Summit Therapeutics

Summit Therapeutics, with its promising cancer treatment ivonescimab, has seen a 340% share increase since Jan 2023. Ivonescimab, already approved in China, targets non-small cell lung cancer and could generate over $1B annually by 2030. Despite risks, Summit's potential for significant returns makes it an attractive long-term investment.

David Epstein, after selling Seagen to Pfizer, joined Francesco de Rubertis' startup Ottimo Pharma, developing a cancer drug targeting PD-1 and VEGF pathways. Ottimo raised $140 million, aiming to outperform Keytruda and other immunotherapies, with a unique bifunctional antibody design.

Viking Therapeutics and Summit Therapeutics stocks doubled in 2024. Analysts predict Viking could gain 166% to $125, and Summit 68% to $30 in 2025. Viking's VK2735, a weight loss drug, shows promising trial results. Summit's ivonescimab, a cancer therapy, outperforms Keytruda in trials.

DelveInsight's report on PD-1 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Market (2020-2034) highlights market growth, approvals, prevalence, therapies, and companies like Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech, and others. Key therapies include KEYTRUDA, OPDIVO, TECENTRIQ, and TIZVENI. Market drivers include premium-priced targeted agents and therapy expansion, while barriers include premium pricing of emerging therapies.

Brendan, a Ph.D. in organic synthesis from Stanford, has worked in pharmaceuticals, biotech, and co-founded 1200 Pharma. He remains an investor, focusing on biotech stocks. Analyst's disclosure: beneficial long position in SMMT shares. Investment involves risk; this is not investment advice.

Summit Therapeutics (NASDAQ: SMMT) has surged 860% in 12 months, relying on licensing from Akesobio for its pipeline, including the lead antibody ivonescimab. While ivonescimab is approved in China for NSCLC, FDA approval is pending. Summit's growth hinges on Akesobio's clinical trials, posing a significant risk if they fail. Despite this, Summit's financial stability and Akesobio's ongoing trials suggest potential for recovery, making it a stock to watch.

Merck's $588 million deal for LaNova Medicines' LM-299, a PD-1/VEGF bispecific antibody, aims to replace Keytruda's revenue post-2028 patent expiration. LM-299, in early clinical development, could bring LaNova up to $2.7 billion in milestone payments. Bispecific antibodies targeting PD-1 and VEGF are gaining traction, with BioNTech's $800 million acquisition of Biotheus and its PD-L1/VEGF bispecific antibody highlighting the trend.