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Exelixis stock gains confidence from Citi after detailed ESMO data on cabozantinib

EditorAhmed Abdulazez Abdulkadir
Published 16-09-2024, 03:04 pm
EXEL
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On Monday, Citi reaffirmed its Buy rating on shares of Exelixis (NASDAQ:EXEL), with a price target of $31.00. The decision follows Exelixis' presentation of final overall survival data from its phase 3 CONTACT-02 study at the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) Congress. The study evaluated cabozantinib in combination with atezolizumab for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).


Despite the overall survival (OS) data not being statistically significant, it showed a positive trend in favor of the cabozantinib and atezolizumab group, especially in patients with liver and bone metastasis. These detailed results were highlighted during the ESMO presentation. The CONTACT-02 study also achieved a statistically significant progression-free survival (PFS) benefit, which was one of the trial's primary endpoints.


Citi emphasized that the lack of statistically significant OS data does not preclude regulatory approval, as the PFS benefit alone can be sufficient. Exelixis is preparing to submit a supplemental New Drug Application (sNDA) later in the year. This submission aims to expand the label for cabozantinib, in combination with atezolizumab, to include the treatment of mCRPC.


The company's progress aligns with the planned strategy to enhance the treatment's label and potentially benefit a challenging patient subgroup. The CONTACT-02 study's findings may support the use of cabozantinib and atezolizumab in a broader clinical setting for mCRPC, pending regulatory review and approval.


In other recent news, Exelixis has been a subject of focus for several analyst firms due to its impressive second-quarter financial performance and an upcoming decision on a patent dispute over its drug Cabometyx. BofA Securities, Truist Securities, and H.C. Wainwright have all increased their price targets for Exelixis, reflecting confidence in the company's ability to maintain its competitive edge and the anticipated performance of its drugs.


The company's recent financial report revealed a diluted net income of $0.77 per share, significantly surpassing earlier projections, with revenues reaching $637.2 million. Cabozantinib, its leading product, contributed $437.6 million to this total.


In addition to financial performance, Exelixis has made significant strides in its development programs. The company's supplementary NDA for cabozantinib in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) has been accepted by the FDA, with a PDUFA date set for April 2025. Exelixis plans to file up to three INDs this year, and despite the discontinuation of the XB002 program, remains optimistic about the potential expansion of its cabozantinib franchise with new indications and compounds.


The patent dispute resolution, expected imminently, will determine the market exclusivity period for Cabometyx. This decision is crucial for the company's financial outlook and its ability to compete in the market without generic versions of its drug being available.

InvestingPro Insights


As Exelixis (NASDAQ:EXEL) continues to make strides in the oncology field, recent data from InvestingPro highlights the company's financial health and market performance. With a robust market capitalization of $7.55 billion, Exelixis maintains a solid financial presence in the biotech industry. The company's P/E ratio, which stands at 22.91, reflects investor confidence in its earnings potential, especially when considering the adjusted P/E ratio for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, which is slightly lower at 20.02.


InvestingPro Tips spotlight two particularly encouraging aspects for Exelixis: the company's aggressive share buyback strategy and its strong cash position relative to debt. These factors, combined with a high shareholder yield, suggest a proactive management approach to creating value and maintaining financial stability. Moreover, the company's stock is currently trading near its 52-week high, backed by a strong return of 21.71% over the past three months, indicating robust market sentiment.


For readers seeking a deeper dive into Exelixis' potential, InvestingPro offers additional insights and metrics, including 13 more InvestingPro Tips that can be accessed for a comprehensive analysis of the company's outlook. These tips provide a fuller picture of Exelixis' financial health and market performance, available at https://www.investing.com/pro/EXEL.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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