Several biotech stocks have recently experienced a significant boost in attention, according to data from InvestingChannel. Leading the spike in search activity is Agenus (AGEN, Financial), with a 344% increase. Following closely are Taysha Gene Therapies (TSHA) with a 332% rise, and Scorpius Holdings (SCPX) experiencing a 291% surge.
Agenus is actively engaged in developing innovative cancer and infectious disease treatments through a comprehensive pipeline that includes antibody therapeutics and adoptive cell therapies. Taysha Gene Therapies is focused on adeno-associated virus-based gene therapies, with its principal program targeting Rett syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder. Meanwhile, Scorpius Holdings serves as a contract development and manufacturing organization in the biotech field, offering diverse services to advance biologics and cell therapies.
Another company, Summit Therapeutics (SMMT), noted a 229% increase in interest. This boost comes as Akeso's Phase III trial of ivonescimab, in combination with chemotherapy for lung cancer, met its primary endpoint, showcasing significant improvement in progression-free survival. Summit is furthering its own Phase III study, HARMONi-3, examining similar treatments for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
In other news, Plus Therapeutics (PSTV) has appointed Kyle Guse to its Board of Directors, where he will serve as Audit Committee Chair. At the same time, NYSE Regulation has taken steps to delist Scorpius Holdings (SCPX) due to low trading prices. The company can appeal the decision and request a review by the Listings Qualifications Panel.
This surge in interest within the biotech sector highlights the ongoing volatility and dynamic nature of the industry, often driven by breakthrough clinical trial results and regulatory developments.
Wall Street Analysts Forecast
Based on the one-year price targets offered by 3 analysts, the average target price for Agenus Inc (AGEN, Financial) is $6.00 with a high estimate of $8.00 and a low estimate of $3.00. The average target implies an upside of 115.05% from the current price of $2.79. More detailed estimate data can be found on the Agenus Inc (AGEN) Forecast page.
Based on the consensus recommendation from 5 brokerage firms, Agenus Inc's (AGEN, Financial) average brokerage recommendation is currently 2.8, indicating "Hold" status. The rating scale ranges from 1 to 5, where 1 signifies Strong Buy, and 5 denotes Sell.
Based on GuruFocus estimates, the estimated GF Value for Agenus Inc (AGEN, Financial) in one year is $3.86, suggesting a upside of 38.35% from the current price of $2.79. GF Value is GuruFocus' estimate of the fair value that the stock should be traded at. It is calculated based on the historical multiples the stock has traded at previously, as well as past business growth and the future estimates of the business' performance. More detailed data can be found on the Agenus Inc (AGEN) Summary page.
AGEN Key Business Developments
Release Date: March 11, 2025
- Cash Balance: Ended 2024 with $40.4 million, down from $76.1 million at the end of 2023.
- Cash Used in Operations: $158 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, reduced from $224 million in the prior year.
- Annual Revenue: $103.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.
- Net Loss: $232.3 million or $10.59 per share for the year ended December 31, 2024.
- Quarterly Revenue: $26.8 million for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024.
- Quarterly Net Loss: $46.8 million or $2.04 per share for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024.
- Operational Burn Rate: Reduced to approximately $50 million annualized by mid-2025.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Agenus Inc (AGEN, Financial) successfully reduced its annualized operational burn rate, aligning with its financial guidance.
- The company is on track to further reduce its annualized burn to approximately $50 million by mid-2025.
- BOT/BAL has shown promising clinical activity, particularly in colorectal cancer, with durable responses and prolonged survival in refractory microsatellite stable colorectal cancer.
- Independent validation from leading global oncology centers and experts supports the potential of BOT/BAL.
- Strategic monetization of noncore assets, including high-value biologics manufacturing facilities, is underway to strengthen the balance sheet.
Negative Points
- Agenus Inc (AGEN) ended 2024 with a reduced cash balance of $40.4 million, down from $76.1 million at the end of 2023.
- The company incurred a net loss of $232.3 million for the year 2024, highlighting financial challenges.
- Revenue primarily consists of noncash royalty revenue, which may not provide immediate liquidity.
- The financial position is tighter than ideal, necessitating decisive actions to bolster cash reserves.
- Some pipeline products have been shelved temporarily due to the current unfavorable market conditions for immuno-oncology.
