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On Monday, Jefferies, a global investment banking firm, revised its price target for Allakos Inc . (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:ALLK) shares, reducing it significantly to $0.40 from the previous target of $1.40. Despite this change, Jefferies maintained a "Hold" rating on the stock. According to InvestingPro data, the stock currently trades at $0.25, with analyst targets ranging from $1.40 to $7.00, suggesting significant uncertainty in the market's outlook.
The decision to lower the price target came after Allakos announced it would halt the development of its '006 drug and begin exploring strategic alternatives. This move followed an update that cast doubt on the effectiveness of targeting Siglec-6 for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU), a condition that '006 was intended to treat. Jefferies analyst Kevin Strang noted the lack of clinical evidence supporting mast cell inhibition from skin biopsies, which was a concern given the compound's high residence time on mast cells. InvestingPro analysis indicates the company's overall Financial Health score is "FAIR," with particularly concerning metrics around profitability and cash flow.
In addition to the drug development halt, Allakos provided financial guidance, estimating that it would have approximately $81 million in cash by the end of 2024. The company also forecasted its cash balance to be between $35 million and $40 million by the second quarter of 2025, taking into account the planned restructuring costs. While InvestingPro data shows the company holds more cash than debt and maintains a strong current ratio of 6.08, it's rapidly burning through its cash reserves. Subscribers to InvestingPro can access detailed cash flow analysis and 10+ additional key insights about Allakos's financial health.
The reduction in price target to $0.40 reflects Jefferies' reassessment of Allakos' prospects in light of the recent developments. The firm's analysis suggests that the challenges Allakos faces with its '006 development and strategic direction have significantly impacted its valuation. Despite maintaining the Hold rating, the new price target indicates a more cautious outlook for the company's shares. Recent market activity shows a significant 41% return over the last week, though InvestingPro's Fair Value analysis suggests the stock remains overvalued at current levels.
In other recent news, Allakos Inc. has decided to halt the development of its drug, AK006, following disappointing results from its phase 1 clinical trial for chronic spontaneous urticaria. The drug did not show the anticipated clinical benefits, leading to a workforce reduction of about 75%. In light of these developments, the company plans to explore strategic alternatives and expects its cash reserves to be between $35 million and $40 million by June 2025, after incurring restructuring costs of $34 million to $38 million.
Simultaneously, Allakos has finalized an early lease termination agreement, incurring a cost of approximately $2.5 million, as part of its efforts to manage expenditures and optimize operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, TD Cowen's analyst Joseph Thome has highlighted significant biotech catalysts for 2025, including developments from companies like ANAB, UTHR, QURE, ALKS, JAZZ, PRME, XENE, PTCT, RAPP, and CMRX, with Allakos also mentioned.
These are the recent developments concerning Allakos and the broader biotech sector.
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