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BOSTON - Verve Therapeutics (VERV), currently trading at $3.26 and showing signs of being undervalued according to InvestingPro analysis, announced today that its experimental gene-editing drug VERVE-102 has shown promising results in a Phase 1b clinical trial, potentially marking a significant advancement in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. The trial, which included 14 participants with familial hypercholesterolemia or premature coronary artery disease, reported a mean low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction of 53% and a peak reduction of 69% in the highest dose cohort.
VERVE-102, which employs Verve’s proprietary GalNAc-LNP delivery technology, is designed to permanently disable the PCSK9 gene in the liver, leading to sustained reductions in LDL-C, a key contributor to atherosclerosis. The treatment was well-received, with no serious adverse events or significant changes in liver enzymes or platelets observed at any dose level.
The initial data suggest that VERVE-102 could potentially offer a single-dose alternative to existing therapies that often require daily medication or regular injections. This could be particularly beneficial for patients who struggle with adherence to current treatment regimens.
Verve anticipates reporting final data on the dose escalation part of the Heart-2 trial later in the second half of 2025, along with the commencement of a Phase 2 clinical trial, pending regulatory approval. Additionally, a decision from Eli Lilly and Company regarding their option to collaborate on the PCSK9 program is expected within the same timeframe.
The company’s current financial position, with a healthy current ratio of 12.65 and more cash than debt on its balance sheet according to InvestingPro data, is believed to be sufficient to support operations into mid-2027, which includes the completion of the Phase 2 trial. While the company is currently unprofitable, four analysts have recently revised their earnings expectations upward for the upcoming period. Discover more insights about VERV’s financial health and growth potential with InvestingPro’s comprehensive research report, part of its coverage of over 1,400 US stocks. Verve’s approach represents a potential shift in cardiovascular disease management, moving from chronic management to a possible one-time treatment solution.
This news is based on a press release statement and provides a glimpse into the ongoing efforts to develop more effective and patient-friendly treatments for cardiovascular diseases. Verve Therapeutics continues to explore the potential of genetic medicines to address the root causes of these conditions. Despite the stock’s recent volatility and 57% decline over the past year, the company maintains a Fair overall financial health score according to InvestingPro analysis, which offers detailed insights through its comprehensive Pro Research Reports.
In other recent news, Verve Therapeutics has received significant attention following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) clearance of its Investigational New Drug (IND) application for VERVE-102. This clearance allows the company to proceed with the Phase 1b clinical trial, named Heart-2, in the United States. The trial focuses on patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and premature coronary artery disease (CAD). Interim data from international sites showed that VERVE-102 was well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported. Additionally, the FDA has granted Fast Track designation to VERVE-102, which is intended to expedite the development and review process for drugs addressing unmet medical needs.
Analyst firms BMO Capital Markets and Canaccord Genuity have maintained positive outlooks on Verve Therapeutics. BMO Capital reiterated an Outperform rating with a $30 price target, citing optimism due to the IND approval and the drug’s benefit/risk profile. Canaccord Genuity also reiterated a Buy rating with a $32 price target, expressing confidence in the upcoming clinical data and the potential for positive trial outcomes. The recent developments have kept Verve Therapeutics in the spotlight, with investors closely monitoring the company’s progress in its gene-editing therapies for cardiovascular diseases.
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