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Acumen Pharmaceuticals Inc(ABOS.US)Thoughts post 2Q24 & a thesis revisit: cutting PT to $6 on lowered sabirnetug estimates amid class setbacks, remains Buy

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Acumen Pharmaceuticals Inc with a 12-month price target (PT) lowered to 6from6 from 14 [4][8]. Core Insights - The investment thesis has been updated following the 2Q24 earnings report, with a focus on the execution of Phase 2 (P2) trials for sabirnetug (ACU193) as a key driver for stock performance [2][6]. - The overall sentiment in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) market remains low, influenced by regulatory setbacks and slow commercial uptake of competing products [3][9]. - Despite the challenges, the report highlights that Acumen Pharmaceuticals has sufficient cash to fund operations into the first half of 2027, with P2 trial enrollment exceeding expectations [6][7]. Summary by Sections Investment Rating - 12-month rating: Buy - 12-month price target: 6.00(previously6.00 (previously 14.00) [4]. Financial Performance - Current stock price as of August 14, 2024: 2.46Marketcapitalization:2.46 - Market capitalization: 0.14 billion - Expected revenues for 12/24E: 21million[5].MarketandCompetitiveLandscapeTheADmarketissizablebuthasseenadeclineinclinicaltrialsandinvestigationaldrugsin2024comparedto2023[3].RegulatoryriskshaveincreasedfollowingtheEMArefusalofLeqembi,impactingoverallmarketsentiment[3][9].CompanySpecificDevelopmentsAcumenPharmaceuticalsreportedacashpositionof21 million [5]. Market and Competitive Landscape - The AD market is sizable but has seen a decline in clinical trials and investigational drugs in 2024 compared to 2023 [3]. - Regulatory risks have increased following the EMA refusal of Leqembi, impacting overall market sentiment [3][9]. Company-Specific Developments - Acumen Pharmaceuticals reported a cash position of 281.4 million, sufficient to support ongoing trials [6]. - Management noted that the P2 ALTITUDE-AD study is progressing faster than expected, with positive feedback on the trial design [6][7]. Valuation Adjustments - Peak sales estimates for sabirnetug have been lowered from 6.8billionto6.8 billion to 2.4 billion due to anticipated lower commercial uptake [9][10]. - The probability of success (PoS) for sabirnetug has been increased from 15% to 20% based on evolving clinical data [9][10].