Benitec Biopharma price target raised to $20 from $18 at Citizens JMP

Citizens JMP raised the firm’s price target on Benitec Biopharma (BNTC) to $20 from $18 and keeps an Outperform rating on the shares. Benitec presented continued benefit with BB-301 in the first two patients at 12 months and positive results in a new third subject at three months, with all three patients demonstrating sustained improvement across several assessments of swallowing capability and patient-reported outcomes after treatment, the analyst tells investors in a research note. The firm continues to be impressed by the outcomes in the first two patients at 12 months, and says efficacy in the third patient that saw complete resolution of pathologic swallowing further builds confidence in the program.