Guggenheim Initiates Rapt Therapeutics With Buy Rating and $70 Price Target

Core Viewpoint - Guggenheim initiated coverage of Rapt Therapeutics Inc. with a Buy rating and a $70 price target, driven by optimism regarding the company's lead anti-IgE antibody program and growth potential in the food allergy treatment market [1] Company Highlights - Rapt's long-acting anti-IgE monoclonal antibody, RPT-904, is highlighted as a key differentiator, featuring a YTE mutation that extends its half-life to approximately three times that of Roche's Xolair, the first-generation anti-IgE treatment recently approved for food allergies [2] - RPT-904 is expected to provide a significant convenience advantage due to its less frequent dosing, which is particularly beneficial for the pediatric population, as most food allergy patients are children [3] Market Potential - Guggenheim estimates that RPT-904 could address 20–30% of the patient population currently ineligible for Xolair due to high IgE levels or weight restrictions [4] - A Phase IIb trial with around 100 participants is anticipated to start in 2026, with data expected in the first half of 2027 [4] - If approved, peak sales for RPT-904 in food allergy indications are projected to be approximately $2.1 billion, indicating substantial upside potential given Rapt's enterprise value near $765 million [4]