DMR-001, a potentially best-in-class mutant calreticulin (“mutCALR”) targeting monoclonal antibody, on track for expected IND submission, or equivalent, in mid-2026 with anticipated first-in-human dosing via subcutaneous administrationRecent addition of deep hematology/oncology drug development experience with the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical OfficerPipeline of additional candidates advancing to the clinic, with first IND submission of DMR-002 expected in second half of 2026Cas ...

Core Viewpoint - The article summarizes significant analyst rating changes that could impact market trends, highlighting upgrades, downgrades, and new coverage ratings for various companies [1][6]. Upgrades - Barclays upgraded Whirlpool (W) from "Neutral" to "Overweight," raising the target price from $104 to $123, citing accelerated market share growth expected in 2025 and continuation into 2026 [5]. - Oppenheimer upgraded McDonald's (MCD) from "Market Perform" to "Outperform," setting a target price of $355, with a more optimistic outlook for the restaurant sector in 2026 despite a poor performance in 2025 [5]. - Barclays upgraded Lowe's (LOW) from "Neutral" to "Overweight," increasing the target price from $259 to $285, based on an expected improvement in non-essential goods demand due to upcoming tax policy changes [5]. - Piper Sandler upgraded Hershey (HSY) from "Neutral" to "Overweight," raising the target price from $193 to $213, noting lower cocoa costs and the removal of cocoa tariffs, which provide flexibility for reinvestment and growth [5]. - Bank of America upgraded Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (REGN) from "Underperform" to "Buy," significantly raising the target price from $627 to $860, as previous concerns regarding Eylea SD have been addressed [5]. Downgrades - Jefferies downgraded First Solar (FSLR) from "Buy" to "Hold," lowering the target price from $269 to $260 due to limited visibility on orders and emerging strategic issues [10]. - Oppenheimer downgraded Yum Brands (YUM) from "Outperform" to "Market Perform," with no target price set, as the stock's risk-reward profile has become balanced after a 13% increase in 2025 [10]. - Montreal Bank Capital Markets downgraded Union Pacific Railroad (UNP) from "Outperform" to "Market Perform," reducing the target price from $270 to $255, citing high uncertainty regarding regulatory outcomes and weak freight demand [10]. - Piper Sandler downgraded Deckers Outdoor (DECK) from "Neutral" to "Underweight," lowering the target price from $100 to $85, as the company has increased discount promotions on its core brands [10]. - Wells Fargo downgraded Humana (HUM) from "Overweight" to "Neutral," setting a target price of $290, due to uncertainties regarding profit margin targets for 2026 [10]. New Coverage - Argus Research initiated coverage on grocery delivery platform Instacart (CART) with a "Buy" rating and a target price of $52, highlighting revenue growth and recent profitability achievements [11]. - Citigroup initiated coverage on Natera (NTRA) with a "Buy" rating and a target price of $300, citing significant growth potential [11]. - Link Consulting initiated coverage on Galecto (GLTO) with an "Outperform" rating and a target price of $46, noting its acquisition of Damola Therapeutics to advance its oncology pipeline [11]. - Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Apogee Therapeutics (APGE) with a "Market Perform" rating, without a target price, predicting mixed catalysts for the stock in 2026 [11]. - Mizuho Securities initiated coverage on Palvella Therapeutics (PVLA) with an "Outperform" rating and a target price of $205, based on positive clinical trial data for its drug Qtorin [11].

Deep hematology/oncology drug development experience added with the appointment of Sherwin Sattarzadeh as Chief Operating Officer and Becker Hewes as Chief Medical Officer DMR-001, a potentially best-in-class mutant calreticulin (“mutCALR”) targeting monoclonal antibody, on track for IND submission in mid-2026 with anticipated first-in-human dosing via subcutaneous administration Cash balance, including $285 million raised in November 2025 PIPE, provides financial runway into 2029 to support multiple data m ...

BOSTON, Dec. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Galecto, Inc. (the “Company” or “Galecto”) (Nasdaq: GLTO) today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors approved the grant of non-qualified stock options to purchase 312,535 shares of the Company’s common stock to one new employee (the “Inducement Grant”) on December 15, 2025 (the “Grant Date”). The Inducement Grant has been granted pursuant to the Company’s 2022 Inducement Plan, as amended from time to time. The Inducement Grant was granted as an inducement ...

Core Insights - Premarket trading is showing notable activity with significant price movements indicating potential trading opportunities before the market opens [1] Premarket Gainers - Shoulder Innovations, Inc. (SI) is up 14% at $13.01 [3] - BILL Holdings, Inc. (BILL) is up 11% at $52.14 [3] - On Holding AG (ONON) is up 8% at $38.24 [3] - CuriosityStream Inc. (CURI) is up 8% at $4.08 [3] - Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. (CWAN) is up 7% at $19.80 [3] - Valhi, Inc. (VHI) is up 7% at $14.54 [3] - Beam Global (BEEM) is up 7% at $2.29 [3] - FGI Industries Ltd. (FGI) is up 6% at $5.66 [3] - The Honest Company, Inc. (HNST) is up 6% at $2.68 [3] - China Automotive Systems, Inc. (CAAS) is up 5% at $4.40 [3] Premarket Losers - Graphjet Technology (GTI) is down 22% at $3.02 [4] - Black Rock Coffee Bar, Inc. (BRCB) is down 10% at $21.90 [4] - Rain Enhancement Technologies Holdco, Inc. (RAIN) is down 9% at $4.90 [4] - Stereotaxis, Inc. (STXS) is down 9% at $2.59 [4] - Biohaven Ltd. (BHVN) is down 8% at $7.82 [4] - Epsium Enterprise Limited (EPSM) is down 7% at $3.15 [4] - Cycurion, Inc. (CYCU) is down 7% at $3.13 [4] - Galecto, Inc. (GLTO) is down 6% at $22.09 [4] - Anbio Biotechnology (NNNN) is down 6% at $21.68 [4] - Ridgetech, Inc. (RDGT) is down 5% at $3.46 [4]

Core Insights - Recent market activity has highlighted significant price movements in several companies, particularly in the biotechnology and healthcare sectors, reflecting increased investor interest in innovative products and services [1] Company Summaries - **Cogent Biosciences, Inc. (COGT)**: Stock price increased to $34.07, a 129.89% change, due to positive Phase 3 trial results for Bezuclastinib in treating Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, showing a median progression-free survival of 16.5 months compared to 9.2 months for Sunitinib alone [2][7] - **Galecto, Inc. (GLTO)**: Stock price rose to $16.18, a 226.87% increase, driven by the company's focus on developing treatments for fibrosis, cancer, and inflammation, attracting speculative interest from retail traders and momentum investors [3][7] - **Movano Inc. (MOVE)**: Stock price climbed to $12.49, a 161.84% increase, due to its innovative healthcare technology, particularly the Movano Ring, which measures various health metrics, capturing investor enthusiasm [4][7] - **Columbus Acquisition Corp Rights (COLAR)**: Price increased to $0.42, up by 121.05%, as a blank check company, attracting investors looking for significant returns through potential mergers or business combinations [5] - **Stran & Company, Inc. (SWAGW)**: Stock price rose to $0.38, a 92.21% increase, supported by its comprehensive range of services in the advertising and marketing sector, indicating strong market potential [6]

Core Insights - Two US biotech and medtech companies, Galecto Inc and Movano Inc, experienced significant stock price increases, each rising approximately 300% [1] Company Summaries - Galecto Inc (NASDAQ: GLTO) and Movano Inc (NASDAQ: MOVE) are relatively obscure names in the biotech and medtech sectors [1] - The explosive rallies in their stock prices have caught the attention of the market, indicating potential investor interest and market volatility [1]

Core Insights - Galecto Inc. (NASDAQ:GLTO) stock experienced a significant increase, tripling in value on Monday with a trading volume of 23.26 million shares, compared to the average volume of 2.41 million shares [1] - The company acquired Damora Therapeutics, which specializes in antibody therapeutics for mutant calreticulin-driven myeloproliferative neoplasms, enhancing its pipeline in hematological cancers [1][2] Company Developments - The acquisition of Damora Therapeutics broadens Galecto's pipeline, allowing it to advance complementary assets targeting blood cancers [2] - A private placement led by Fairmount raised approximately $284.9 million for Galecto, expected to fund operations through 2029 and support the advancement of Damora's lead program, DMR-001, with key Phase 1 proof-of-concept data anticipated in 2027 [3] Pipeline and Regulatory Updates - An Investigational New Drug (IND) submission for DMR-001 is expected in mid-2026, with plans for first-in-human subcutaneous administration [4] - Galecto aims to combine the newly acquired assets with its investigational candidate GB3226, a dual ENL-YEATS and FLT3 inhibitor for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) [4] - The company received constructive feedback from the U.S. FDA on its pre-IND submission and plans to submit an IND application for GB3226 in the first quarter of 2026 [5] Stock Performance - Following these developments, GLTO stock rose by 293.33%, reaching $19.40 [5]

Summary of Conference Call Regarding Galecto's Acquisition of Demora Therapeutics Industry and Company Involved - **Industry**: Biotechnology, specifically focusing on hematological cancers and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) - **Companies**: Galecto Incorporated and Demora Therapeutics Core Points and Arguments 1. **Acquisition Announcement**: Galecto has announced the acquisition of Demora Therapeutics, which is expected to create significant value and expand Galecto's pipeline with Demora's anti-mutant calreticulin targeted therapies [4][5] 2. **Pipeline Expansion**: The acquisition will enhance Galecto's existing programs, particularly in the treatment of hematological cancers, by integrating Demora's portfolio of potentially best-in-class antibodies [4][5] 3. **Financial Backing**: Over $285 million was raised in an oversubscribed private financing, which is anticipated to fund the combined company's lead programs, including DMR 001, extending the cash runway beyond key phase one proof of concept data expected in 2027 [5] 4. **Market Opportunity**: There are over 42,000 patients with calreticulin mutant MPNs in the U.S., representing a potential market opportunity exceeding $5 billion [9] 5. **Lead Asset - DMR 001**: DMR 001 is designed to target mutant calreticulin and is expected to enter first-in-human trials by mid-2026, with clinical proof of concept readouts anticipated in mid-2027 [8][10] 6. **Clinical Development**: DMR 001 has shown increased binding affinity and inhibition of calreticulin-driven cell proliferation in preclinical studies, with a tenfold increase in potency against type 2 mutant cells [10] 7. **Convenience of Administration**: DMR 001 is engineered for low-volume subcutaneous administration, which is crucial for patients requiring long-term therapy [10] 8. **Future Developments**: Additional assets in the pipeline include DMR 002 and DMR 003, with IND filings expected in the second half of 2026 [11] Other Important Content 1. **Management's Forward-Looking Statements**: The call included forward-looking statements regarding the potential benefits of the acquisition and future expectations for the combined company, emphasizing the inherent risks and uncertainties [2][3] 2. **Board Expansion**: New board members Julie Bruno, Chris Kane, and Peter Howan were welcomed, indicating a strengthening of governance and expertise as the company enters a new phase [5] 3. **Clinical Focus**: The focus on MPNs, particularly essential thrombocythemia and myelofibrosis, highlights the unmet medical need in this area, as there are currently no available disease-modifying therapies [4][8]

Core Insights - Galecto, Inc. has completed the acquisition of Damora Therapeutics, enhancing its portfolio of therapies targeting mutant calreticulin (mutCALR) for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) [2][6] - The acquisition is supported by a concurrent oversubscribed private placement that raised approximately $284.9 million, providing financial runway into 2029 for advancing clinical programs [3][6] - DMR-001, the lead program from Damora, is a potentially best-in-class monoclonal antibody with significant potency against mutCALR-driven cell proliferation, expected to enter first-in-human trials by mid-2026 [5][6] Company Overview - Galecto is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on novel treatments for cancer and liver diseases, with a pipeline that includes first-in-class small molecule drug candidates [11] - Damora Therapeutics specializes in disease-modifying biologics for MPNs, particularly those driven by mutCALR, aiming to redefine treatment standards for these chronic hematologic cancers [12] Financial Aspects - The private placement involved participation from notable institutional investors, ensuring a strong financial position for Galecto to support its expanded pipeline [3][6] - The acquisition and funding are expected to facilitate the advancement of multiple data milestones, including Phase 1 clinical proof-of-concept data for DMR-001 anticipated in 2027 [2][3] Pipeline and Development - The combined company will leverage complementary assets, including Galecto's investigational candidate GB3226 for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), enhancing its overall therapeutic offerings [7] - DMR-001 has shown approximately 10-fold greater potency against Type 2 mutCALR-driven cell proliferation compared to reference molecules, indicating its potential effectiveness in treating MPNs [5] Market Context - MPNs are rare, chronic blood cancers affecting approximately 42,000 patients in the United States, with mutCALR mutations driving a significant portion of these cases [4]