Jefferies maintains Buy on Alkermes stock, target at $41

Published 27/01/2025, 18:22
Jefferies maintains Buy on Alkermes stock, target at $41

On Monday, Jefferies reaffirmed its Buy rating on Alkermes (NASDAQ:ALKS) shares, maintaining a price target of $41.00. Currently trading at $31.80 and near its 52-week high of $32.88, the stock has shown strong momentum with a 12% return over the past six months. The endorsement follows a review of a scientific study concerning TAK-994's liver toxicity. The study indicated that the liver toxicity associated with TAK-994 is due to reactive intermediates that are temporarily produced during oxidative metabolism and is not connected to OX2.

The analysis by Jefferies suggests that the liver toxicity seen with TAK-994 stems from its molecular framework and does not significantly extend to ALKS-2680 or the broader drug class. According to Jefferies, this finding supports the belief that ALKS-2680, another compound in development by Alkermes, possesses a clean safety profile. InvestingPro data shows Alkermes maintains a strong financial position with more cash than debt and an impressive Financial Health Score of "GREAT," suggesting robust operational stability.

Alkermes, a biopharmaceutical company, is working on ALKS-2680, which is distinct from TAK-994 in terms of its chemical structure. The reassurance from Jefferies regarding the limited read-across of liver toxicity from TAK-994 to ALKS-2680 could be significant for investors monitoring the safety and potential efficacy of Alkermes' pipeline.

The confirmation of the $41.00 price target by Jefferies suggests the firm's confidence in the value and prospects of Alkermes stock. The target is based on the current analysis and understanding of the company's development progress.

Investors in Alkermes will likely watch closely for further developments regarding ALKS-2680 and any additional data that may emerge concerning its safety and therapeutic potential. Jefferies' reiterated rating and price target provide a snapshot of the firm's current view on the stock's investment potential. With analyst targets ranging from $21 to $43, and eight additional InvestingPro Tips available, subscribers can access comprehensive analysis through the Pro Research Report, which provides deep-dive insights into Alkermes' financial health and growth prospects.

In other recent news, TD Cowen analyst Joseph Thome has outlined ten anticipated biotech catalysts for 2025, including clinical trial data releases and regulatory milestones. ANAB is expected to release Phase II rheumatoid arthritis data for Rosnilimab, while QURE is preparing an accelerated approval application for AMT-130 in Huntington's disease. Meanwhile, Alkermes is preparing to release Phase II datasets for its orexin candidate '2680. In addition, Piper Sandler has released a report detailing their top biotechnology picks for 2025 within the Central Nervous System (CNS) vertical, naming Neurocrine (NASDAQ:NBIX) and Intra-Cellular as the two highest-conviction CNS ideas.

Alkermes has announced the prepayment and termination of a significant credit agreement for its subsidiary, Alkermes, Inc. The company maintains a strong financial position with more cash than debt on its balance sheet. This marks a notable financial move for Alkermes, potentially impacting the company's capital structure and liquidity position.

Several analysts have recently made adjustments to their ratings and price targets for Alkermes. Piper Sandler maintained an Overweight rating and a $37.00 price target, while Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) Securities raised its price target from $35.00 to $40.00, maintaining an Outperform rating. These adjustments follow Alkermes' Q3 2024 revenue report, which showed an 18% year-over-year increase, reaching $378.1 million.

Lastly, Mizuho Securities has raised its price target for Alkermes from $35.00 to $40.00 based on the potential of its developmental drug, ALKS 2680. This drug, an OX2R agonist, is anticipated to significantly impact the branded narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia markets. These recent developments reflect the strategic focus of Alkermes on organic growth through the development of its product pipeline.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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