Nektar Therapeutics shares experienced a significant rally due to promising results from a clinical trial aimed at treating atopic dermatitis.
Clinical Trial Success
Nektar Therapeutics announced significant success in its Phase 2b clinical trial of rezpegaldesleukin, which showed statistically significant improvements in treating patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. The trial, involving 393 patients, demonstrated a 42% EASI-75 response rate in the high-dose group, indicating substantial skin condition improvements for nearly half of the participants. The drug operates through a novel mechanism by activating regulatory T-cells, helping restore immune system balance.
Stock Market Performance
NKTR shares closed at $9.54 prior to the market opening on June 24, 2025, but surged to $20.64 in premarket trading, marking a remarkable 116.35% increase. This resulted in a significant boost to the company's market capitalization, which was previously around $118 million. Wall Street analysts project an average price target of $73.75 for NKTR shares over the next 12 months.
Nektar Therapeutics Outlook
Nektar Therapeutics plans to continue advancing its programs and expects to provide further data for alopecia areata in Q4 2025. The company's cash position of $220.7 million as of March 2025 positions it well to support its operations into Q4 2026, instilling confidence among investors.
The positive results from the rezpegaldesleukin clinical trial have provided Nektar Therapeutics with a significant market boost and opened new avenues for treatment of autoimmune diseases.
