Small-Cap Biotech Jaguar Health's Stock Jumps 4% As It Launches Gelclair Treatment For Oral Mucositis In Cancer Patients -- MarketWatch

MarketWatch · 10/16 13:56

The stock of small-cap biotech Jaguar Health Inc. (JAGX) rose more than 4% on Wednesday, after the company launched its gelclair treatment for oral mucositis, a common side-effect suffered by head and neck cancer patients. The condition, which is also called "chemo mouth' is a painful inflammation of the mouth's mucous membranes that has become a leading significant adverse event in oncology, according to a National Comprehensive Cancer Network task force. Head and neck cancers account for nearly 4% of all cancers in the U.S. and are expected to account for about 71,110 cases in 2024. "Up to 40% of all patients treated with chemotherapy develop oral mucositis, and this percentage rises to approximately 90% for patients with head and neck cancers treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy," Jaguar said in a statement. Roughly half of those patients will develop oral mucositis grade 3 or 4 which will put them in the hospital. Jaguar focuses on developing prescription medicines that are derived from plants from rainforest areas for people and animals suffering from gastrointestinal distress. The stock has fallen 86% in the year to date, while the S&P 500 has gained 22%.

-Ciara Linnane

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October 16, 2024 09:56 ET (13:56 GMT)