Lachlan Hanbury Brown, an analyst from William Blair, has initiated a new Buy rating on Ocular Therapeutix (OCUL).
Lachlan Hanbury Brown has given his Buy rating due to a combination of factors, primarily focusing on the potential of Ocular Therapeutix’s lead product, Axpaxli. This long-acting axitinib hydrogel implant is currently in Phase III trials for treating neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), with promising expansion opportunities into other retinal vascular diseases. The analyst highlights the potential for Axpaxli to redefine treatment paradigms in this space, given its long-acting nature and encouraging early trial results.
Additionally, the market for anti-VEGF therapies is expected to grow significantly, and Axpaxli’s extended dosing intervals could provide a competitive advantage, potentially making it a blockbuster product. The analyst also notes that while there are inherent risks associated with clinical, regulatory, and commercial aspects typical of biotech firms, the projected peak U.S. sales for Axpaxli in nAMD are substantial, supporting the Buy recommendation.
Based on the recent corporate insider activity of 29 insiders, corporate insider sentiment is negative on the stock. This means that over the past quarter there has been an increase of insiders selling their shares of OCUL in relation to earlier this year.