Blazing Star Merger Sub completes Walgreens debt tender offer
On Monday, JMP analysts, led by Jonathan Wolleben, maintained a bullish stance on Protagonist Therapeutics (NASDAQ:PTGX), reiterating their Market Outperform rating and a $61.00 price target. According to InvestingPro data, the company, currently valued at $2.35 billion, has demonstrated exceptional financial health with an EXCELLENT overall score of 4.03 out of 5. The firm’s positive outlook follows recent clinical trial results for Protagonist’s drug, icotrokinra, which demonstrated superiority over placebo and the approved oral TYK2 inhibitor Sotyktu in the ICONIC ADVANCE 1 and 2 trials. This development has contributed to analysts’ optimistic stance, with InvestingPro showing analyst targets ranging from $38 to $68 per share. Four analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations upward for the upcoming period.
The JMP analysts are looking forward to more detailed presentations of the ICONIC ADVANCE data at upcoming medical conferences. The Phase 3 ICONIC-LEAD trial results, which were highlighted as a late-breaking presentation at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) meeting, showed that icotrokinra maintained competitive efficacy after 16 weeks compared to placebo, with improvements observed over 24 weeks.
The new data presented at the AAD meeting revealed that nearly 50% of patients treated with icotrokinra achieved complete skin clearance. This strengthens the drug’s efficacy profile and supports its potential in the market. JMP’s analysts noted their approval of Johnson & Johnson’s decision to initiate a Phase 3 trial, ICONIC-ASCEND, to compare icotrokinra directly with the injectable drug Stelara, based on the compelling Phase 3 icotrokinra data.
Protagonist Therapeutics’ shares reflect the company’s progress in developing icotrokinra, which could offer a new treatment option for patients if the upcoming trials continue to yield positive results. The company’s commitment to advancing its clinical programs is evident in its robust pipeline and the strategic planning for future comparative trials. Financial data from InvestingPro reveals the company’s strong financial position, with more cash than debt on its balance sheet and a healthy current ratio of 12.48. The company has achieved impressive revenue growth of 624% over the last twelve months, though analysts anticipate some moderation in the current year. Get access to 8 more exclusive ProTips and comprehensive analysis in the Pro Research Report, available with an InvestingPro subscription.
In other recent news, Protagonist Therapeutics has reported positive results from its VERIFY trial for the drug rusfertide, which is being developed to treat polycythemia vera. The trial met all primary and secondary endpoints, showing a significant clinical response rate of 77% in treated patients compared to 33% in the placebo group. This success has led to several analysts maintaining or increasing their price targets for the company. H.C. Wainwright reaffirmed its Buy rating with a $54 target, while BTIG raised its target from $67 to $73, citing the trial’s favorable results. Truist Securities and TD Cowen also maintained their Buy ratings, with targets of $60 and $65, respectively, highlighting the drug’s market potential and successful trial outcomes.
JPMorgan increased its price target to $57, noting the trial’s robust and clinically meaningful data. The successful trial results have set the stage for a New Drug Application filing anticipated in the fourth quarter of 2025. Additionally, Protagonist Therapeutics may opt out of its profit-sharing agreement with Takeda, which could result in substantial financial gains. Analysts have expressed confidence in rusfertide’s potential market impact, with expectations of high adoption rates upon its launch.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.