Why Is Nektar Therapeutics Stock Gaining Wednesday?

Core Insights - Nektar Therapeutics' stock experienced a significant surge following the release of long-term data indicating that its experimental eczema therapy provides sustained and deepening disease control over one year, enhancing its competitive position in the atopic dermatitis market [1] Group 1: Clinical Data and Efficacy - The 36-week blinded maintenance period of the 52-week REZOLVE-AD study showed that the dosing regimens resulted in sustained disease control, with notable improvements in Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) scores and Itch Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) responses [2][3] - A significant proportion of patients achieved new EASI-75, EASI-90, Itch NRS, and validated Investigator Global Assessment of Atopic Dermatitis (vIGA-AD) responses at Week 52, indicating enhanced disease control with prolonged therapy and less frequent dosing [4] - Monthly maintenance dosing increased EASI-100 response from 4% to 22%, while quarterly dosing increased it from 9% to 18% among re-randomized patients [5] Group 2: Analyst Upgrades and Market Position - William Blair upgraded Nektar Therapeutics to Outperform, citing the deepening of response and durability of the therapy as key factors [6] - The analyst noted that approximately 20% of patients achieved complete disease clearance (EASI-100) after re-randomization, with about 30% achieving this among those who had a prior response [6] - EASI-75 and EASI-90 scores showed remarkable similarity, with quarterly dosing maintaining a higher response rate compared to competitor datasets [7] Group 3: Financial Developments - Nektar Therapeutics initiated a public offering to raise $300 million through equity [8] - The stock closed at $56.00, reflecting a 51.07% increase in regular trading, and continued to rise to $59.10 in early trading [8]