Nucor earnings beat by $0.08, revenue fell short of estimates
Tuesday, Stifel analysts reiterated their Buy rating and $41.00 price target on Viridian Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VRDN), following positive outcomes from two Phase 3 studies for the company's intravenous program Veligrotug.
According to InvestingPro data, analyst targets for VRDN range from $22 to $61, with the stock currently trading at $20.07. The company has shown impressive momentum, with a 62.91% price return over the past six months. Stifel's analysis suggests that Viridian is well-placed in the Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) market, potentially offering a more accessible treatment compared to the standard of care, Tepezza, by 2026.
The analysts highlight the successful pharmacokinetic (PK) matching between Veligrotug and Viridian's next-generation subcutaneous drug VRDN-003. This match is seen as reducing the risk for the ongoing Phase 3 program, with data anticipated in the first half of 2026.
The commentary also notes that recent data from a competing subcutaneous IGF-1R inhibitor, Lonigutamab, may position VRDN-003 favorably in the market due to its potential best-in-class profile and less frequent dosing schedules being tested.
The report also compares the efficacy and safety profile of another subcutaneous proof of concept (PoC) from SLRN to VRDN-003. Although SLRN's data suggest a comparable profile, its planned Phase 3 dosing frequency of every two weeks may not compete effectively with VRDN-003, especially if VRDN-003 can replicate Veligrotug's efficacy.
Stifel's endorsement of Viridian Therapeutics' stock is based on the company's recent clinical developments and the competitive positioning of its products in the TED space. The firm's analysis indicates a confidence in the potential market success of VRDN-003, given its differentiated administration and dosing advantages over existing and emerging therapies.
With a market capitalization of $1.59 billion and a strong liquidity position (current ratio of 18.55), InvestingPro analysis shows the company maintains a FAIR financial health score. Investors seeking deeper insights can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers, covering detailed analysis of VRDN's market position and growth potential.
In other recent news, TD Cowen's analyst Joseph Thome has outlined ten anticipated biotech catalysts for 2025, including significant clinical trial data releases and regulatory milestones.
Among these is ANAB's expected release of Phase II rheumatoid arthritis data for Rosnilimab and UTHR's extension of its Tyvaso treatment to a Phase III idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis program. QURE is working towards submitting an accelerated approval application for AMT-130 in Huntington's disease, while ALKS is preparing to release Phase II datasets for its orexin candidate '2680.
Viridian Therapeutics has seen its share price target raised by RBC Capital Markets following the success of the THRIVE-2 study for its drug veligrotug in treating chronic thyroid eye disease. The company is expected to file a Biologics License Application in the second half of 2025.
Additionally, H.C. Wainwright maintained a Buy rating for Viridian Therapeutics, with the company's lead asset, veligrotug, successfully meeting all primary and secondary endpoints in its Phase III THRIVE trials.
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