2 promising small-cap ASX healthcare stocks to buy now

Theses two small-cap ASX healthcare shares could tap into the huge US medical market.

| 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

Looking to add a few small-cap ASX healthcare stocks to your portfolio with some outsized growth potential?

Considering that the small-cap sector's potential for outsized share price gains comes with added risks, we take a look at two ASX healthcare stocks fund managers have tipped as buys.

Two lab workers fist pump each other.

Image source: Getty Images

ASX biotech stock well-funded post-capital raise

The first small-cap company tipped as a buy is Opthea Ltd (ASX: OPT), according to Medallion Financial Group's Philippe Bui (courtesy of The Bull).

"This biopharmaceutical company is developing a new drug for macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness for people aged 50 and older," Bui said.

And it could be well worth owning some shares in this ASX healthcare stock before mid-2025.

"The company is in the process of completing US Food and Drug Administration phase 3 clinical trials, with results due in the June quarter of 2025," Bui explained.

Success with those FDA trials would potentially offer a sizeable boost to the Opthea share price.

And Opthea's balance sheet is in solid shape.

"The company has lifted available funds following a capital raising at 40 cents a share," Bui said.

At Opthea's latest quarterly results, the company reported a cash balance of US$172.4 million as of 30 June, up from US$101.6 million in the prior quarter.

The Opthea share price has increased 32% over the past 12 months, closing at 54 cents a share on Monday.

Which brings us to the second small-cap ASX healthcare stock tipped as a buy (courtesy of The Bull).

Small-cap ASX healthcare stock could expand into US

BW Equities' Tom Bleakley has a buy rating on Botanix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: BOT), with the US FDA also in playing a role in its fortunes.

"The FDA has approved Botanix Pharmaceuticals' Sofdra topical gel, a prescription medicine for treating primary axillary hyperhidrosis (excessive underarm sweating) in adults and children aged nine and beyond," Bleakley said.

Bleakley added:

The product is already marketed in Japan, but the US potentially provides a much bigger opportunity. BOT, a clinical dermatology company, says about 10 million people in the US suffer from excessive underarm sweating.

FDA approval paints a brighter revenue outlook.

The Botanix share price has rocketed 100% over the past 12 months, closing yesterday at 36 cents a share.

The small-cap ASX healthcare stock completed a successful institutional placement in June, raising $70 million.

As at 30 June, Botanix had a cash position of $79.3 million with no debt.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben 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

Man with a sleep apnoea mask on whilst sleeping.
Healthcare Shares

Why ResMed shares are tumbling 6% today despite strong results

Here's what spooked investors.

Read more »

Scientist looking at a laptop thinking about the share price performance.
Healthcare Shares

Imricor Medical Systems shares: Philips declares compatibility for iMR products

Big news is catching the eye of investors on Friday.

Read more »

Broker looking at the share price on her laptop with green and red points in the background.
Earnings Results

ResMed posts strong Q4 earnings, lifts dividend

The sleep disorder treatment company had another record quarter.

Read more »

a doctor wearing a white coat with a stethoscope around her neck stares out a window with her hand to the side of her face as though in deep thought.
Healthcare Shares

Clarity Pharmaceuticals reports clinical trial milestones

Clarity Pharmaceuticals reported continued clinical progress for its prostate cancer imaging and therapy programs.

Read more »

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

Are Neuren Pharmaceuticals shares a buy, hold or sell after rocketing 16%?

This healthcare stock keeps rising.

Read more »

Medical workers examine an x-ray or scan in a hospital laboratory.
Broker Notes

Up 64%, 3 reasons this expert predicts Pro Medicus shares will keep on giving

A leading expert forecasts more outperformance from the surging Pro Medicus share price.

Read more »

a biomedical researcher sits at his desk with his hand on his chin, thinking and giving a small smile with a microscope next to him and an array of test tubes and beackers behind him on shelves in a well-lit bright office.
Healthcare Shares

Clarity Pharmaceuticals reports new SECuRE trial responses at higher dose

Clarity Pharmaceuticals reports further progress in its SECuRE prostate cancer trial, showing strong PSA responses and new complete responses at…

Read more »

Two lab workers fist pump each other.
Healthcare Shares

Neuren Pharmaceuticals share price rockets: record Q2 DAYBUE sales and royalty upgrade

Second quarter net sales of DAYBUE increased 30%.

Read more »