Insiders at OraSure Technologies buy ahead of potential FDA approval on new test kits

Insiders at OraSure Technologies buy ahead of potential FDA approval on new test kits

OraSure Technologies Inc. (OSUR, NASDAQ) specialises in creating point-of-care and home diagnostic test kits.

On February 25, its share price tumbled nearly 10% to $3.61 after missing its Q4 2024 earnings expectations.

Its Q4 2024 earnings report showed a 51% decrease in total net revenues, dropping from $75.9 million in Q4 2023 to $37.4 million, primarily due to a 98% decline in COVID-19-related revenues.

Yet, just two days later, on February 27, insiders—including the CEO, CFO, and other directors—purchased 197,284 shares worth about $621,000, marking the first insider buying since 2023.

This bold move by insiders to buy up more shares than ever even as the company’s revenue plummets raises the question: What do they know that we don’t?

After some research, I believe I’ve pinpointed why insiders at OraSure Technologies are stocking up on shares. It all has to do with sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

You see, OraSure Technologies' last major cash cow was its COVID-19 home test kits, which generated millions in revenue. However, as global concerns over COVID-19 reduced, so did OraSure’s revenues.

So, to grow its revenue, the company has been working to diversify its product offerings.

On December 19, 2024, OraSure Technologies announced its acquisition of Sherlock Biosciences, a company whose first product is a self-test for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG).

This self-test is expected to use molecular diagnostics to deliver rapid, over-the-counter results for these STIs with high sensitivity and specificity.

Interestingly, according to OraSure Technologies, the test is currently in clinical studies and has delivered results in under 30 minutes from self-collected swabs.

It is also on track for FDA submission by the end of 2025. If approved, this self-test kit could open OraSure Technologies to a total addressable market of over $1.5 billion for CT/NG testing, and significantly boost its revenues as early as 2026.

This is why insiders were quick to buy up shares at a discounted price of around $3.10. They are expecting FDA approval of the STI test kit this year, which will boost OraSure’s revenues and, consequently, its share price.

Another biomedical success

Solid Biosciences Inc. (SLDB, NASDAQ) is a biotech innovator that specializes in gene therapies for rare neuromuscular and cardiac diseases. 

On February 19, 2025, insiders loaded up on shares worth about $26 million, even as the company reported a Q4 2024 net loss of $32.73 million due to Research and Development costs.

So, why are insiders betting big despite the red ink? What do they know that we don’t?

After digging into the details, I think I’ve cracked it.

Solid Biosciences has been trying to tackle Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) for years, a disease that has no known cure and affects 1 in every 3500-5000 males.

And that's where SGT-003 comes in, their gene therapy for DMD. 

On February 18, 2025—just a day before the insider buying—Solid Biosciences shared promising Phase 1/2 trial data: the first three participants in its trials showed an average of 110% microdystrophin expression. 

Why does that matter? Well…

DMD is caused by a lack of dystrophin, a protein critical for muscle health, and this therapy provides it adequately, improving muscle health biomarkers with no serious adverse effects.

The company is on track to perform more trials and is exploring an accelerated FDA approval pathway. If approved, SGT-003 could transform lives—and significantly increase Solid Biosciences’ revenues.

This is why insiders pounced on the shares, they see SGT-003’s stellar early data as a breakout moment.

Amkor Technology’s insiders are capitalising on dividend increases

On February 24, 2025, Amkor Technology, Inc. (AMKR, NASDAQ), a leading provider of semiconductor packaging and test services, saw significant insider trading.

Public reports revealed that insiders purchased approximately 4.3 million shares worth around $95 million in a single day.

This followed the company’s February 20, 2025, announcement that it would begin paying quarterly dividends of $0.0827 per share.

Amkor Technology’s announcement of a 5% increase in its quarterly dividend, along with a special dividend, signals financial stability—an attractive factor for investors that could drive share prices higher.

Also, analysts predict Amkor’s revenues will continue to grow, which could mean further dividend increases in the future.