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On Monday, Pliant Therapeutics shares faced a significant setback after Citi downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral and drastically reduced the price target to $4 from the previous $40. The stock, which has already declined over 30% in the past week according to InvestingPro data, is currently trading below its Fair Value, with technical indicators suggesting oversold conditions. The decision by Citi followed an announcement made by Pliant Therapeutics on Friday evening regarding a pause in their BEACON-IPF Phase 2b/3 study, which is focused on the investigation of bexotegrast for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Despite the setback, InvestingPro data shows the company maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 10.26, holding more cash than debt on its balance sheet.
The clinical trial’s halt was based on a pre-specified data review and subsequent recommendations from the trial’s independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). Currently, Pliant’s management has not been informed of the DSMB’s reasoning behind the recommendation, and there is no indication that regulatory authorities were involved in initiating the pause.
Citi analysts expressed concern over the lack of clarity regarding the DSMB’s recommendation and anticipate that the stock could experience a sharp decline at the market open on Monday. The uncertainty surrounding the future of the BEACON-IPF trial and the importance of bexotegrast to Pliant’s overall valuation contribute to the stock’s new designation as Neutral/High Risk (2H) by Citi.
Investors are expected to face a period of uncertainty as the situation with the BEACON-IPF study remains unresolved. Pliant Therapeutics and its stakeholders are awaiting further details that could shed light on the DSMB’s decision and the potential implications for the company’s lead drug candidate. Despite current challenges, analyst consensus remains cautiously optimistic, with InvestingPro subscribers having access to 12 additional key insights and real-time financial metrics to better navigate this uncertain period.
In other recent news, Pliant Therapeutics has appointed Delphine Imbert, Ph.D., as its new Chief Technical Officer. Dr. Imbert brings a 25-year track record in drug development and manufacturing to the role, where she will oversee chemistry, manufacturing, and control operations as Pliant prepares for commercialization. Her experience includes senior roles at Chinook Therapeutics and Dermira, where she developed manufacturing and supply chain strategies for various drug modalities.
These are recent developments for Pliant, which is advancing its portfolio, including its lead product candidate, bexotegrast. This drug has received Fast Track and Orphan Drug Designations from the FDA for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and is currently in a Phase 2b/3 trial.
In other company news, H.C. Wainwright has reiterated a Buy rating on Pliant, maintaining a steady price target of $38.00. The firm’s optimism is based on the progress of the BEACON-IPF clinical trial for bexotegrast, with patient enrollment expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2025. Top-line data from the trial is anticipated to be reported in mid-2026.
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