (before the market open) • Neuronetics Inc (NASDAQ: STIM) (before the market open) • Mallinckrodt PLC (NYSE: MNK) (before the market open) • Akebia Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: AKBA) (before the market open) • Agile Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: AGRX) (after the market close) • Aquestive Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: AQST) (after the market close) • Akcea Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: AKCA) (after the market close) • Acorda Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: ACOR) (after the market close) • Axonics Modulation Technologies Inc (NASDAQ: AXNX) (after the market close) • Synthetic Biologics Inc (NYSE: SYN) (after the market close) • T2 Biosystems Inc (NASDAQ: TTOO) (after the market close) • Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: IOVA) (after the market close) • MacroGenics Inc (NASDAQ: MGNX) (after the market close) • Zogenix, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZGNX) (after the market close) • Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC (NASDAQ: JAZZ) (after the market close) • Exelixis, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXEL) (after the market close) • Myriad Genetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: MYGN) (after the market close) • Inspire Medical Systems Inc (NYSE: INSP) (after the market close) • Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIGL) (after the market close) • Supernus Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: SUPN) (after the market close) • Nevro Corp (NYSE: NVRO) (after the market close) • Clovis Oncology Inc (NASDAQ: CLVS) (after the market close) • InVitae Corp (NYSE: NVTA) (after the market close) • Cytosorbents Corp (NASDAQ: CTSO) (after the market close) • Cardiovascular Systems Inc (NASDAQ: CSII) (after the market close) • Cerus Corporation (NASDAQ: CERS) (after the market close) • Deciphera Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: DCPH) (after the market close) • Incyte Corporation (NASDAQ: INCY) (after the market close) • Orthopediatrics Corp (NASDAQ: KIDS) (after the market close)Wednesday • Eyepoint Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: EYPT) (before the market open) • Horizon Therapeutics PLC (NASDAQ: HZNP) (before the market open) • Constellation Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: CNST) (before the market open) • Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALNY) (before the market open) • IVERIC bio Inc (NASDAQ: ISEE) (before the market open) • Blueprint Medicines Corp (NASDAQ: BPMC) (before the market open) • BioCryst Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: BCRX) (before the market open) • Strongbridge Biopharma plc (NASDAQ: SBBP) (before the market open) • Evofem Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVFM) (before the market open) • Neurocrine Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: NBIX) (before the market open) • Jounce Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: JNCE) (before the market open) • PPD Inc (NASDAQ: PPD) (before the market open) • Zoetis Inc (NYSE: ZTS) (before the market open) • Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: IONS) (before the market open) • TherapeuticsMD Inc (NASDAQ: TXMD) (before the market open) • Avanos Medical Inc (NYSE: AVNS) (before the market open) • Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: AERI) (after the close) • Allogene Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: ALLO) (after the close) • ADMA Biologics Inc (NASDAQ: ADMA) (after the close) • Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALXN) (after the close) • AxoGen, Inc Common Stock (NASDAQ: AXGN) (after the close) • Global Blood Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: GBT) (after the close) • Pacific Biosciences of California (NASDAQ: PACB) (after the close) • Theravance Biopharma Inc (NASDAQ: TBPH) (after the close) • BioTelemetry Inc (NASDAQ: BEAT) (after the close) • Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE: BIO) (after the close) • Veracyte Inc (NASDAQ: VCYT) (after the close) • Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: LGND) (after the close) • Precigen Inc (NASDAQ: PGEN) (after the close) • Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: IRWD) (after the close) • OraSure Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSUR) (after the close) • NuVasive, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUVA) (after the close) • Sarepta Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: SRPT) (after the close) • Natera Inc (NASDAQ: NTRA) (after the close) • Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: VNDA) (after the close) • Qiagen NV (NYSE: QGEN) (after the close) • Enanta Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ENTA) (after the close) • Esperion Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: ESPR) (after the close) • G1 Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: GTHX) (after the close) • Quidel Corporation (NASDAQ: QDEL) (after the close) • Cytokinetics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYTK) (after the close) • MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ: MNKD) (after the close)Thursday • Integra Lifesciences Holdings Corp (NASDAQ: IART) (before the market open) • Intra-Cellular Therapies Inc (NASDAQ: ITCI) (before the market open) • Endo International PLC (NASDAQ: ENDP) (before the market open) • Xeris Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: XERS) (before the market open) • Moderna Inc (NASDAQ: MRNA) (before the market open) • Syros Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: SYRS) (before the market open) • Elanco Animal Health Inc (NYSE: ELAN) (before the market open) • Athenex Inc (NASDAQ: ATNX) (before the market open) • Aldeyra Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: ALDX) (before the market open) • Albireo Pharma Inc (NASDAQ: ALBO) (before the market open) • ANI Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ: ANIP) (before the market open) • Agenus Inc (NASDAQ: AGEN) (before the market open) • Amicus Therapeutics, Inc. 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(NASDAQ: CDXS) (after the close) • CytomX Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: CTMX) (after the close) • Insulet Corporation (NASDAQ: PODD) (after the close)Friday • Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ: VIVO) (before the market open) • Mersana Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ: MRSN) (before the market open) • Ocular Therapeutix Inc (NASDAQ: OCUL) (before the market open)See more from Benzinga * The Daily Biotech Pulse: Gilead Slips Despite Forecast-Beating Q1, Moderna Partners With Lonza For Coronavirus Vaccine Production, Lyra Therapeutics IPO * The Daily Biotech Pulse: FDA Nod For GlaxoSmithKline, Hologic To Launch Coronavirus Test, Amarin's Strong Q1(C) 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MRNS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat rare seizure disorders, today provided an update on its clinical development activities and reported its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2020. “We are proud to have made real progress across all of our clinical programs prior to and during the unprecedented and challenging global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Scott Braunstein, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Marinus.

RADNOR, Pa., April 23, 2020 -- Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat rare.

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MRNS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat orphan seizure disorders, today announced the appointment of Sasha Damouni Ellis as Vice President, Investor Relations and Corporate Communications, reporting to Scott Braunstein, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Marinus. In this role, Ms. Damouni Ellis will lead strategic investor relations and communications programs, and will work closely with investors, employees, advocacy groups, patient organizations and the media.

Given the troubling state of the U.S. economy, what’s driving the bullish sentiment on Wall Street? Stimulus.Among the bulls is chief investment strategist at CFRA, Sam Stovall, who estimates that the S&P 500 will hit 3,435 within a year. From current levels, this would reflect a double-digit gain, and come in above the 3,393 high-point posted on February 19. Back in March, he even went so far as to call for a new high in the third quarter, but since then he has updated his forecasts.“We’ve had a lot of people compare it with the Crash of ’29, the Depression of the 1930s, etc. But back then, you had the government actually tightening their reins, balancing their budget — you did not have a reactive Federal Reserve,” Stovall stated. He added, “Who’s to say we don’t go for a retest first? That’s a normal situation. However, I don’t think we’re going to get an even lower low because of the stimulus already injected into the system.”To this end, risk-tolerant investors are looking to take advantage of lower share prices, which present more attractive entry points. What’s the advantage of stocks with bargain price tags, specifically those trading for less than $5 per share? Should these names, which are deemed “penny stocks," experience even minor share price appreciation, it can translate to massive percentage gains.Therefore, huge returns are on the table, but penny stocks aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. Some argue that there could be a good reason they are trading at such low levels, and that the risk outweighs the potential rewards. Understanding the risk involved, we wanted to see if we could track down any compelling penny stocks in the healthcare space. Using TipRanks’ database, we pinpointed three that have received enough support from Wall Street analysts to earn a “Strong Buy” consensus rating. The cherry on top? All three of the tickers could double in the next year. Let’s dive in.Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MRNS)Focused on the development of neuropsychiatric therapeutics, Marinus is one of the top players in the orphan epileptic disorder space. Following a first quarter update on the company’s progress, Wall Street believes its long-term growth narrative is strong and that its $2.06 share price reflects the ideal entry point.As part of the update, management announced that the design and dosing for the RSE pivotal Phase 3 trial for its lead development candidate, ganaxolone (GNX), had been confirmed, with it set to begin in the third quarter. The co-primary endpoints for the trial are status cessation within 30 minutes and suppression for at least 24 hours, and it will be powered 90% to hopefully show 30% efficacy for GNX when compared to the placebo. Commenting for Oppenheimer, analyst Jay Olson said, “We view pivotal Phase 3 design as similar to positive Phase 2 trial while benefiting from longer dosing with 12 hours exposure vs. 8 hours prior. MRNS expects top-line data in the first half of 2022.”Additionally, the company finished enrolling participants for its CDD pivotal Phase 3 MARIGOLD trial, with the top-line data also slated for release in the third quarter. Olson argues that the discontinuation rate of less than 10% and high enrollment rate imply that tolerability levels are “favorable." The analyst added, “Pre-commercialization and NDA filing preparations remain on track despite COVID-19. We believe MRNS could have a substantial competitive advantage as a first mover.”If that wasn’t enough, Olson thinks the TSC Phase 2 open-label trial, which should start screening patients in Q2 and could see top-line data published in Q1 2021, could serve as a significant catalyst for shares. While COVID-19's impact on enrollment caused management to downsize the PRE Phase 3 VIOLET trial into a Phase 2 proof-of-concept trial in order to reprioritize resources, MRNS still has plenty going for it.“We view MRNS as well-positioned despite potential COVID-19 disruptions, with $77.8 million cash balance providing runway into 3Q21. We view MRNS's pipeline as attractive with multiple opportunities and several key near-term catalysts. We believe the current share price provides an attractive entry point,” Olson explained.To this end, Olson kept his Outperform call and $6 price target as is. Should this target be met, a twelve-month gain of 191% could be in store. (To watch Olson’s track record, click here) What does the rest of the Street think about Marinus’ long-term growth prospects? It turns out that other analysts also have high hopes. Only Buy ratings have been received in the last three months, so the consensus rating is a Strong Buy. In addition, the $5.50 average price target suggests 168% upside potential. (See Marinus stock analysis on TipRanks)Arbutus Biopharma Corporation (ABUS)With a diverse chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) product pipeline including direct antiviral, host targeting and immune-based approaches, Arbutus Biopharma wants to develop a cure for the condition. Currently going for $1.65 apiece, several members of the Street think now is the time to get on board as multiple catalysts are fast-approaching.On May 11, the company revealed that it plans to share further results from the week 12 portion of the 60 mg single-dose cohort evaluating its lead candidate, a GalNAc delivered RNAi compound, AB-729, in the second quarter of 2020.Five-star analyst Mayank Mamtani, of B.Riley FBR, points out that preliminary data from the Phase 1a/1b AB-729 HBV study showed an HBsAg reduction comparable to advanced RNAi peers, even though it enrolled difficult to treat e-antigen negative patients. As HBsAg reduction rose during the study, the analyst argues that this increases the chances of successful follow-up data.On top of this, ABUS has several ongoing preclinical studies that are progressing right on track, enabling it to advance its next-generation oral capsid inhibitor, AB-836, into the clinic in 2021. This goes hand in hand with the company’s research efforts to develop an oral HBV RNA-destabilizer and an oral anti-PD-L1 inhibitor. Expounding on this, Mamtani commented, “Building on learnings from the previously discontinued AB-506, AB-836 offers increased potency and an enhanced resistance profile with ongoing IND-enabling studies inclusive of a new assay to help better characterize the safety profile.” It should also be noted that ABUS is going to start working on a therapy for coronaviruses, specifically targeting RNA-dependent polymerase, nsp12, and viral protease, which play key roles in the replication and transcription cycle of COVID-19. Mamtani thinks this approach is promising as Gilead’s experimental COVID-19 treatment, remdesivir, is a nucleotide analog that binds nsp12, which inhibits viral proliferation and produces clinical benefits.Mamtani added, “Nsp12 has also been implicated in HCV, HIV, and, notably, HBV, areas in which ABUS has extensive antiviral development expertise. In concert with the biotech and pharma COVID-19 consortium, ABUS anticipates pooling resources along with leveraging primary screening and lead optimization capabilities to advance novel candidates against known and unknown targets, which works ideally as a pan coronavirus agent in order to also prepare for future outbreaks.”Based on all of the above, it’s no wonder Mamtani reiterated his bullish call. Given the $6 price target, shares could soar 253% in the next twelve months. (To watch Mamtani’s track record, click here) Turning now to the rest of the Street, other analysts are on the same page. With 100% Street support, or 3 Buy ratings to be exact, the consensus is unanimous: ABUS is a Strong Buy. The $5 average price target brings the upside potential to 198.5%. (See Arbutus Biopharma stock analysis on TipRanks)Geron Corporation (GERN)Last but not least we have Geron, which is primarily focused on the development of imetelstat, a small molecule telomerase inhibitor active in the treatment of highly transfusion-dependent MDS and r/r myelofibrosis (MF). While it’s very likely that the company will experience some delays as a result of COVID-19, the Street cites its promising technology and bargain $1.36 share price as making it a compelling healthcare play.Some investors have expressed concern regarding GERN’s announcement that it won’t be able to complete enrollment for the Phase 3 IMerge trial by 2020 due to the impact of COVID-19. BTIG analyst Thomas Shrader acknowledges that the delay will push back imetelstat’s approval and launch, which he now thinks will come in 2024 instead of 2023. However, he argued, “Geron’s patients are as desperate as they come in r/r MDS and AML and we expect data to date leave physicians and patients highly motivated to find something to try.”Further explaining the MDS opportunity, Shrader believes the program demonstrates robust levels of durability. Not only does the five-star analyst call the 24-week RBC-TI rate “highly compelling”, but he also highlights the strong safety profile.Shrader said, “Greater than 90% of patients with neutropenias and thrombocytopenias had these AEs resolve prior to the next dose. This reversibility is in contrast to both HMAs and Revlimid where these toxicities result in drug interruptions. A KOL recently commented that the high 68% HI-E response suggests most patients receive some benefit – making any subsequent trials very easy to enroll.”It should be noted that previously, its IMbark trial had a 32% discontinuation rate thanks to lack of efficacy, but Shrader thinks “these discontinuations may have been premature due to the drug’s slow onset of action and its ‘black box nature’ during the trial.” He added, “Based on increased understanding of how imetelstat works and its promise as a therapeutic, this discontinuation rate is likely to be low in subsequent trials. Imetelstat seems likely to be used after luspatercept in RS+ MDS but could be the only drug after ESAs in other forms of the disease (including RS-).”With GERN working out the MF trial design and hoping to discuss the regulatory path forward with the FDA in Q2, the deal is sealed for Shrader. Along with a Buy rating, he did trim the price target from $4 to $3, but this still leaves room for 114% upside potential. (To watch Shrader’s track record, click here)All in all, other analysts echo Shrader’s sentiment. 3 Buys and no Holds or Sells add up to a Strong Buy consensus rating. Based on the $3.50 average price target, the upside potential comes in at 149%. (See Geron stock analysis on TipRanks)To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MRNS) (the “Company” or “Marinus”), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat rare seizure disorders, today announced the grant of inducement awards to two new employees. A majority of the independent members of the Board of Directors of Marinus granted the new employees non-qualified stock options to purchase an aggregate of 45,500 shares of its common stock as inducement awards material to each employee entering into employment with the Company in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). One of the stock option grants has an exercise price of $1.79 per share, which is equal to the closing price of Marinus’ common stock on April 15, 2020, the date of grant for that stock option.

Benitec Biopharma, Inc., a successor entity to Benitec Biopharma Limited (NASDAQ: BNTC), a development-stage biotechnology company focused on the advancement of novel genetic medicines, today announced the appointment of Edward Smith to the Board of Directors.

Enrollment on-track for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder Phase 3 readout Q3 2020 Two additional late-stage clinical trials planned to initiate in 2020 Company presentation and live.

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MRNS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders, today announced the upcoming presentation of EEG data from its Phase 2 study at the American Clinical Neurophysiology Society (ACNS) 2020 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 7, 2020. The data from the study demonstrate a rapid, dose-dependent and sustained reduction of seizure burden in patients with status epilepticus (SE) treated with ganaxolone.

RADNOR, Pa., Jan. 07, 2020 -- Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNS), (Nasdaq: MRNS) (“Marinus” or “Company”), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of.

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MRNS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat rare seizure disorders, today announced the formation of a Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) with the appointment of six leading experts in clinical neurology and seizure disorders: Jacqueline French, M.D., Lawrence Hirsch, M.D., Aatif Husain, M.D., Michael Rogawski M.D., Ph.D., Eugen Trinka, M.D. and Henrikas Vaitkevicius, M.D. “We believe the strength and enthusiasm of our newly-formed scientific advisory board, with an expertise in clinical development and global registration strategies for novel anti-epileptic drugs, is a testament to our commitment to ganaxolone in patients with severe seizure disorders,” said Scott Braunstein, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Marinus.

Marinus Pharmaceuticals (MRNS) shares rose nearly 8% in the last trading session, amid huge volumes.

We are still in an overall bull market and many stocks that smart money investors were piling into surged through the end of November. Among them, Facebook and Microsoft ranked among the top 3 picks and these stocks gained 54% and 51% respectively. Hedge funds' top 3 stock picks returned 41.7% this year and beat […]

If you’re on a budget, yet in a risk-tolerant mood, it’s worth taking a look at penny stocks – companies whose shares sell for less than $5 apiece. Here you get a lot more for your money; For example, buying a single share of Amazon will set you back $1,865, but if you wanted to spend the equivalent amount on a stock worth $3, you could load up on 621 shares of company x.Is it worth it though? Of course, the risk is a lot higher and there’s a chance you could lose the whole investment. Some might not even call it an investment, but rather a speculative shot at massive gains. Still, the possibility of returns is real. While the low price is a put off for some, it could also mean that company x is significantly undervalued and poised to reward the intrepid investor with mighty returns in the future. Like anything else, it’s picking the right one that’s the hard part.Here’s where we call on the pros. TipRanks’ Stock Screener tool was able to filter through thousands of stocks to identify those not only trading under $3 a piece, but also ones which have been making waves on the Street as of late. We found three, that according to the analysts, all show promising signs of making their way out of the penny stocks category and into larger cap territory soon enough. On top of this, each has enormous room for growth, and furthermore, all presently have a “Strong Buy” consensus rating from the Street. Here’s the lowdown.MannKind Corporation (MNKD)Let’s start off with the cheapest stock on our list, MannKind Corporation. Shares of the small-cap biotech are currently selling for $1.51. The diabetes-focused company has a market cap of $312 million, but looking back to the mid 2010’s, MannKind was worth almost $4 billion. So, what happened since then?Bad financial practices combined with underwhelming sales have seen the company lose favor with investors. However, according to Oppenheimer’s Steven Lichtman, MannKind has been steering itself to safety over the last couple of years.Lichtman initiated coverage of MannKind with an Outperform rating and set a price target of $2.50. The figure suggests a possible gain of 66% over the coming months. (To watch Lichtman’s track record, click here)MNKD has one approved FDA treatment on the market: Afrezza. It’s a device which consists of a dry powder formulation of human insulin that is delivered through a portable inhaler. The superfast mealtime insulin’s goal is to improve post-meal glucose control without increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Although it’s popular with the few who use it, part of its problem has been the lack of insurance for its users. The company has been working with payers and, additionally, new data has helped prescription growth. According to Lichtman, shifting mealtime insulin users away from “tough competitors" towards Afrezza remains key for its success.Lichtman said, “MNKD management has taken steps over the past couple of years to accelerate Afrezza (insulin delivery) sales and diversify using its core Technosphere drug delivery platform. Successes have included continued solid data behind Afrezza and a new partnership with United Therapeutics (UTHR) using Technosphere in UTHR's PAH drugs... While we have not yet seen an inflection in new prescriptions, prescriptions have been steadily increasing, the pipeline around MNKD’s core Technosphere technology has increased and the company's efforts to restructure cash commitments have improved the risk/reward on the shares, in our view.”The Street is currently quiet when it comes to MNKD’s prospects. Those that have been taking note, though, remain bullish on its future. 3 Buy ratings add up to a Strong Buy consensus rating. The average price target is identical to Lichtman’s, $2.50, and therefore also indicates upside potential of 66%. (See MannKind stock analysis on TipRanks) Soleno Therapeutics Inc. (SLNO)This rare disease-focused biopharma had an excellent 2019, adding 72% to its share price along the way. It still only has a $2.85 price per share and market cap of $127 million, but if the analysts on the Street have their way, Soleno will continue its upward trend in 2020 and most likely won’t remain a micro-cap for long.Soleno is currently concentrating on its lead product candidate, DCCR (diazoxide choline controlled-release), a tablet for the treatment of PWS (Prader-Willi Syndrome). The disease is a rare genetic disorder which can cause a wide range of physical symptoms, learning difficulties and behavioral problems. It can also bring on an excessive appetite which can lead to obesity.Oppenheimer’s Leland Gershall believes Soleno has a lot more left in the tank following its rise last year. The 5-star analyst recently initiated coverage on the biopharma with an Outperform rating and set a price target of $10. Should the target be met, investors could pocket gains of 251% in the year ahead. (To watch Gershell’s track record, click here)Leland noted, “DCCR has demonstrated clinical proof-of-concept in PWS, and active ingredient has a long record of human safety. A Phase 3 registration trial will report top-line results in 1H20, for which KOLs are favorable. While the PWS category features several late-stage candidates, our physician consultants regard their distinct mechanisms and delivery formats as providing ample opportunity for each. With just a $65 million enterprise value, we like the risk-reward and recommend building a position ahead of the Phase 3 reveal.”In a similar vein to MannKind, Soleno has three analysts currently tracking its progress, and all are resoundingly effusive. A Strong Buy consensus rating breaks down into Buys only. Upside of 216% could be in the cards should Soleno reach the average price target of $9 over the next 12 months. (See Soleno stock analysis on TipRanks) Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MRNS)Marinus is another company with a singular focus and bargain price tag, $2.26 to be exact. The biotech currently has one clinical stage candidate, ganaxolone (GNX), a neuropsychiatric therapy with various indications including epilepsy and other drug resistant neuropsychiatric disorders.In December, the company announced updates from its programs in tuberous sclerosis complex, or TSC, CDKL5 deficiency disorder, or CDD, and PCDH19-related epilepsy. Highlights included data from the PCDH19-related epilepsy Phase 2 trial which showed patients with low levels of allopregnanolone-sulfate (Allo-S) exhibited improved ganaxolone responses. Following the data readout, Marinus performed a biomarker analysis to identify other rare genetic epilepsies that may benefit from the GABAA-receptor modulatory effects of ganaxolone and as a result, announced TSC as the next planned orphan epilepsy program to study the effect of the drug on seizures. Additionally, the company revealed it was granted orphan drug designation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for ganaxolone for the treatment of CDD.Oppenheimer’s Jay Olson likes ganaxolone’s clinical data and believes Marinus’ “focused approach” will pay off, calling MRNS a “leader in orphan epileptic disorders.” Olson said, “We are confident in GNX IV development for acute RSE following impressive Phase 2 data with a pivotal Phase 3 trial being planned, in addition to chronic treatment of rare genetic epilepsies currently in pivotal Phase 3 trials with potential for biomarker enrichment. PPD adds potential optionality. We estimate peak revenues of $1.1 billion in 2030.”Therefore, Olson started coverage of MRNS with an Outperform rating and set a price target of $6. What does this indicate, then? Potential upside of an impressive 165%, should the target be met over the coming year. (To watch Olson’s track record, click here)Following the pattern to a T, Marinus receives a Strong Buy consensus rating from the Street consisting of 3 Buy ratings. The average price target comes in at $5.67 and implies potential gains of a considerable 151%. (See Marinus stock-price forecast on TipRanks)

Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (MRNS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders, today announced it has reached the 100 patient enrollment target for the Marigold Study. The Marigold Study is a pivotal Phase 3 study evaluating oral ganaxolone in children and young adults with CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder (CDD), a rare refractory form of pediatric epilepsy with no currently approved treatments.

Investors need to pay close attention to Marinus (MRNS) stock based on the movements in the options market lately.

RADNOR, Pa., March 16, 2020 -- Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat rare.

RADNOR, Pa., Feb. 24, 2020 -- Marinus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNS), a pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development of innovative therapeutics to treat epilepsy.