Celyad (CYAD)
Moving right along, we come across Celyad, which is developing innovative CAR-T NK cell-based immunotherapies that could potentially treat cancer. As the second half of 2020 will feature major catalysts, it’s no wonder the analyst community is excited about this name.
In the near-term, Celyad will present updated data from the Phase I alloSHRINK study of CYAD-101, its therapy designed as a treatment for mCRC, at the virtual ASCO conference on May 29 through 31. Using non-gene editing technology, the therapy has already shown anti-tumor activity in two out of twelve patients with a partial response and five patients with stable disease with a minimum of three months of duration.
Representing H.C. Wainwright, five-star analyst Edward White is optimistic that the outcome will be favorable. He explained, “To date, CYAD-101 alloSHRINK has not demonstrated clinical evidence of GvHD or dose limiting toxicities.”
Looking forward, CYAD will read out preliminary data from the Phase 1 THINK trial involving its candidate, CYAD-01, a CAR-T that uses natural killer cell specificity to target T-cells against a broad range of tumors, without preconditioning in patients with r/r AML and MDS, and the DEPLETHINK trial utilizing preconditioning with Cy/Flu. Both of these trials use the OptimAb manufacturing process, but White points out that the company will decide which protocol to proceed with based on the data.
Some investors expressed concern after COVID-19 forced the company to push back the previously expected timing for the THINK and DEPLETHINK trial readouts, but White was unphased by the delay. “THINK data presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting 2019 showed that 53% (8/15) of evaluable patients demonstrated anti-leukemic activity with bone marrow blasts decrease, including five patients with objective responses and one patient with stable disease (SD) for at least three months,” he stated. The analyst added, “No objective responses had been shown at the time of presentation, but safety data demonstrated that CYAD-01 manufactured with OptimAb was well tolerated following preconditioning chemotherapy.”
With a decision on which protocol CYAD will pursue expected by year end 2020, the deal is sealed for White. In addition to reiterating his Buy recommendation, he kept the $37 price target as is. This target conveys his confidence in CYAD’s ability to soar 339% in the next year. (To watch White’s track record, click here)
All in all, other analysts echo White’s sentiment. 4 Buys and no Holds or Sells add up to a Strong Buy consensus rating. Based on the $27.33 average price target, the upside potential comes in at 224%. (See Celyad stock analysis on TipRanks)