Immunocore Holdings plc (NASDAQ:IMCR) is one of the Best Small Cap Stocks Ready to Explode in 2026. On January 21, Patrick Trucchio from H.C. Wainwright reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $100 price target. Earlier, on January 6, UBS also initiated Immunocore Holdings plc (NASDAQ:IMCR) with a Buy rating and a $55 price target. ​Analysts at UBS see significant potential upside for the stock because it is currently trading close to the value of its approved drug Kimmtrak. The firm noted that this ...

Immunocore announces R&D leadership evolution Dr. David Berman will depart the Company Dr. Mohammed Dar, Chief Medical Officer, and Mark Moyer, Head of Regulatory Sciences, promoted to Executive Vice President roles (OXFORDSHIRE, England & RADNOR, Penn. & GAITHERSBURG, Md., US, 30 January 2026) Immunocore Holdings plc (Nasdaq: IMCR) (“Immunocore” or the “Company”), a commercial-stage biotechnology company pioneering and delivering transformative immunomodulating medicines to radically improve outcomes for p ...

Core Insights - Immunocore Holdings PLC's stock price increased by 5.9% to $35.29, following a period of 7.9% loss over the past four weeks, indicating a significant recovery in trading volume [1] - The company's strategic priorities for 2026 focus on commercial expansion of its drug KIMMTRAK and advancements in clinical studies, including late-stage melanoma studies and new data on early-stage cancer and HIV [2] - The upcoming quarterly report is expected to show a loss of $0.28 per share, a 40.4% improvement year-over-year, with revenues projected at $107.83 million, reflecting a 28.3% increase from the previous year [3] - The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 13% higher in the last 30 days, suggesting a positive trend that may lead to further stock price appreciation [4] - Immunocore holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong market confidence, while Avidity Biosciences, a peer in the same industry, has a lower Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [5][6] Company Performance - Immunocore's stock performance is bolstered by its strategic focus and positive earnings estimate revisions, which historically correlate with stock price movements [3][4] - The anticipated revenue growth and improved EPS estimates position Immunocore favorably within the biomedical and genetics industry [2][3] Industry Context - Immunocore is part of the Zacks Medical - Biomedical and Genetics industry, where it competes with companies like Avidity Biosciences, which has seen a negative revision in its EPS estimates [5][6]

Core Viewpoint - The presentation emphasizes the importance of the healthcare industry and the comprehensive portfolio of Fresenius SE, which includes hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology, highlighting their commitment to healthcare innovation and services [2][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - Fresenius SE operates across a wide spectrum of healthcare services, including hospitals, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology, showcasing a holistic approach to health care [2]. - The company positions itself as a leader in the healthcare sector, with a focus on innovative products and services that cater to various health needs [2]. Group 2: Industry Context - The timing of the conference is noted as particularly significant due to the ongoing changes in the healthcare landscape, indicating a dynamic environment that necessitates collaboration and discussion among industry leaders [3].

Core Insights - Immunocore is a commercial stage biotechnology company focused on developing transformative medicines, particularly through its innovative soluble TCR receptor bispecific platform, which has been validated both clinically and commercially [2][3] Company Strategy - The company aims to grow its product KIMMTRAK and prepare for potential new indications in melanoma, while also expanding its focus beyond melanoma into other tumor types [4] - Immunocore plans to unlock opportunities beyond oncology, indicating a broader strategic vision for its product applications [4] Future Outlook - The years 2026 to 2028 are identified as critical for the company, with several data catalysts expected to emerge during this period [3]

Summary of Immunocore Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Immunocore - **Industry**: Biotechnology - **Focus**: Development of transformative medicines using a soluble TCR bispecific platform for oncology, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases [2][21] Key Points and Arguments Kimmtrak Performance - **Approval**: Kimmtrak was approved five years ago for metastatic uveal melanoma, marking the first treatment in 40 years [3] - **Real-World Data**: Median overall survival (OS) in a French registry of 150 patients is 28 months, surpassing clinical trial results [4] - **Market Penetration**: Achieved 70% penetration in major markets, with some European markets reaching 90% [4][23] - **Revenue Growth**: 30% revenue growth this year, with 14 consecutive quarters of growth [4][20] Future Plans for Kimmtrak - **Expansion Goals**: Plans to grow Kimmtrak by expanding into second-line cutaneous melanoma and other tumor types [3][24] - **Clinical Trials**: Two phase III trials ongoing: - **TEBE-AM**: Advanced cutaneous melanoma, aiming to increase eligible patients from 1,000 to 4,000 [24] - **ADAM Study**: Adjuvant uveal melanoma trial, potentially adding 1,000 patients [24][29] Pipeline Developments - **PRAME Target**: - Phase III trial in cutaneous melanoma ongoing, with completion projected by the end of 2027 [31] - Monotherapy activity observed in late-line ovarian cancer, with plans to explore earlier lines [35] - **PWIL Target**: - Focused on colorectal cancer, with a significant unmet medical need [12][55] - Dose escalation started in December 2024, with data expected by 2027 [13] Autoimmune Disease Focus - **Type 1 Diabetes**: - Developing a TCR construct targeting preproinsulin to modulate the immune system [17][19] - Plans to start clinical trials in 2026, with biomarkers like C-peptide to assess efficacy [52][48] Financial Health - **Cash Position**: Ended the year with approximately $860 million in cash, up from $820 million the previous year [57] - **Capital Allocation**: Focused on investing in phase III studies and maintaining disciplined R&D and SG&A expenses [57] Additional Important Information - **Market Dynamics**: U.S. market penetration is lower than Europe due to decentralized payer systems, requiring advanced analytics for improvement [28] - **Regulatory Interactions**: Engaging with the FDA on statistical analysis plans and clinical narratives to streamline potential approvals [44] - **Competitive Landscape**: Monitoring other companies targeting PRAME, with confidence in the differentiation of brenetafusp [45] This summary encapsulates the key insights from the Immunocore conference call, highlighting the company's strategic direction, product performance, and future opportunities in the biotechnology sector.

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KIMMTRAK Overview - KIMMTRAK is the global standard of care in first-line metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM) with a median overall survival (OS) of 28 months, showing a 27% improvement compared to investigator's choice[7]. - The company expects moderate revenue growth for KIMMTRAK in 2026, with a market penetration estimate of over 70% in major launched markets[7]. - KIMMTRAK has the potential to benefit up to 6,000 patients per year in the US and Europe, with an estimated market opportunity of around 1,200 patients for adjuvant uveal melanoma[12][13]. - The company reported net sales of $295 million for KIMMTRAK in the first three quarters of 2025, following its approval in 2022[13]. Clinical Trials and Studies - The Phase 3 TEBE-AM trial for second-line advanced cutaneous melanoma is expected to enroll approximately 540 patients, with completion anticipated in the first half of 2026[9]. - The ongoing Phase 3 study PRISM-MEL301 is evaluating combinations of KIMMTRAK with other therapies in platinum-resistant ovarian carcinoma and other solid tumors[15]. - The Phase 3 trial PRISM-MEL-301 is currently enrolling approximately 325 patients, targeting previously untreated advanced melanoma with HLA-A*02:01[20]. - The company expects to present Phase 1 data in multiple cohorts in the second half of 2026, focusing on ovarian cancer and other indications[25]. - Upcoming milestones include completing enrollment in the Phase 3 trial for Tebentafusp and dosing the first patient in the Phase 1 trial for IMC-S118AI in type 1 diabetes in 1H 2026[42]. - Registrational trials for PRISM-MEL-301 are set to be completed by 2027[42]. Safety and Efficacy - The safety profile of Brenetafusp monotherapy was consistent with previous reports, with 92% of patients experiencing any grade treatment-related adverse events[17]. - The disease control rate (DCR) for brenetafusp in combination with nivolumab is promising, with a DCR of 100% in patients with prior CTLA-4 therapy[19]. - The median progression-free survival (mPFS) for patients treated with nivolumab + relatlimab is reported at 4.2 months, compared to 3.7 months for nivolumab alone[19]. - In the Phase 1 monotherapy study, 58% of patients achieved a DCR, with a 6-month overall survival (OS) rate of 73%[23]. - The treatment-related adverse events (TRAE) were reported in 97% of monotherapy patients, with 19% experiencing grade 3/4 TRAE[22]. Financial Position and Strategic Priorities - The preliminary unaudited cash position of Immunocore as of December 31, 2025, is subject to change pending the completion of audited financial statements[2]. - The company has a preliminary and unaudited year-end cash position of $864 million[42]. - Immunocore's strategic priorities for 2026 include expanding commercial infrastructure and launching new product candidates[2]. New Product Candidates and Research - The company is evaluating brenetafusp in ovarian cancer, with an estimated 16,000 patients eligible for treatment in the first-line setting[25]. - The novel ImmTAC candidate IMC-R117C targets PIWIL1 for colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers, with an estimated 20,000 colorectal cancer patients positive for PIWIL1[28]. - The ongoing Phase 1 trial for IMC-M113V1 aims to determine safety and anti-viral activity in people living with HIV, with a target dose range of 60-300 mcg[31]. - Data from Phase 1/2 combinations in ovarian cancer and monotherapy in NSCLC for Brenetafusp are anticipated[42]. - Initial data from the Phase 1 trial in multiple solid tumors for PRAME-A02-HLE is expected[42]. - The company plans to submit an IND/CTA for a CD1a x PD1 (non-HLA restricted) trial in atopic dermatitis in 2H 2026[42].

Core Insights - Immunocore has outlined its strategic priorities for 2026, focusing on expanding its melanoma franchise and advancing its clinical pipeline in oncology, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases [2][4][5] Group 1: Melanoma Franchise - The company aims to grow KIMMTRAK (tebentafusp) and prepare for new melanoma indications, targeting more metastatic uveal melanoma patients through ongoing registrational Phase 3 trials [5][12] - Enrollment completion for the TEBE-AM trial is expected in the first half of 2026, with topline data anticipated as early as the second half of 2026 [3][4][12] - The company is also enrolling a third registrational trial, PRISM-MEL-301, evaluating brenetafusp in first-line melanoma [5][12] Group 2: Broader Oncology Pipeline - Immunocore plans to expand beyond melanoma into other tumor types, with multiple Phase 1 readouts expected in 2026 for its PRAME bispecific candidates, including brenetafusp and IMC-P115C [5][6] - The company is also conducting a Phase 1 dose escalation trial in colorectal cancer with IMC-R117C [6] Group 3: Infectious and Autoimmune Diseases - The company is advancing its infectious disease platform, with ongoing Phase 1 trials for HIV and plans to present additional data in the second half of 2026 [6][9] - Immunocore is set to dose the first patient in a Phase 1 type 1 diabetes trial in the first half of 2026 and will submit a clinical trial application for a second autoimmune candidate in the second half of 2026 [2][13] Group 4: Financial Position - As of December 31, 2025, the company reported a preliminary cash position of approximately $864 million, with final financial results expected in late February 2026 [10]

Core Viewpoint - Immunocore Holdings PLC has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Ratings - The Zacks rating system is centered around changes in earnings estimates, which are tracked through the Zacks Consensus Estimate, reflecting EPS estimates from sell-side analysts for the current and following years [2]. - A strong correlation exists between changes in earnings estimates and near-term stock price movements, making the Zacks rating system beneficial for investors [3][5]. Impact of Institutional Investors - Institutional investors play a role in the relationship between earnings estimates and stock prices, as they adjust their valuations based on these estimates, leading to significant stock price movements [5]. Business Improvement Indicators - The upgrade in earnings estimates for Immunocore suggests an improvement in the company's underlying business, which is expected to drive the stock price higher [6]. Importance of Earnings Estimate Revisions - Tracking earnings estimate revisions is crucial for investment decisions, and the Zacks Rank system effectively utilizes these revisions to classify stocks [7]. Zacks Rank Performance - The Zacks Rank system categorizes stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. Specific Earnings Estimates for Immunocore - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Immunocore is expected to earn -$0.39 per share, with no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 19.5% over the past three months [9]. Overall Rating System Insights - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings across its universe of over 4,000 stocks, with only the top 5% receiving a "Strong Buy" rating [10]. - The upgrade of Immunocore to Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of stocks based on estimate revisions, indicating potential for market-beating returns in the near term [11].