Drugmaker Ionis Pharmaceuticals Garners Analyst Praise For 'Pipeline Depth'

HC Wainwright initiated coverage on Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. IONS, a commercial-stage biotech company focused on RNA-targeted therapeutics.

Analyst Mitchell Kapoor says Ionis has used its RNA technology to develop a wide range of drugs. The analyst believes Ionis has built a strong and valuable platform with drug opportunities that carry less risk thanks to its track record of success in clinical trials, regulatory approvals, and commercial launches over the next few years, all supported by strong cash flow.

In addition to its major programs, Kapoor highlights Ionis’ promising early-stage projects in the pipeline.

Also Read: Ionis Pharmaceuticals Partners With Japan-Based Ono Pharmaceutical For Rare Blood Disease Drug In Over $800 Million Deal

“The company's pipeline depth has allowed for constant business development to support the growth of the company as well as continued research and development,” Kapoor writes.

HC Wainwright initiated with a Buy rating and a price target of $45.

Ionis already has several approved drugs. The spotlight is now shifting to new product launches and important clinical trial results expected in 2025 and 2026. Two drugs worth noting:

• Tryngolza (olezarsen), aimed at lowering triglycerides. Two major Phase 3 trial results are expected in the second half of 2025 for treating severe hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG). These results are seen as a key growth opportunity. Analyst Kapoor adds that if successful, and if the drug is approved for sHTG, Ionis would fully control U.S. sales and have strong international rights as well. The U.S. market alone includes about 2.3 million patients.
• Wainua (eplontersen), used to treat transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (ATTR).

HC Wainwright sees potential FDA approval (PDUFA date of Aug. 21) for donidalorsen in hereditary angioedema (HAE) as a near-term stock driver.

“We think the market does not fully appreciate the potential for differentiation, given a far less-frequent dosing regimen for donidalorsen vs. SOC,” the analyst writes.

Ionis said 2024 revenue of $705 million exceeded guidance as the company continued to generate revenue from diverse sources. The company added new revenue sources in 2024 with the launch of Wainua and Tryngolza in the U.S.

Price Action: IONS stock is down 0.33% at $27 at the last check Monday.

Read Next:

• Anavex Life Sciences Reports Prolonged Benefit Data Of Blarcamesine In Early Alzheimer’s Over 3 Years

Image: Shutterstock