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SAN DIEGO - Arcturus Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ARCT) Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ARCT), a company specializing in mRNA medicines for infectious diseases and rare disorders, has appointed Dr. Moncef Slaoui as its Chair Designate. Dr. Slaoui, a notable figure in the pharmaceutical industry, has been a member of Arcturus’s Board of Directors since June 2024. According to InvestingPro data, the company, currently valued at $428 million, maintains a strong liquidity position with a current ratio of 4.76x, indicating robust short-term financial stability.
The company’s President and CEO, Joseph Payne, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Slaoui’s new role, anticipating a significant year ahead for Arcturus’s therapeutic and vaccine development programs. Dr. Slaoui himself commented on the potential for transformation during this period, with several important data readouts expected from the company’s pipeline. InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, though investors should note that analysts expect net income to decline this year.
Dr. Slaoui’s career includes a tenure as the Chief Scientific Advisor to Operation Warp Speed, where he played a pivotal role in the rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. His extensive experience also encompasses nearly three decades at GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK), where he held various leadership positions and contributed to the creation of 14 new vaccines.
Recognized for his contributions to global health, Dr. Slaoui has served on multiple advisory boards and has been honored as one of Fortune’s 50 Greatest World Leaders. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Immunology, as well as postdoctoral studies at Harvard Medical (TASE:PMCN) School and Tufts University School of Medicine.
Arcturus Therapeutics, founded in 2013, is known for developing KOSTAIVE®, the first self-amplifying mRNA COVID vaccine to receive approval. The company’s collaborations and joint ventures extend globally, including a partnership with CSL (OTC:CSLLY) Seqirus and a venture in Japan focused on mRNA vaccine and therapeutic production. With revenue of $160.4 million in the last twelve months and a beta of 2.62, the company shows significant market sensitivity. For deeper insights into Arcturus’s financial health and growth prospects, investors can access comprehensive analysis through InvestingPro’s detailed research reports, which cover over 1,400 US equities.
The information in this article is based on a press release statement from Arcturus Therapeutics Holdings Inc.
In other recent news, Arcturus Therapeutics has been a focal point for analysts and investors alike. H.C. Wainwright maintained a positive stance on the biotech firm, reiterating a Buy rating and a price target of $63, following the approval of a key amendment for the production of the COVID-19 vaccine Kostaive in Japan. This approval is a significant milestone, allowing for the commercial distribution of domestically produced Kostaive.
Further developments are anticipated for the vaccine, including an expected approval from the European Commission for prevention of COVID-19 infections in adults aged 18 and over around early February 2025. Arcturus also plans to file a Biologics License Application with the FDA in the first half of 2025, aiming to introduce Kostaive to the U.S. market.
In parallel, BTIG analysts initiated coverage on Arcturus with a Buy rating and a price target of $41, citing strong prospects for the company’s mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. The company has recently begun Phase 2 studies for its lead programs targeting cystic fibrosis and ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, with results expected in the first half of 2025.
H.C. Wainwright also highlighted anticipation for early commercial results from Kostaive, but the spotlight remains on the progress of Arcturus’ wholly-owned mRNA therapeutic programs. Lastly, the European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use recommended approval for Kostaive, marking a significant step toward potential market authorization by the European Commission.
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