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On Monday, H.C. Wainwright reiterated a Buy rating on Silence Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SLN) stock with a price target of $75.00, representing significant upside from the current price of $5.33. According to InvestingPro data, analyst targets range from $31 to $75, with the stock currently appearing undervalued based on Fair Value analysis. The firm’s analyst, Patrick Trucchio, expressed continued optimism about SLN’s RNAi-based Lp(a)-lowering therapy, zerlasiran. Trucchio highlighted the significance of an upcoming Phase 3 cardiovascular outcomes trial (CVOT) for a similar drug, pelacarsen, which is expected to read out in the first half of 2026.
Trucchio noted that the Lp(a)HORIZON trial results for pelacarsen, developed by Novartis (SIX:NOVN) and Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:IONS), could validate the Lp(a)-lowering hypothesis and de-risk the field for future treatments, including zerlasiran. A positive outcome from this trial would establish Lp(a) as a key modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and set a regulatory precedent that could benefit Silence Therapeutics’ development efforts.
The analyst believes that zerlasiran has the potential to differentiate itself from competitors such as Amgen (NASDAQ:AMGN)’s and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:ARWR)’ olpasiran, and Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY)’s lepodisiran. This differentiation is expected to come from a unique clinical trial design and approach to treating patients with elevated Lp(a) levels.
As Silence Therapeutics progresses towards Phase 3 trials, strategic considerations such as dosing regimens, safety differentiation, and cardiovascular outcomes selection will be crucial. Trucchio’s outlook suggests that these factors will play a significant role in the potential success of zerlasiran.
Trucchio’s analysis concludes with a projection of zerlasiran’s market potential, estimating that if approved, the drug could generate over $1 billion in annual revenue, reaching blockbuster status. While the company’s current market cap stands at $251.66M, InvestingPro analysis reveals both challenges and opportunities: the company holds more cash than debt, but is currently burning through cash reserves. Get access to 8 more crucial ProTips and comprehensive financial analysis with InvestingPro’s detailed Research Report. The reaffirmed $75 price target and Buy rating on SLN stock reflect this optimistic forecast for the company’s future, despite the stock’s 76% decline over the past year.
In other recent news, Silence Therapeutics has been the subject of several analyst reports, with BMO Capital Markets and H.C. Wainwright maintaining their positive ratings and price targets of $67.00 and $75.00 respectively. The companies’ confidence in Silence Therapeutics stems from promising Phase 2 trial results for the drug candidate Zerlasiran, which demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing Lp(a) concentrations, a causal risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Investor sentiment also suggests a favorable risk/reward profile for Silence Therapeutics, particularly in light of the potential formation of a partnership for Zerlasiran. A survey of investors revealed that approximately 70% anticipate a partnership will be formed following the cardiovascular outcome trial results for Pelacarsen and before the initiation of phase III trials for Zerlasiran.
Jefferies also initiated coverage on Silence Therapeutics’ stock, highlighting the potential of Zerlasiran and its less frequent injections compared to similar programs. Further, Silence Therapeutics’ second candidate for treating Polycythemia Vera has demonstrated promising Phase 1 data.
In addition, Silence Therapeutics recently received a $2.0 million milestone payment from Hansoh Pharmaceutical (TADAWUL:2070) Group Company Limited, marking progress in their partnership to develop short interfering RNAs. These recent developments are closely watched by investors, as they could have a considerable impact on the company’s future.
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