Sellas Life Sciences, Moderna, and AbCellera Biologics ended Friday at 52-week highs, gaining 17%, 12%, and over 10% respectively. The biotech stocks advanced on distinct catalysts: Sellas neared completion of its Phase 3 AML trial with 78 of 80 required patient events recorded, Moderna presented pipeline updates at its Science Day Thursday, and AbCellera secured a partnership with Jazz Pharmaceuticals. The moves reflected investor focus on companies with near-term clinical and business milestones.
Sellas Life Sciences Nears Phase 3 AML Trial Completion
Sellas Life Sciences stock hit a 52-week high of $12.43 on Friday as the company approached a key milestone in its Phase 3 REGAL study. The event-driven trial evaluating Galinpepimut-S (GPS) as a maintenance treatment for acute myeloid leukemia patients in second complete remission requires 80 patient deaths before final analysis can begin. The company previously disclosed that 78 events had occurred.
The stock also gained on speculation following updated executive severance agreements filed Thursday. The revised terms increase severance benefits and accelerate stock vesting if leadership is let go after a change in control. Short interest in the stock reached a record high.
Retail sentiment around the stock remained in extremely bullish territory on Stocktwits.
Moderna Presents Cancer and Autoimmune Pipeline Updates
Moderna stock hit a 52-week high of $69.29 after its Science Day presentation Thursday. The biotechnology company highlighted progress across cancer, autoimmune and rare disease therapies while emphasizing its use of artificial intelligence, automation and robotics to speed drug discovery.
The company presented several oncology programs in development, including experimental cancer therapies targeting solid tumors, Lynch syndrome and metastatic cancers. Moderna also reported continued progress with mRNA-2808, an investigational T-cell engager for multiple myeloma.
Retail sentiment around the stock remained in neutral territory on Stocktwits.
AbCellera Biologics Secures Jazz Pharmaceuticals Partnership
AbCellera Biologics stock hit a two-year high of $7.40 following a research collaboration with Jazz Pharmaceuticals focused on multispecific T-cell engager antibodies for gastrointestinal cancers. The agreement includes $56 million in upfront, non-dilutive funding for the first two programs, with another $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 the stock remained in bullish territory on Stocktwits.
So far this year, SLS stock has gained 228%, while MRNA and ABCL stocks have advanced 128% and 115% respectively.
FAQ
What triggered the stock price increases for SLS, MRNA and ABCL?
Sellas Life Sciences advanced on its Phase 3 AML trial nearing completion with 78 of 80 required patient events recorded and updated executive severance agreements filed Thursday. Moderna gained following its Science Day presentation Thursday covering cancer and autoimmune pipeline programs. AbCellera Biologics rose after securing a research collaboration with Jazz Pharmaceuticals including $56 million in upfront funding for two programs.
What are the financial terms of the AbCellera-Jazz Pharmaceuticals partnership?
The agreement includes $56 million in upfront, non-dilutive funding for the first two programs and $28 million tied to a third program. The deal also creates potential for milestone and commercialization payments if development goals are achieved. The partnership focuses on multispecific T-cell engager antibodies for gastrointestinal cancers.
