Why did the Immutep share price plummet 31% last month?

June was a rough one for this ASX biotechnology stock.

| 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

Key points
  • The Immutep share price plunged 31% lower over the course of June to close the month trading at 29 cents 
  • Meanwhile, the healthcare sector outperformed, falling just 3% 
  • Additionally, the only price-sensitive news from the company last month appeared to be positive 

The Immutep Ltd (ASX: IMM) share price plunged lower in June despite the company announcing seemingly good news to the market.

As of the final close of last month, the Immutep share price was 29 cents, 30.95% lower than it was at the end of May.

For context, the broader market also suffered last month. The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) fell 8.9% while the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO) slumped 9.5%.

Let's take a closer look at what went on with the All Ords biotechnology stock in June.

A sad looking scientist sitting and upset about a share price fall.

Image source: Getty Images

What weighed on the Immutep share price last month?

The Immutep share price struggled through June as the S&P/ASX Health Care Index (ASX: XHJ) outperformed the broader market.

The healthcare sector slumped just 3.11% last month – leaving it around 5.8% better off than the ASX 200.

Sadly, the approximately $268.5 million (according to the ASX) biotech company suffered a worse fate than many of its peers.

That's despite it releasing exciting news of its lead product candidate, eftilagimod alpha (known as efti).

The company announced that part A of the phase II TACTI-002 trial, evaluating efti in combination with MSD's pembrolizumab in 114 patients, met its primary objective, showing favourable anti-tumour activity.

"For Immutep, these highly favourable results are of strategic importance," the company's CEO Marc Voigt said. "They support late-stage development for an attractive and very large addressable market."

Unfortunately, the market didn't respond quite so positively. It bid the Immutep share price 5.8% lower on the back of the news.

But the Immutep share price is no stranger to the red. It's currently trading 55% lower than its 52-week high, reached in November 2021.

It's also 38% lower than it was at the start of 2022 and is trading for 41% less than it was this time last year.

Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

Two scientists analysing results on a computer screen.
Healthcare Shares

3 ASX healthcare shares to buy with 25% to 100% upside as sector rebound races higher

After slumping to a 9-year low on 3 June, healthcare shares have rallied by an extraordinary 42%.

Read more »

A female scientist in a laboratory setting using a tablet to review data, with a male scientist working in the background.
Healthcare Shares

Are CSL shares still cheap after almost doubling since June?

The healthcare giant is no longer dirt cheap, but let's find out if the current valuation leaves room for long-term…

Read more »

Buy the dip written on a yellow sign.
Broker Notes

Down 43%! 4 reasons to buy the BIG dip in Pro Medicus shares today

A leading expert believes Pro Medicus shares are well-place to rebound.

Read more »

A woman researcher holds a finger up in happiness as if making the 'number one' sign with a graphic of technological data and an orb emanating from her finger while fellow researchers work in the background.
Healthcare Shares

CSL led the ASX healthcare shares rebound. Can it continue?

The rebound of healthcare stocks looks promising, but proving the recovery is real remains.

Read more »

Three guys in shirts and ties give the thumbs down.
Healthcare Shares

Ingenia Communities Group rejects takeover offer, backs growth strategy

Ingenia Communities Group has rejected a takeover offer from Warburg Pincus, reaffirming its strategy and Peet acquisition plans.

Read more »

a man in a shirt and tie holds his chin in thoughtful contemplation and looks skywards as if thinking about something while a graphic of a road with many ups and downs unfurls behind him.
Healthcare Shares

CSL shares are up 94% from their low. What are brokers forecasting next?

Can CSL’s improving fundamentals justify the optimism now priced into shares?

Read more »

Woman with $50 notes in her hand thinking, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Looking to bank the upcoming CSL dividend? You better hurry!

Not only have CSL shares surged 91% since June, but the final dividend payout is still up for grabs. Though…

Read more »

a group of surgeons in full surgery dress including masks, gloves and head coverings stands together with arms folded and smiling eyes as if happy with the outcome of their efforts.
Healthcare Shares

Top 3 ASX healthcare shares to buy after a brutal year

Three very different ways to back healthcare.

Read more »