I-Mab Poised To Capitalize On Growing Oncology Sector, Needham Says In Bullish Initiation

Shares of the U.S.-listed Chinese immuno-oncology company I-Mab IMAB offer strong upside potential, according to a Needham analyst. 

The I-Mab Analyst: Chad Messer initiated coverage of I-Mab shares with a Buy rating and $75 price target.

The I-Mab Takeaways: I-Mab has an extensive pipeline of innovative assets, including several assets in clinical trials in the U.S. as well as in China, Messer said in a Monday note.

The company has struck four out-licensing partnerships worth up to $3 billion, the analyst said. 

I-Mab has also expanded its Chinese business by in-licensing Chinese rights to late-stage assets from biopharma companies such as Ferring, MorphoSys AG MOR and MacroGenics, Inc. MGNX, he said. 

Related Link: The Week Ahead In Biotech (March 14-20): Update On Fibrogen-AstraZeneca's Anemia Drug, Earnings and Presentations

I-Mab's lead asset lemzoparlimab, which targets CD47, differentiates itself from other CD47 antibodies by having minimal interaction with RBCs, Messer said.

It is being evaluated in Phase 1 studies as a single agent as well as combo therapy option, the analyst said. 

I-Mab's in-licensed asset Felzartamab could mark I-Mab's entry into commercialization in China as early as this year, he said. 

"We believe its deep pipeline of proprietary IO assets will allow I-Mab to capitalize on an important, growing sector of oncology." 

The company's unique go-to-market strategy in China will likely turn it into a fully integrated Chinese pharmaceutical company with global development expertise, in Needham's view. 

IMAB Price Action: At last check, the stock was adding 0.44% to $55.25. 

Related Link: Roche Boosts Diagnostics Portfolio With $1.8B Bet On COVID-19 Test Manufacturer GenMark