H.C. Wainwright analyst Matthew Caufield reiterated a Buy rating on Unity Biotechnology (UBX – Research Report) today and set a price target of $4.00.
Matthew Caufield has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors regarding Unity Biotechnology’s UBX1325. The anticipated full 36-week data from the Phase 2b ASPIRE trial, expected in the second quarter of 2025, is seen as a significant opportunity to further define the profile of foselutoclax in treating diabetic macular edema (DME). Despite a primary endpoint miss in earlier phases, UBX1325 demonstrated non-inferiority to aflibercept in 9 out of 10 time points through 36 weeks, suggesting a novel approach in retinal disease treatment.
Additionally, the potential of foselutoclax’s novel senolytic mechanism, which targets detrimental senescent cells and inflammatory signaling in the retina, is highlighted as a prospective disease-modifying benefit. The drug showed promise in patients with less aggressive disease, outperforming aflibercept and offering a potential second-line treatment option for DME patients who do not respond adequately to standard anti-VEGF therapies. These factors, combined with the drug’s well-tolerated profile, support the Buy rating as it could become a viable option for improving vision in patients with inadequate responses to current treatments.