SUMMIT, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ETFMG, a leading thematic ETF issuer, announced today the launch of its latest innovative exchange traded fund, the ETFMG Treatments, Testing and Advancements ETF (NYSE Arca: GERM). GERM seeks to answer investor demand for direct exposure to the biotech companies directly engaged in the testing and treatments of infectious diseases. The first-to-market methodology behind the Fund focuses on the advancements in the infectious disease subsector of biotech with targeted exposure to U.S.-listed companies at the forefront of R&D, vaccines, therapies and testing technologies.
GERM provides access to both established providers as well as the “unsung heroes” of the biotech and life sciences market. The frequency and diversity of disease outbreaks, similar to COVID-19, have grown steadily for the past 30 years.4
“Our global health depends a great deal on innovation and discovery that will address how to prevent further infection with enhanced immune therapies or vaccines,” said Reynold A. Panettieri, Jr., MD, Professor of Medicine, Vice Chancellor for Translational Medicine and Science at Rutgers University, and Director of the Institute for Translational Medicine and Science. “GERM offers a unique approach that embraces cutting-edge technologies through cooperativity among Big/Small Pharma and biotech that can nimbly leverage discoveries and translate them into commercialized and impactful assets.”
From January 2011 to January 2018, there were 38 epidemic events in the U.S. alone1 and there are currently over 20 combined pandemics and epidemics affecting the world today.3 The unfortunate emergence of the recent COVID-19 pandemic has brought mainstream emphasis to the value of the human vaccines market, expected to grow to $72.5 billion by 2024, representing a CAGR of 11.2% from 2016 to 2024.2
“GERM represents an investment theme that is much more than topical, it provides unique exposure to a previously underrepresented growth sector within biotech. We are excited to bring this product to U.S. investors,” said Sam Masucci, CEO and Founder of ETFMG.
As we continually monitor COVID-19, we recommend following the guidance of the CDC www.cdc.gov and World Health Organization (WHO) www.who.int.
For more information on GERM, visit etfmg.com/GERM.
About ETFMG
ETFMG is a provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), founded in 2014 with a vision of developing innovative thematic ETFs that provide investors unique exposure to new markets. Today, the ETFMG fund line up provides access to a diverse collection of global themes and is comprised of 75% first to market products. We turn portfolio management strategies into successful ETFs by partnering with market segment experts to bring long-term growth opportunities to investors. ETFMG funds are proof as to the power of the ETF wrapper and that thematic products can have a place in investors’ portfolios. To learn more about ETFMG and our portfolio of exchange traded funds please visit www.etfmg.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter @ETFMG, or YouTube.
Carefully consider the Fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Fund’s prospectus, which may be obtained by calling 1-844-ETF-MGRS (1-844-383-6477), or by visiting www.etfmg.com/GERM. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV), may trade at a discount or premium to NAV and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns. Narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility. Treatment Companies and Testing Companies are involved in discovering, developing and commercializing novel drugs or tests with significant market potential. These companies face challenges including pre-clinical testing and clinical trial stages of development. Clinical trials may be delayed and certain programs may never advance in the clinic or may be more costly to conduct than anticipated. Such companies may be dependent on their ability to secure significant funding for research, development, and commercialization of therapeutics, vaccines, tests, and other health care products or services. If there are delays in obtaining required regulatory and marketing approvals for products, the ability of such companies to generate revenue may be materially impaired. If regulatory approval is obtained, products will still remain subject to regulatory scrutiny with regulatory authorities having the ability to impose significant restrictions on the indicated uses or marketing. Lastly, even if a licensed product is achieved, such companies may encounter difficulties in manufacturing, product release, shelf life, testing, storage, supply chain management, or shipping.
The Fund is a recently organized, non-diversified management investment company with limited operating history. ETF Managers Group LLC is the investment adviser to the Fund.
The Fund is distributed by ETFMG Financial LLC. ETF Managers Group LLC and ETFMG Financial LLC are wholly owned subsidiaries of Exchange Traded Managers Group LLC (collectively, “ETFMG”). ETFMG Financial LLC is not affiliated with Prime Indexes.
Sources:
1. World Health Organization, “Managing Epidemics”, page 22: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/managing-epidemics-interactive.pdf?ua=1
2. Vaccines and Vaccination conference series, Transparency Market Research, June 2020, Market analysis: https://europe.vaccineconferences.com
3. World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/en/
4. World Economic Forum white paper, “Outbreak Readiness and Business Impact Protecting Lives and Livelihoods across the Global Economy,” in collaboration with Harvard Global Health Institute, Jan. 2019 http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF%20HGHI_Outbreak_Readiness_Business_Impact.pdf
