5 Small-cap Biotech ETFs to Watch (Updated 2024)

AUM: US$94.91 million

The Global X Genomics & Biotechnology ETF tracks genomic science stocks, such as companies focused on gene editing, genomic sequencing, genetic medicine and therapy, computational genomics and biotechnology. This fund was first introduced to the market in April 2019 and invests at least 75 percent of its assets in mid- and small-cap companies.

There are 42 holdings in this biotech fund. Its top holdings include Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA) at a weight of 5.32 percent, Bio-Techne (NASDAQ:TECH) with a weight of 4.68 percent and Natera (NASDAQ:NTRA) at 4.66 percent.

AUM: US$92.18 million

The ProShares Ultra NASDAQ Biotechnology ETF was launched in April 2010 and is leveraged to offer twice daily long exposure to the broad-based NASDAQ Biotechnology Index, making it an ideal choice “for investors with a bullish short-term outlook for biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies.” However, analysts also advise investors with a low risk tolerance or a buy-and-hold strategy against investing in this fund due to its unique nature.

The top biotech stocks in this ETF are Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) at a 6.2 percent weight, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN) at 5.59 percent and Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN) at 5 percent .

AUM: US$67.12 million

Launched in November 2023, the Tema Obesity and Cardiometabolic ETF tracks biotech stocks with a focus on diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The fund was renamed on March 25; previously it was known as the Tema Cardiovascular and Metabolic ETF. More than three-quarters of its holdings are based in the US.

There are 44 holdings in this biotechnology fund, with about a 50/50 split between small- to mid-cap stocks and large-cap companies. Its top holdings include Vertex Pharmaceuticals at 6.34 percent, Amgen at 5.42 percent and Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) at 5.41 percent.

AUM: US$28.73 million

The Principal Healthcare Innovators ETF tracks US-listed healthcare stocks with a focus on companies that are researching and developing innovative medicines and therapies. This fund was first introduced to the market in August 2016 and invests in businesses with high liquidity, avoiding large-cap stocks.

There are 267 holdings in this biotech ETF. Its top holdings include Moderna at a 5.44 percent weight, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ALNY) at 3.28 percent and Natera at 2.88 percent.

AUM: US$25.42 million

The Tema Oncology ETF provides exposure to biotech companies operating in the oncology industry. It includes companies developing a range of cancer treatments, including CAR-T cell therapies and bispecific antibodies.

Launched in August 2023, there are 49 holdings in this biotechnology fund, with about 43 percent being small- to mid-cap stocks. Among its top holdings are Regeneron Pharmaceuticals at a weight of 5.7 percent, Merck (NYSE:MRK) at 5.34 percent and AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) at 4.87 percent.