Despite recent setbacks with Syfovre's European approval, Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS) is garnering renewed attention for its promising Phase 3 results of a drug targeting C3G/IC-MPGN, a disease with significant unmet medical needs. The positive data has led to reaffirmed Buy ratings from analysts, suggesting a potential upside for the company's stock.
Analyst Reaffirms Buy Rating
Citi analyst Yigal Nochomovitz has reiterated a Buy rating for Apellis, even after the negative opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) regarding Syfovre. Nochomovitz believes the market's reaction to the CHMP opinion is an overreaction, creating a buying opportunity for investors. He had already accounted for potential challenges in EU Syfovre sales in his valuation models.
C3G/IC-MPGN Drug Shows Promise
Nochomovitz's optimism is fueled by the Phase 3 results of Apellis' drug targeting C3G/IC-MPGN (C3 glomerulopathy/immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis). He projects potential peak sales of $800-900 million in the U.S. alone. Nochomovitz values the C3G/IC-MPGN indication at approximately $15 per share, a value he believes is not yet reflected in Apellis' current stock price.
Market Opportunity and Analyst Consensus
Needham also maintained a Buy rating on Apellis with a price target of $85.00. This further bolsters the positive outlook for the company, despite recent insider selling activity. The consensus among analysts suggests that the potential of the C3G/IC-MPGN drug and other factors outweigh the Syfovre setback, presenting a favorable investment opportunity.
