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NEW YORK - Protara Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:TARA), a $127 million market cap company focused on developing treatments for cancer and rare diseases, announced today the appointment of William "Bill" Conkling as its new Chief Commercial Officer. According to InvestingPro data, the company’s stock currently trades at $3.3, with analysts setting price targets between $12 and $30. Conkling, who has over 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, is expected to play a pivotal role in guiding Protara through its potential transition to a commercial-stage company.
Conkling’s career includes significant achievements in launching oncology and rare disease products. He joins Protara after his tenure as President and CEO of Rafael Holdings, Inc., where he was instrumental in building commercial strategies for the company’s assets. His previous roles also include Vice President of Commercial at Immunomedics, where he led the U.S. commercial organization for Trodelvy, a treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, and over a decade at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, where he contributed to the commercialization of several oncology products including Kymriah, a CAR-T therapy.
CEO of Protara, Jesse Shefferman, expressed confidence in Conkling’s ability to bring strategic insights to the company, especially as Protara advances its pipeline, including TARA-002, its lead candidate for bladder cancer and lymphatic malformations, and IV Choline Chloride, for patients requiring parenteral nutrition. InvestingPro analysis shows the company maintains a strong balance sheet with more cash than debt, though it’s currently experiencing rapid cash burn - a common characteristic for clinical-stage biotech companies.
In conjunction with his appointment, Conkling received an inducement grant of stock options and restricted stock units (RSUs) under the company’s 2020 Inducement Plan, in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4). The options for 200,000 shares and RSUs for 50,000 shares are set to vest over a period of up to four years, contingent on continued service to the company.
Protara Therapeutics is currently evaluating TARA-002 in a Phase 2 trial for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients and a Phase 2 trial for pediatric patients with lymphatic malformations. The company’s financial position and strategic plans, including the timing and outcomes of clinical trials, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected. InvestingPro subscribers can access 8 additional key insights about Protara’s financial health, including detailed analysis of its cash flow metrics and growth potential. The next earnings announcement is expected on August 11, 2025.
This news is based on a press release statement from Protara Therapeutics.
In other recent news, Protara Therapeutics has presented interim results from its Phase 2 ADVANCED-2 trial for TARA-002, targeting non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). The data, showcased at the American Urological Association 2025 Annual Meeting, revealed a 100% complete response rate at any time and a 67% 12-month response rate for BCG-unresponsive patients, with no severe treatment-related adverse events. Analysts from TD Cowen and Cantor have expressed optimism about TARA-002’s efficacy and safety profile, despite investor concerns about the small sample size. Additionally, Protara announced findings from its THRIVE-1 study, which highlighted a prevalent choline deficiency in patients dependent on parenteral support, with plans to advance IV Choline Chloride into a Phase 3 trial. The company has received an Overweight rating from Cantor Fitzgerald, citing the promising potential of both TARA-002 and IV Choline Chloride. H.C. Wainwright maintained a Buy rating with a $23 price target, emphasizing the strong performance of TARA-002 in achieving high complete response rates. These developments are part of Protara’s ongoing efforts to address unmet medical needs in oncology and rare diseases.
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