Sellas Nears AML Trial Readout, Moderna Expands Oncology Pipeline, and AbCellera Lands Jazz Partnership as Biotech Stocks Hit 52-Week Highs
Key Insights
Sellas Life Sciences' Phase 3 REGAL study of galinpepimut-S in AML is nearing final analysis with 78 of 80 required events reported, while updated executive severance agreements fuel acquisition speculation.
Moderna highlighted progress across oncology, autoimmune, and rare disease programs at its Science Day, including mRNA-2808 (search), an investigational T-cell engager for multiple myeloma (search).
AbCellera Biologics secured a research collaboration with Jazz Pharmaceuticals for multispecific T-cell engager antibodies targeting gastrointestinal cancers (search), with $56 million in upfront funding for the first two programs.
Biotechnology stocks surged last week as Sellas Life Sciences (SLS), Moderna (MRNA), and AbCellera Biologics (ABCL) each closed at 52-week highs, reflecting investor confidence in companies with identifiable near-term clinical and business catalysts. Sellas gained 17%, Moderna rose 12%, and AbCellera advanced over 10% in the session.
Sellas Life Sciences Approaches Pivotal AML Data Readout
Sellas Life Sciences' stock hit a new 52-week high of $12.43 as the company's Phase 3 REGAL study nears its final analysis. The event-driven trial is evaluating galinpepimut-S (GPS) as a maintenance treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (search) (AML) patients in second complete remission. The study requires 80 patient deaths before final analysis can begin, and the company previously disclosed that 78 events had occurred, leaving the trial close to its topline results.
Adding to investor interest, Sellas filed updated employment agreements for top executives on Thursday. The revised terms increase severance benefits and accelerate stock vesting if leadership is terminated following a change in control, fueling speculation about a possible acquisition or licensing deal. Short interest in the stock also reached a record high. On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around SLS remained in "extremely bullish" territory. Year-to-date, SLS stock has soared 228%.
Moderna Showcases Pipeline Expansion at Science Day
Moderna stock extended its strong 2026 rally, hitting a 52-week high of $69.29 after its Science Day presentation, where the company highlighted progress across multiple therapeutic areas. The biotechnology company detailed advances in cancer, autoimmune, and rare disease therapies while emphasizing its growing use of artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics to accelerate drug discovery.
Among the oncology programs highlighted were experimental cancer therapies targeting solid tumors, Lynch syndrome, and metastatic cancers. The company also reported continued progress with mRNA-2808 (search), an investigational T-cell engager for multiple myeloma (search). Retail sentiment around Moderna remained in "neutral" territory. The stock has surged 128% so far this year.
AbCellera Partners with Jazz Pharmaceuticals on GI Cancers
AbCellera Biologics stock hit a two-year high of $7.40 following the announcement of a research collaboration with Jazz Pharmaceuticals focused on multispecific T-cell engager antibodies for gastrointestinal cancers (search). The agreement includes $56 million in upfront, non-dilutive funding for the first two programs, with an additional $28 million tied to a third program. The deal also creates the potential for milestone and commercialization payments if development goals are achieved. Retail sentiment around ABCL remained in "bullish" territory, and the stock has surged 115% year-to-date.