Wolfe Research lifts Moonlake stock to Outperform

Published 19/05/2025, 16:18
Wolfe Research lifts Moonlake stock to Outperform

On Monday, Wolfe Research analyst Andy Chen revised the rating for Moonlake Immunotherapeutics (NASDAQ:MLTX) upward, moving from Peerperform to Outperform. Accompanying this upgrade is a new price target set at $61.00, indicating a positive outlook for the company’s stock. According to InvestingPro data, analysts maintain a strong buy consensus with price targets ranging from $65 to $104, suggesting significant upside potential. The stock, currently trading at $38.58, appears slightly undervalued based on InvestingPro’s Fair Value analysis.

Chen’s commentary highlighted the upcoming September 2025 catalyst, focusing on the anticipated efficacy results for Moonlake’s key drug, sonelokimab. The analyst outlined that the buyside is looking for a delta of at least 25% efficacy to establish the drug’s clear differentiation from its competitor, Bimzelx. Conversely, a result showing less than 22% efficacy could position sonelokimab unfavorably as a late entrant in the market with no distinct advantage. The company, with a market capitalization of $2.45 billion, maintains a strong financial position with more cash than debt and a healthy current ratio of 21.11, providing runway for its drug development programs.

Wolfe Research’s base case scenario suggests that Moonlake will achieve a 24% efficacy delta, which falls into a gray zone between the bull and bear bars. However, the firm interprets this outcome as fundamentally positive for Moonlake. Chen further indicated that even if efficacy results are slightly lower, in the 21-22% range, there could be a short-term negative impact on the stock. Nevertheless, the firm believes that long-term investors might still support the stock if the narrative around the drug’s significance in treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) gains traction. For deeper insights into MLTX’s valuation and comprehensive analyst coverage, including 10+ additional ProTips and detailed financial metrics, check out the full research report available on InvestingPro.

In other recent news, Moonlake Immunotherapeutics has been the focus of several analyst updates and developments. Cantor Fitzgerald reiterated an Overweight rating on the company, citing the successful launch of Bimzelx in treating Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) and a notable 60% increase in prescriptions during the first quarter. BTIG analysts maintained their Buy rating and set a price target of $81, expressing optimism about Moonlake’s drug candidate, sonelokimab (SLK), due to its promising Phase 2b results in HS treatment. Guggenheim Securities also reaffirmed their Buy rating with an $80 price target, highlighting SLK’s efficacy in comparison to other treatments and its potential to become the leading drug for HS.

Cowen analysts echoed this sentiment, maintaining a Buy rating and projecting sonelokimab’s potential to achieve peak revenues exceeding $4 billion, with a significant market penetration anticipated after its expected launch in 2027. The HS pivotal trial results for sonelokimab are expected in mid-2025, which will provide further insights into its efficacy. Moonlake is also planning a Capital Markets Update in the second quarter of 2025 to discuss the Phase III VELA program and other developments. Analysts from these firms collectively express confidence in Moonlake’s growth prospects and its strategic positioning in the biopharmaceutical sector.

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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