Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Eledon Reported 4Q24 Results and Reviewed Progress During The Quarter. Eledon reported a loss for 4Q24 of $44.6 million or $(0.64) per share and $36.2 million or $(0.75) per share for FY2024. Cash and equivalents on December 31, 2024 was $140.2 million, which is expected to fund operations through YE2026. Based on our estimated loss for 1Q25, we project the cash balance on March 31, 2025 to be about $115 million to $120 million.
Tegoprubart Has Clinical Trial Milestones Ahead. Enrollment in the Phase 2 BESTOW trial for prevention of kidney transplant rejection was completed ahead of schedule in August 2024 due to higher than anticipated interest from transplant surgeons. We anticipate top-line results in 4Q25. The Phase 1b open-label trial continues to evaluate patients and is expected to provide an interim data update in mid-year 2025.
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Key Points: – Genetic testing company 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, struggling with declining revenue, cybersecurity concerns, and failed business expansions. – Anne Wojcicki has resigned as CEO, with Joseph Selsavage stepping in as interim CEO. – The company aims to sell its assets through a court-approved process, while Wojcicki has expressed interest in bidding to regain control.
Once a trailblazer in consumer DNA testing, 23andMe has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after years of financial struggles and failed business pivots. The company, which was once valued at $6 billion, is now worth just $25 million as it grapples with a collapsing business model, cybersecurity concerns, and increasing regulatory scrutiny.
Founder Anne Wojcicki has stepped down as CEO effective immediately but will remain on the board. In her place, the company has appointed Joseph Selsavage as interim CEO as it navigates the bankruptcy process.
Wojcicki acknowledged the company’s challenges in a statement, saying, “There is no doubt that the challenges faced by 23andMe through an evolving business model have been real, but my belief in the company and its future is unwavering.”
Founded in 2006, 23andMe gained massive popularity with its at-home genetic testing kits, allowing customers to trace their ancestry and assess genetic health risks. The company’s early success led it to go public in 2021 through a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) merger, which valued it at $3.5 billion.
However, the business struggled to generate recurring revenue beyond its one-time test kit sales. Attempts to transition into drug discovery and research partnerships failed to gain traction. Additionally, the company was hit with privacy concerns following a 2023 data breach that exposed the genetic information of nearly 7 million users, further damaging consumer trust.
According to court filings, 23andMe has between $100 million and $500 million in both estimated assets and liabilities. The company has stated that its primary goal is to sell its assets through a court-approved process over the next 45 days.
Wojcicki has indicated that she plans to be an independent bidder in the process, potentially seeking to take the company private after her previous takeover offers were rejected by 23andMe’s special committee.
Beyond financial troubles, the company continues to face scrutiny over its handling of sensitive consumer data. Last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a warning urging customers to reconsider keeping their genetic data stored with 23andMe, citing the risks of future breaches.
Despite these concerns, 23andMe has assured customers that there will be no immediate changes to how it stores or manages genetic data throughout the bankruptcy proceedings.
The future of 23andMe remains uncertain as the company seeks a buyer for its assets. While Wojcicki has signaled her interest in reclaiming control, potential bidders may be wary of the company’s financial instability and reputational damage.
For investors, this marks another cautionary tale of once-hyped SPAC deals that failed to deliver long-term value. As 23andMe fights for survival, the broader genetic testing industry must grapple with growing privacy concerns and the challenge of building sustainable business models beyond one-time test sales.
Tonix is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering, licensing, acquiring and developing therapeutics and diagnostics to treat and prevent human disease and alleviate suffering. Tonix’s portfolio is composed of immunology, rare disease, infectious disease, and central nervous system (CNS) product candidates. Tonix’s immunology portfolio includes biologics to address organ transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer, including TNX-15001 which is a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting CD40-ligand being developed for the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection and for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A Phase 1 study of TNX-1500 is expected to be initiated in the second half of 2022. Tonix’s rare disease portfolio includes TNX-29002 for the treatment of Prader-Willi syndrome. TNX-2900 has been granted Orphan-Drug Designation by the FDA. Tonix’s infectious disease pipeline includes a vaccine in development to prevent smallpox and monkeypox called TNX-8013, next-generation vaccines to prevent COVID-19, and an antiviral to treat COVID-19. Tonix’s lead vaccine candidates for COVID-19 are TNX-1840 and TNX-18504, which are live virus vaccines based on Tonix’s recombinant pox vaccine (RPV) platform. TNX-35005 (sangivamycin, i.v. solution) is a small molecule antiviral drug to treat acute COVID-19 and is in the pre-IND stage of development. TNX-102 SL6, (cyclobenzaprine HCl sublingual tablets), is a small molecule drug being developed to treat Long COVID, a chronic post-acute COVID-19 condition. Tonix expects to initiate a Phase 2 study in Long COVID in the second quarter of 2022. The Company’s CNS portfolio includes both small molecules and biologics to treat pain, neurologic, psychiatric and addiction conditions. Tonix’s lead CNS candidate, TNX-102 SL, is in mid-Phase 3 development for the management of fibromyalgia with a new Phase 3 study launched in the second quarter of 2022. Finally, TNX-13007 is a biologic designed to treat cocaine intoxication that is expected to start a Phase 2 trial in the second quarter of 2022. TNX-1300 has been granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the FDA.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Fourth Quarter Reported With Product Development Updates. Tonix reported 4Q Net Loss to Common Shareholders of $22.1 million or $(9.77) per share and $130.0 million or $(176.60) per share for FY2024. Total Product sales were $10.1 million with Gross Margin averaging 23% for the full year. The company ended FY2024 with $98.8 million in cash then raised $46.3 million in 1Q25. Including our expected loss for 1Q25, we estimate cash on March 31 to be around $125 million and believe the company has sufficient operating funds into FY2026.
Preparations For Tonmya Are In Progress. Tonix has been assigned a PDUFA date of August 15, 2025, the statutory date for the FDA to answer its NDA for Tonmya (TNX-102 SL). We believe the Phase 3 trials justify approval for fibromyalgia and anticipate broad use for relief of its multiple symptoms. Based on its patient population of over 10 million patients, we believe Tonmya could be a significant revenue generator for Tonix.
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Key Points: – FOXO Technologies has signed a non-binding agreement to acquire Vector Biosource, a biospecimen sourcing provider. – Vector is expected to generate $800,000 in revenue in 2025 without additional capital. – The acquisition involves Series D Preferred Stock and milestone-based earnout payments.
FOXO Technologies Inc. (NYSE American: FOXO) has announced the execution of a non-binding agreement to acquire Vector Biosource Inc., a provider of information and biospecimen sourcing services for the biotechnology, clinical research, and pharmaceutical industries. The acquisition aligns with FOXO’s strategy of expanding its footprint in healthcare and biotechnology sectors.
The proposed transaction includes an initial payment of $750,000 in Series D Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock, with an additional $750,000 in Series D Preferred Stock contingent on Vector meeting specific revenue and cash collection milestones in 2025. Further earnout payments in Series D Preferred Stock are structured based on Vector’s performance in 2026 and 2027. The deal remains subject to definitive agreements, due diligence, and the provision of $1 million in working capital.
Seamus Lagan, CEO of FOXO Technologies, emphasized the strategic benefits of the deal, stating, “We are excited to have reached agreement with Vector to move forward with this strategic acquisition. We were attracted to Vector’s unique position in this healthcare sector and its growth profile, and we are focused on working closely with Vector senior leadership to aggressively expand the Vector platform.”
Vector’s CEO, Frank Dias, Jr., highlighted the advantages of the partnership, noting, “We believe the partnership with FOXO will allow Vector to achieve its near and long-term growth plans by providing growth capital, corporate infrastructure, and potential synergies with other FOXO subsidiaries. We anticipate a significant increase in expected revenues with the provision of growth capital and corporate infrastructure by FOXO.”
FOXO Technologies operates through three subsidiaries:
Rennova Community Health, Inc.: Owner and operator of Scott County Community Hospital (Big South Fork Medical), a critical access hospital in East Tennessee.
Myrtle Recovery Centers, Inc.: A 30-bed behavioral health facility offering inpatient detox, residential treatment, and outpatient services.
Foxo Labs, Inc.: A biotechnology company dedicated to advancing health and lifespan through innovative technology and product solutions.
The acquisition of Vector Biosource marks another step in FOXO’s broader growth strategy as it continues to integrate specialized healthcare and biotechnology services under its corporate umbrella. The deal is expected to close within the next 45 days, subject to regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Net Income Was Within Expectations. Gyre Therapeutics reported 4Q24 Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders of $(0.1) million or $(0.00) per share and FY2024 Net Income of $12.1 million, or $0.14 per basic share and $0.05 per fully diluted share. Revenues were $105.8 million in FY2024 with gross margins of 96.3%, consistent with our revenue estimates of $101.4 million and 96.2% gross margins. As of December 31, 2024, cash on hand was $51.2 million. Separately, results of the Phase 3 clinical trial for Hydronidone will be announced in 2Q25.
Hydronidone Data Announcement Pushed To 2Q25. In its quarterly press release, the company stated that data from the Phase 3 clinical trial for Hydronidone will be announced in 2Q25, although we had expected the data in 1Q25. We do not see this as a significant delay, as it extends the timeframe by 2 to 14 weeks. We believe this can still allow for regulatory filing in China during FY2025.
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Key Points: – AstraZeneca is acquiring Belgium-based EsoBiotec for $425 million upfront, with an additional $575 million contingent on milestones. – The deal enhances AstraZeneca’s cell therapy capabilities through EsoBiotec’s ENaBL platform, which enables in vivo immune cell engineering. – The acquisition aligns with AstraZeneca’s broader strategy of leveraging cell therapies, gene editing, and radioconjugates for oncology and immune disorders.
AstraZeneca has announced a significant expansion of its cell therapy pipeline with the planned acquisition of EsoBiotec, a Belgium-based biotech firm specializing in immune cell engineering. The deal, valued at up to $1 billion, consists of a $425 million upfront payment with the potential for an additional $575 million based on development and regulatory milestones. The acquisition is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025.
EsoBiotec’s ENaBL platform represents a transformative approach to cell therapy. Unlike conventional ex vivo cell therapies that require the extraction, modification, and reinfusion of patient cells, ENaBL allows for direct genetic programming of immune cells within the body. This eliminates the need for invasive lymphodepletion procedures and could significantly lower costs while improving accessibility for patients.
AstraZeneca has not yet disclosed specific target indications for EsoBiotec’s platform but has emphasized its potential applications in oncology and immune-mediated diseases. The ENaBL technology could help develop novel cancer treatments or autoreactive cell therapies for conditions such as autoimmune disorders.
This acquisition marks another step in AstraZeneca’s aggressive expansion into the cell therapy space. The pharmaceutical giant has been actively pursuing high-value deals to strengthen its pipeline in this emerging field. In 2022, AstraZeneca acquired TeneoTwo for up to $1.27 billion, securing its T cell engager TNB-486, now renamed AZD0486, which is in Phase III trials for follicular lymphoma and Phase II trials for B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Further reinforcing its position, AstraZeneca made another major investment in December 2023 with the $1 billion purchase of Gracell Biotechnologies. This deal added GC012F, now known as AZD0120, an investigational CAR T therapy targeting CD19 and BCMA for multiple myeloma and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Beyond acquisitions, AstraZeneca has formed strategic collaborations in cell therapy, including a $245 million agreement with Cellectis in November 2023 and a potential $2 billion partnership with Quell Therapeutics in June 2023. These investments highlight the company’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge biotechnologies to expand its capabilities in immune modulation and oncology.
As a relative latecomer to the cell therapy market, AstraZeneca is rapidly scaling its presence through acquisitions and partnerships. By integrating EsoBiotec’s ENaBL platform into its pipeline, AstraZeneca positions itself to compete with industry leaders in the race to develop next-generation cell therapies that offer improved efficacy, lower costs, and enhanced patient accessibility.
With this latest acquisition, AstraZeneca continues to build a robust portfolio of cell therapies that could redefine treatment approaches for cancer and immune-related diseases. Investors and industry analysts will be closely monitoring how effectively AstraZeneca integrates these new technologies and translates them into viable commercial therapies.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Product Sales Drove Revenue Growth. Zomedica reported 4Q24 revenues of $7.9 million and FY2024 revenues $27.3 million, in line with our estimates of $8.0 million and $27.5 million. Gross Margins were 70.0% as expected, with a loss for FY2024 of $46.9 million or $(0.05) per share. Cash and equivalents on December 31 was $71.4 million.
CEO Addressed Recent Stock Delisting. At the beginning of the quarterly conference call, CEO Larry Heaton spoke about the events leading to the delisting from the New York American Exchange earlier this month. As discussed in our Research Note on March 11, the recent market weakness brought the stock below the threshold for continued listing. This weakness led to a move to the OTCQB Venture Market, causing further weakness.
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Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
FY2024 Was A Productive Year. Cadrenal reported a 4Q24 loss of $4.2 million or $(2.55) per share and FY2024 loss of $10.7 million or $(8.73) per share. An important development discussed in our Research Note on March 5 was Cadrenal’s announcement of a collaborative agreement with Abbott (ABT, Not Rated) for support of its pivotal trial testing tecarfarin in patients with left ventricular assist (LVAD) devices. Cash and equivalents on December 31 were $10.0 million.
Tecarfarin Is In Development For Several Patient Populations With Coagulation Needs. Many patients that are at risk for cardiovascular events (stroke, embolism, deep vein thrombosis) take anticoagulants in the direct oral anticoagulant class (DOACs, such as Eliquis or Xarelto). However, there are several patient populations that must take warfarin, an older drug, due to lack of efficacy or high bleeding risk. Tecarfarin is being developed to replace warfarin in these populations. Cadrenal has Orphan Drug designation from the FDA for implanted mechanical devices (LVADs) and prevention of systemic thromboembolism in end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and atrial fibrillation (AFib).
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Key Points: – Mallinckrodt and Endo will combine to form a diversified pharmaceutical powerhouse. – The merger will create a company with $3.6 billion in projected 2025 revenue and $1.2 billion in adjusted EBITDA. – The new entity will focus on branded specialty pharmaceuticals while planning to separate its generics and sterile injectables business.
Pharmaceutical companies Mallinckrodt and Endo have agreed to merge in a $6.7 billion deal that will create a new powerhouse in the specialty medication market, the companies announced Thursday.
The stock-and-cash transaction, expected to close in the second half of 2025, combines Mallinckrodt’s rare disease portfolio with Endo’s sterile injectables business, positioning the merged entity to compete more effectively in high-margin specialty pharmaceutical segments.
Shares of both companies jumped on the news, with Mallinckrodt stock up 7.2% and Endo shares surging 12.3% in morning trading.
Under the terms of the agreement, Endo shareholders will receive $80 million in cash while maintaining a 49.9% stake in the combined company. Mallinckrodt shareholders will hold the remaining 50.1% interest, with Mallinckrodt serving as the parent company.
The merged firm projects $3.6 billion in revenue for 2025 with $1.2 billion in adjusted EBITDA. Management expects to achieve $150 million in annual cost synergies by the third year post-merger, with $75 million realized in the first year.
Goldman Sachs is providing $900 million in committed financing to support the transaction. The combined company will operate with a net leverage ratio of approximately 2.3x, giving it significant financial flexibility for future growth initiatives.
Siggi Olafsson, CEO of Mallinckrodt, will lead the combined entity. The companies emphasized that the complementary nature of their businesses would maximize operational efficiencies while maintaining focus on innovation.
A key component of the merger strategy involves the eventual separation of the combined sterile injectables and generics businesses. While these operations will initially be integrated, management plans to spin off this unit as a standalone company, pending board approval and market conditions.
The core branded specialty pharmaceuticals business will focus on rare diseases and hospital-based therapies, areas where both companies have established market positions. With 17 manufacturing facilities and 30 distribution centers predominantly in the United States, the company will employ approximately 5,700 people worldwide.
According to Endo’s interim CEO Scott Hirsch, the merger will leverage complementary strengths and create immediate scale advantages in key therapeutic areas. The planned separation of the generics business aims to further sharpen focus on high-growth specialty markets.
The Mallinckrodt-Endo merger comes amid increasing consolidation in the pharmaceutical sector as companies look to gain scale and portfolio diversification.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley noted that the deal makes strategic sense for both companies, particularly given the challenges they’ve faced individually in recent years. The combined entity will have greater resources to invest in R&D and a stronger position in negotiations with payers and hospital systems.
However, some analysts expressed caution about integration risks and the ambitious timeline for the planned business separation. Healthcare analysts at JP Morgan pointed out that executing a merger of this scale while simultaneously preparing for a business spinoff creates significant operational complexity. The management team will need to carefully balance these priorities to deliver the promised synergies.
The combined company will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange following the transaction’s completion.
Key Points: – BMS is acquiring 2seventy bio for $5.00 per share, an 88% premium to its last closing price. – The deal strengthens BMS’s cell and gene therapy portfolio, particularly in multiple myeloma treatment. – The acquisition comes amid increased M&A activity in biotech, signaling confidence in the sector’s long-term potential.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire 2seventy bio (TSVT) in an all-cash deal valued at approximately $286 million. This acquisition further strengthens BMS’s foothold in the oncology space, particularly through its access to Abecma, an FDA-approved CAR T-cell therapy for multiple myeloma. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent.
BMS’s acquisition of 2seventy bio aligns with its broader strategy to expand its presence in the high-growth cell and gene therapy market. 2seventy bio has focused exclusively on Abecma, a treatment developed in collaboration with BMS, to extend and improve the lives of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. With this acquisition, BMS will take full control of Abecma’s commercialization and development, streamlining operations and potentially accelerating future advancements.
Chip Baird, CEO of 2seventy bio, emphasized the significance of the transaction, stating: “This acquisition ensures Abecma continues to reach patients in need while maximizing value for our stakeholders.” BMS, with its expansive resources and global reach, is well-positioned to drive further innovation in the cell therapy space.
The biotech sector has seen a resurgence in M&A activity, with pharmaceutical giants seeking to bolster their pipelines amid ongoing scientific advancements and a challenging regulatory landscape. The acquisition of 2seventy bio comes at a time when investors are looking for signs of stability in biotech, and deals like this reinforce confidence in the sector’s long-term growth potential.
The broader biotechnology sector, as measured by the iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB), has posted gains year-to-date, reflecting renewed investor interest in the space. As larger pharmaceutical companies look to capitalize on cutting-edge therapies, small and mid-cap biotech firms with promising assets are becoming increasingly attractive acquisition targets. The deal values 2seventy bio at a significant premium, rewarding shareholders with an 88% increase from its prior trading price. However, it also raises questions about the long-term independence of innovative biotech firms. While consolidation can lead to greater efficiency and resource allocation, it may also reduce competition and limit the number of standalone biotech companies driving early-stage innovation.
For BMS, the acquisition is a strategic move to reinforce its oncology pipeline amid growing competition in the CAR T-cell therapy space. With this deal, BMS is betting on continued demand for personalized cell-based therapies and positioning itself to lead in this evolving field. Biotech acquisitions are often driven by the need for pharmaceutical companies to secure new revenue streams as patents on existing drugs expire. By acquiring 2seventy bio, BMS gains a competitive advantage in the high-value oncology segment, ensuring its ability to remain a dominant force in the industry.
Bristol Myers Squibb’s acquisition of 2seventy bio represents a significant development in the biotech sector. As M&A activity accelerates, the deal underscores the importance of targeted therapies in oncology and highlights the ongoing push by pharmaceutical giants to secure cutting-edge treatments. For investors, this acquisition may serve as a signal that biotech remains a strong sector, with potential for both innovation and consolidation in the years ahead.
Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
Recent Price Weakness Forces Move To The OTC Bulletin Board. As the recent decline in the overall markets was affecting companies in many sectors, the closing price of Zomedica stock fell below $0.10 per share on March 3. This crossed a threshold set by the New York American exchange, forcing the delisting of ZOM shares. Zomedica shares began trading on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol ZOMDF. There were no other events or crisis that caused the delisting.
During 2024, Zomedica Has Met All Of The Product Goals We Expected. Over the past year, Zomedica has introduced several new assays for use with its TRUFORMA diagnostics platform. These assays are sold to veterinary practices for use with TRUFORMA diagnostic instruments, allowing the veterinarian to run tests without sending samples to an outside lab. This allows the diagnosis in a few minutes and allows the practice to capture the profit from the tests. The TRUFORMA assays, reported as diagnostic consumables, have been one of the sources of sales growth over the past year.
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Robert LeBoyer, Senior Vice President, Equity Research Analyst, Biotechnology, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.
Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.
We Are Initiating Coverage Of Gyre Therapeutics With An Outperform Rating. Gyre Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company developing drugs for inflammatory diseases that lead to fibrosis. It currently markets Etuary (pirfenidone) in China for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The lead drug in the pipeline is Hydronidone, a new molecule derived from pirfenidone, that is in a Phase 3 clinical trial in China. The data announcement is expected to report Phase 3 clinical trial results in March 2025.
Hydronidone Was Developed To Improve Efficacy and Side Effects. Hydronidone is a structural analogue of pirfenidone that was developed to improve efficacy with a more tolerable side effect profile. It is in Phase 3 trial in China for fibrosis of the liver after hepatitis B (HBV) infections. Hydronidone targets steps in the Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)-ß1 pathway as well as the downstream genes and liver cells it activates to produce fibrotic tissue. Data from the Phase 3 in China will be used to design a Phase 2a trial in the US, expected to begin in late FY2025.
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Key Points: – Sun Pharma announced a $355 million acquisition of Checkpoint Therapeutics to expand its oncology portfolio. -The biotech sector is showing strength, with the IBB ETF up 3.5% year-to-date. – The acquisition brings FDA-approved cancer treatment UNLOXCYT™ to Sun Pharma’s global portfolio.
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries has announced its acquisition of Checkpoint Therapeutics in a $355 million deal aimed at strengthening its presence in the oncology sector. Checkpoint, a commercial-stage biotech company, has developed UNLOXCYT™ (cosibelimab-ipdl), the first and only FDA-approved anti-PD-L1 treatment for metastatic or locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). This acquisition is expected to accelerate global access to this innovative cancer treatment and expand Sun Pharma’s onco-dermatology portfolio.
The broader biotech sector is emerging as a bright spot in an otherwise volatile market. The iShares Biotechnology ETF (IBB) is up 3.5% year-to-date, reflecting increased investor confidence in the sector’s growth potential. Unlike other areas of the stock market that have struggled amid rising interest rates and economic uncertainty, biotech has benefited from continued innovation, regulatory approvals, and M&A activity.
The deal provides Sun Pharma with immediate access to a groundbreaking cancer treatment, allowing the company to leverage its global footprint to scale distribution. With approximately 1.8 million new cSCC cases diagnosed annually in the U.S. alone, there is a substantial market opportunity for UNLOXCYT™. Sun Pharma expects to enhance Checkpoint’s commercialization efforts and drive greater adoption of the therapy in key markets worldwide.
In addition to the $4.10 per share cash payment, Checkpoint shareholders will receive a contingent value right (CVR) of up to $0.70 per share if UNLOXCYT™ secures approval in major European markets by specific deadlines. This structure incentivizes timely regulatory approvals and ensures continued development efforts.
The Sun Pharma-Checkpoint deal is the latest in a wave of biotech acquisitions, reflecting growing interest from larger pharmaceutical firms seeking to expand their specialty drug pipelines. Given the sector’s recent performance and ongoing medical advancements, further consolidation in biotech could be on the horizon.
For investors, the strong performance of biotech stocks and M&A activity suggest that the sector could be positioned for continued growth. As traditional sectors face headwinds, biotech’s mix of innovation, regulatory catalysts, and strategic acquisitions make it an attractive space to watch.
