Analyst Judah Frommer from Morgan Stanley maintained a Hold rating on Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS – Research Report) and increased the price target to $26.00 from $25.00.
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Judah Frommer has given his Hold rating due to a combination of factors surrounding Apellis Pharmaceuticals’ recent financial maneuvers and market position. The company has entered into a significant royalty purchase agreement with Sobi, securing up to $300 million, which includes a $275 million upfront payment. This agreement reduces Sobi’s royalty obligations on Aspaveli sales by 90%, providing Apellis with immediate financial benefits and potentially easing investor concerns about the company’s path to profitability.
Despite this positive financial development, Frommer maintains a Hold rating, reflecting a cautious stance on the company’s future prospects. The anticipated launches of Empaveli/Aspaveli in new indications and the expected regulatory decisions from the FDA and CHMP are pivotal events. While these factors highlight confidence in the market potential, they also introduce uncertainties that justify a Hold rating, balancing optimism with the inherent risks of the biotechnology sector.
In another report released yesterday, Mizuho Securities also maintained a Hold rating on the stock with a $20.00 price target.