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Tuesday, Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Rick Bienkowski upgraded Verve Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VERV) from Neutral to Overweight, following the release of promising Phase 1 clinical trial data for their drug VERVE-102. The study showed a notable 53% reduction in LDL-C at the 0.6 mg/kg dose, indicating potential best-in-class results for treating heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). The market has responded strongly, with InvestingPro data showing a remarkable 39% surge in share price over the past week, though the stock remains notably volatile with a beta of 1.87.
Bienkowski highlighted the absence of serious adverse events (SAEs) and clinically significant changes in safety measures such as ALT, AST, bilirubin, or platelets. This safety profile, combined with the lack of a dose-response relationship, suggests a positive outlook for ongoing higher dose cohorts and the shift to fixed doses in Phase 2 trials. InvestingPro subscribers can access 8 additional key insights about VERV’s development pipeline and market potential through exclusive ProTips.
The analyst also pointed out VERVE-102’s potential market advantage as a one-time treatment in the PCSK9 inhibitor space. Despite the controversy surrounding gene editing for high LDL-C treatment, the recent data release may reduce safety concerns, which have been a significant hurdle for clinical development.
Verve Therapeutics’ strong financial position was also noted, with $524.3 million in cash and equivalents as of December 31, 2024. The company maintains robust liquidity with a current ratio of 12.65, though InvestingPro analysis indicates rapid cash burn. The company’s cash runway is expected to fund operations into mid-2027, covering the completion of the planned Phase 2 trial. Despite a 26% gain in share price the previous day, Bienkowski believes Verve’s shares remain undervalued, with the market capitalization of $366 million trading below net cash and a price-to-book ratio of just 0.59. The analyst sees the risk/reward balance now tilting in favor of Verve, assigning a 35% probability of success for VERVE-102 in HeFH. According to InvestingPro’s Fair Value analysis, the stock appears undervalued at current levels.
In other recent news, Verve Therapeutics announced promising initial data from its Heart-2 Phase 1b clinical trial of VERVE-102, a gene-editing therapy aimed at reducing LDL cholesterol levels. The trial showed significant LDL-C reductions and a positive safety profile, with the highest dose cohort achieving a mean reduction of 53% and a peak reduction of 69%. Verve Therapeutics highlighted that no serious adverse events were observed, underscoring the potential of VERVE-102 as a one-time treatment for conditions like heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and premature coronary artery disease. Analysts from Goldman Sachs and Jefferies have taken note of these results, with Jefferies maintaining a Buy rating and a price target of $28, citing the stock’s upside potential. The company plans to initiate a Phase 2 trial in the second half of 2025, pending regulatory approval, and expects a decision from Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) on their opt-in rights for the VERVE-102 program around the same time. Additionally, Verve’s proprietary GalNAc-LNP delivery technology has been recognized as potentially best-in-class for safety. The company’s current financial position is believed to be sufficient to support operations into mid-2027, including the completion of the Phase 2 trial. Verve Therapeutics continues to explore the potential of genetic medicines to address the root causes of cardiovascular diseases.
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