Spain’s credit rating upgraded to ’A+’ by S&P on strong growth
Investing.com - Stifel maintained its Buy rating and $42.00 price target on Alkermes (NASDAQ:ALKS), currently trading at $29.94, following the company’s presentation of clinical data at the World SLEEP conference over the weekend. According to InvestingPro data, analysts’ high target reaches $54, suggesting significant upside potential for this financially healthy company with a "GREAT" overall score.
The data showed that Alkermes’ drug candidate alixorexton (ALKS 2680) demonstrated a "compelling efficacy profile" in narcolepsy type 1 (NT1), with patients experiencing more than 25 minutes of improvement on the Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT), which appears superior to competitive compounds. With an impressive 85% gross profit margin and strong cash flows, Alkermes appears well-positioned to advance its drug development programs. Get deeper insights into Alkermes’ financial health with InvestingPro, which offers 10+ additional exclusive tips and comprehensive analysis.
Beyond the primary endpoint, patients reported significant benefits in quality-of-life, cognition, and function, with additional data on cataplexy reducing concerns about the primary analysis missing statistical significance in that measure.
Stifel noted that visual disturbances, specifically blurred vision, occurred in 7 out of 24 high-dose patients, which was "probably a little more than expected," potentially creating some debate around the safety profile.
Despite this side effect, only one patient discontinued treatment due to an adverse event, suggesting the issue is "generally benign," and Stifel continues to view alixorexton as a "compelling drug" with potential applications in narcolepsy type 1 and possibly narcolepsy type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia.
In other recent news, Alkermes reported strong financial results for the second quarter of 2025, exceeding analysts’ expectations. The company achieved earnings per share (EPS) of $0.52, surpassing the projected $0.36. Additionally, Alkermes’ revenue reached $390.7 million, outpacing the forecasted $347.16 million. In further developments, Alkermes announced positive outcomes from a phase 2 clinical trial for its investigational narcolepsy treatment, alixorexton. The Vibrance-1 study demonstrated significant improvements in wakefulness, cognition, and fatigue in patients with narcolepsy type 1. The trial met its primary endpoint across all tested doses, showing statistically significant improvements compared to placebo. These developments highlight recent progress for Alkermes in both financial performance and clinical advancements.
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