Oppenheimer maintains UroGen rating, $36 target amid FDA concerns

Published 16/05/2025, 18:12
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On Friday, Oppenheimer analyst Leland Gershell maintained an Outperform rating and a $36.00 price target on UroGen Pharma (NASDAQ:URGN) stock. According to InvestingPro data, this target aligns with the broader analyst consensus, which ranges from $16 to $55, suggesting significant potential upside from current levels. The company, currently valued at approximately $314 million, maintains impressive gross profit margins of nearly 90%. The reaffirmation follows the release of FDA briefing documents that raised concerns about UGN-102’s pivotal trial design and its efficacy evaluation. The documents, which were released ahead of next Wednesday’s advisory committee meeting, highlighted the FDA’s specific worries regarding the single-arm pivotal trial’s limited ability to inform on the efficacy of UGN-102, particularly when considered independently and compared to the standard of care, TURBT (transurethral resection of bladder tumor). Despite these regulatory challenges, InvestingPro analysis indicates the company maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 5.65, suggesting adequate resources to navigate potential regulatory hurdles.

Gershell noted that the FDA documents also expressed a desire to understand the potential impact of UGN-102 on the safety of subsequent TURBT procedures, an aspect that had not been previously assessed. This point of concern deviates from the company’s approach after it discontinued the ATLAS trial to focus on conducting the ENVISION trial instead.

The FDA had reportedly recommended a randomized trial design multiple times during the development of UGN-102. This recommendation appears to contrast with the management’s tone after they decided to discontinue the ATLAS trial in favor of the ENVISION trial. Gershell’s comments suggest a level of discomfort with the FDA’s briefing, which read more negatively compared to Oppenheimer’s initial expectations.

UroGen Pharma is preparing for the advisory committee meeting set for next Wednesday, where these concerns are likely to be addressed. The outcome of this meeting could have significant implications for the future of UGN-102, a treatment developed by UroGen Pharma.

The FDA’s briefing documents are part of the standard pre-meeting materials meant to provide background and context for advisory committee discussions. These documents often contain detailed analyses of trial data and regulatory considerations, which can influence the committee’s recommendations regarding the approval or further study of a drug. For investors seeking deeper insights, InvestingPro offers comprehensive analysis through its Pro Research Report, which includes detailed financial health metrics and additional ProTips about UroGen’s market position and growth potential. The stock is currently trading near its 52-week low, and InvestingPro’s Fair Value analysis suggests the stock may be undervalued at current levels.

In other recent news, UroGen Pharma Ltd reported its Q1 2025 earnings, which showed a revenue miss against projections. The company reported an earnings per share (EPS) of -$0.92, falling short of the forecasted -$0.79. Revenue for the quarter was $20.25 million, missing the expected $22.5 million. Despite these results, UroGen Pharma is preparing for the potential launch of UGN-102 in July 2025, which could significantly impact its future growth. The company has been expanding its sales force and commercial infrastructure in anticipation of this launch.

UroGen Pharma also experienced an increase in R&D expenses, which rose to $19.9 million from $15.5 million in Q1 2024, contributing to a larger net loss of $43.8 million. Additionally, the company is focused on advancing its pipeline, including its next-generation programs for Jelmyto and UGN-102, as well as its emerging immuno-oncology initiatives. The company remains optimistic about its strategic initiatives, with a full-year 2025 revenue guidance for Jelmyto set between $94 million and $98 million.

Furthermore, UroGen Pharma is gearing up for an Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) meeting for UGN-102, scheduled for May 21, as part of the FDA review process. The company has been actively preparing for this meeting, aiming to showcase the strength and consistency of its clinical data. UroGen Pharma is also focused on addressing risks related to regulatory approvals and the competitive landscape in the pharmaceutical industry.

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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