With significant upside potential, Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) secures a spot on our list of the 12 Best Widow and Orphan Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. Sanofi (SNY) Caps Cost of Any Insulin Product at $35 per Month; Berenberg Reaffirms Its Buy Rating On September 29, Berenberg reaffirmed its Buy rating on Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY) with a price target of EUR110.00, citing better returns from the company’s medication pipeline. Analysts’ estimates for the $111.7 billion market-cap pharmaceutical company range betw ...

PresentationMy pleasure to kick off the next session. It's Sachin Jain here from European team at Bank of America. My pleasure to be hosting Paul Hudson, CEO of Sanofi, we have 40 minutes. I think, Paul, perhaps some interim commentary and then we'll get into Q&A. So with that, over to you.Paul HudsonCEO & Director So it's been an interesting year for me and for us. And while we've advanced the pipeline quite significantly. The only thing that's really irritating me was the itepekimab readout with 1 positiv ...

Core Viewpoint - Sanofi's stock price dropped by 9% due to unsatisfactory late-stage trial data for its eczema treatment drug, amlitelimab, which failed to meet analyst expectations [1] Group 1: Drug Performance - Sanofi claims that amlitelimab achieved its primary goals, showing better skin clearance rates and disease severity compared to placebo [1] - Analysts believe the results are weaker than earlier trials and less effective compared to competitors' biologics [1] - JPMorgan noted that amlitelimab's efficacy is inferior to Sanofi's existing blockbuster drug, Dupixent, which treats the same skin condition and is set to lose patent protection in 2031 [1] Group 2: Analyst Expectations - TD Cowen analysts previously expected amlitelimab to achieve an EASI-75 rate of 45% to 50% within 24 weeks, while actual data showed an EASI-75 rate of 35.9% to 46.0% [1] Group 3: Future Potential - Sanofi executives stated that amlitelimab has the potential for administration only four times a year and could make significant advancements in treating atopic dermatitis [1] - The drug is anticipated to complement or replace Dupixent before its patent expiration, with peak sales projected to exceed $5 billion [1]

Core Viewpoint - Nektar Therapeutics Inc. (NKTR) stock experienced a significant increase despite the absence of company-specific news, likely influenced by the negative performance of Sanofi SA following the COAST 1 trial results [1] Group 1: Trial Results and Comparisons - The COAST 1 trial demonstrated that amlitelimab met all primary and key secondary endpoints, showing statistically significant skin clearance and disease severity improvement compared to placebo at Week 24 for patients aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis [2] - Although the trial met its endpoints, the benefit magnitude of amlitelimab was below investor expectations when compared to Phase 2 benchmarks and approved treatments like Dupixent [3] - On the EASI-75 score, amlitelimab showed a 20% improvement over placebo, significantly lower than the 39% improvement reported in the previous Phase 2b study [4] Group 2: Other Relevant Studies - Nektar's ongoing Phase 2b REZOLVE-AD study of rezpegaldesleukin showed statistically significant data, with patients experiencing a 53% to 61% improvement in symptoms after 16 weeks, compared to a 31% improvement in the placebo group [4] - At week 16, a high dose of 24 µg/kg q2w achieved statistical significance on EASI-90, indicating a substantial reduction in disease severity [5] Group 3: Stock Performance - NKTR stock rose by 24.27%, reaching $35.48 during the last trading session [5]

Core Viewpoint - Sanofi SA's stock declined after the late-stage trial results for amlitelimab, a potential successor to Dupixent, did not meet investor expectations, raising concerns about the company's dermatology franchise sustainability post-patent expiration [1] Group 1: Trial Results - The global COAST 1 phase 3 study indicated that amlitelimab met all primary and key secondary endpoints, showing statistically significant skin clearance and disease severity improvement compared to placebo at Week 24 for patients aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis [2] - However, the efficacy of amlitelimab and Amgen's rocatinlimab in Phase 3 studies did not reach the benchmark set by Dupixent, which demonstrated a 36% improvement on EASI-75 over placebo [3] Group 2: Comparison with Competitors - Analyst observations noted that both rocatinlimab and amlitelimab offer a more favorable dosing schedule compared to Dupixent, with potential for monthly or quarterly dosing, respectively [4] - The results suggest that OX40/OX40L therapies, including amlitelimab, may provide slower and less robust responses than IL-13/4 drugs, likely confining their use to second-line treatments for patients who do not respond to IL-13/4 options [4] Group 3: Market Dynamics - Advanced therapies account for less than 20% of the atopic dermatitis market, with only three approved mechanisms (IL-13/4, IL-31, JAK), indicating a potential market opportunity for OX40 drugs, albeit smaller than for therapies that match or exceed IL-13/4 efficacy [5] - Ongoing discussions focus on the differences between amlitelimab and rocatinlimab, particularly regarding side effects like pyrexia and chills [5] Group 4: Side Effects and Dosing - Amgen's rocatinlimab is associated with immune-related side effects, including pyrexia (10%) and chills (6%), which may have limited dosing in Phase 3 trials to 300 mg, below the 600 mg tested in Phase 2, potentially affecting its efficacy [6] - In contrast, amlitelimab exhibited lower rates of pyrexia (1.1% vs. 0.7% placebo) and chills (0.4% vs. 0.0% placebo), while achieving comparable efficacy to rocatinlimab at higher dose levels [6] Group 5: Stock Performance - Following the trial results, Sanofi's stock price fell by 8.59% to $45.61 [7]

Core Insights - Sanofi announced positive results from the phase III COAST 1 study for amlitelimab, an anti-OX40L monoclonal antibody, aimed at treating moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in patients aged 12 and above [1][7] - The study achieved all primary and key secondary endpoints, demonstrating significant skin clearance and improvement in disease severity compared to placebo [2][7] Study Results - Amlitelimab, administered every four weeks or every 12 weeks, showed statistically significant and clinically meaningful efficacy in skin clearance and disease severity at week 24 [2] - The treatment was generally safe and well-tolerated, with no new safety concerns reported [2] Market Reaction - Despite the positive data, Sanofi's shares fell by 8.8% in pre-market trading on September 4, as the results did not meet investor expectations [3] - Analysts expressed concerns that amlitelimab may be less effective than Sanofi's existing drug Dupixent, which is a leading treatment for various inflammatory diseases [3] Dupixent Performance - In the first half of 2025, Dupixent generated sales of €7.31 billion, marking a 20.7% year-over-year increase [4] - Dupixent holds the top new-to-brand prescription market share across all its approved indications in the U.S., with ongoing efforts to expand its label [4] Stock Performance - Year-to-date, Sanofi's shares have increased by 3.5%, contrasting with a 0.1% decline in the industry [5] Future Developments - Amlitelimab is part of the OCEANA clinical development program, which includes four other phase III studies, with data expected through 2026 [9][10] - Positive results from these studies could support global regulatory filings for amlitelimab for atopic dermatitis [9] Additional Indications - Besides atopic dermatitis, Sanofi is also exploring amlitelimab for celiac disease, alopecia areata, asthma, and systemic sclerosis in mid-stage studies [10]

Core Viewpoint - Sanofi's stock experienced a significant decline following the disappointing late-stage trial results for amlitelimab, which raised concerns about the company's ability to maintain its dermatology portfolio after the expiration of patent protections for Dupixent [1][5]. Group 1: Trial Results - The global COAST 1 phase 3 study demonstrated that amlitelimab met all primary and key secondary endpoints, showing statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in skin clearance and disease severity compared to placebo at Week 24 for patients aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis [2]. - Amlitelimab was well-tolerated, with no new safety concerns identified during the study [2]. - The EASI-75 results indicated that 35.9% and 46% of patients achieved a 75% or greater improvement in the eczema area and severity index total score at Q4W, compared to 19.1% on placebo, and 39.1% and 50.3% at Q12W versus 27.6% [3]. Group 2: Comparative Analysis - The validated investigator global assessment scale for atopic dermatitis (vIGA-AD) showed results of 21.1% and 22.5% for amlitelimab compared to 9.2% and 26.5% for placebo, depending on patient inclusion [4]. - Analysts noted that the Phase 3 results were weaker than those of Sanofi's existing drug Dupixent and rival biologic drugs, although the safety profile and convenient 12-week dosing of amlitelimab could still support its use [6]. Group 3: Market Reaction - Following the trial results, Sanofi's stock price fell by 8.52%, trading at $45.64 during the premarket session [6]. - Investors had previously viewed amlitelimab as a key pipeline asset and potential successor to Dupixent, which is set to lose patent protection in 2031 [5].

Core Viewpoint - Sanofi's experimental drug for atopic dermatitis, amlitelimab, has underperformed in late-stage trials, disappointing investors and leading to a pre-market stock drop of up to 9.3% [1]. Group 1: Drug Performance and Market Impact - Amlitelimab showed improvement in skin clearance and disease severity compared to placebo, but the efficacy was still lower than Sanofi's best-selling drug, Dupixent [1]. - The stock has declined by 18% over the past 12 months, reflecting investor concerns about the drug's potential [1]. - Analysts believe the results of the amlitelimab trial are crucial for Sanofi, especially given the uncertain future of another key drug, itepekimab [1]. Group 2: Future Prospects and Comparisons - Sanofi is seeking alternatives to Dupixent, which is projected to generate over €21 billion annually at peak sales [3]. - Amlitelimab is expected to generate approximately €1.5 billion (around $1.75 billion) in annual revenue by 2031 [3]. - Amlitelimab has a dosing advantage, requiring administration only once every three months compared to Dupixent's more frequent dosing schedule [3]. Group 3: Other Drug Developments - The efficacy results of itepekimab have been mixed in recent late-stage trials, as it is being tested for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in former smokers [4].

Core Viewpoint - Sanofi's experimental drug for atopic dermatitis, amlitelimab, has underperformed in late-stage trials, disappointing investors and leading to a pre-market stock drop of up to 9.3% [1]. Group 1: Drug Performance and Market Impact - Amlitelimab showed improvement in skin clearance and disease severity compared to placebo after 24 weeks of treatment, but the efficacy was still lower than Sanofi's best-selling drug, Dupixent [1]. - The stock has declined by 18% over the past 12 months, reflecting investor concerns about the drug's potential [1]. - Analysts believe the results of the amlitelimab trial are critical for Sanofi, especially given the uncertain future of another key drug, itepekimab [1]. Group 2: Future Projections and Comparisons - Dupixent is projected to generate over €21 billion (approximately $25 billion) annually at its peak, and Sanofi is actively seeking alternatives to replace it [3]. - Amlitelimab is expected to generate around €1.5 billion (approximately $1.75 billion) in annual revenue by 2031 [3]. - Amlitelimab has a dosing advantage, requiring administration every three months compared to Dupixent's more frequent dosing schedule [3]. Group 3: Additional Drug Development - The efficacy results of itepekimab, developed in collaboration with Regeneron, have shown contrasting outcomes in late-stage trials [4].

Core Insights - Amlitelimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting OX40-ligand, met all primary and key secondary endpoints in the COAST 1 phase 3 study for atopic dermatitis, showing significant skin clearance and reduced disease severity compared to placebo at Week 24 [1][2][6] - The study demonstrated that amlitelimab can be administered every four weeks or every twelve weeks, with a potential for only four doses per year, indicating a significant advancement in treatment options for atopic dermatitis [2][6] - Amlitelimab was well-tolerated, with no new safety concerns identified, and the most common treatment-emergent adverse events were more prevalent in the placebo group [7] Study Details - The COAST 1 study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 601 participants aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, conducted across 15 countries [9] - Key endpoints included the proportion of patients achieving a validated investigator global assessment scale for AD (vIGA-AD) of 0 or 1 and a reduction from baseline score of ≥2 points, as well as a 75% or greater improvement in the eczema area and severity index total score (EASI-75) [2][3][9] - Results showed that 21.1% and 22.5% of patients on Q4W and Q12W dosing achieved vIGA-AD 0/1, respectively, compared to 9.2% in the placebo group, with p-values indicating statistical significance [3] Efficacy and Safety - Amlitelimab demonstrated progressively increasing efficacy throughout the treatment period, with significant improvements in both skin clearance and disease severity compared to placebo [6][8] - The study's key secondary endpoints were also achieved, including a reduction in peak pruritus and achieving vIGA-AD 0/1 with minimal erythema [5][6] - The safety profile was favorable, with similar rates of treatment-emergent adverse events between amlitelimab and placebo groups, and mild injection site reactions were the most common adverse events [7] Future Outlook - Additional phase 3 data from the OCEANA clinical development program, which includes COAST 1 and four other studies, is expected to provide further insights into amlitelimab's efficacy and safety [8] - The results from these studies will form the basis for potential global regulatory submissions, with ongoing investigations into the long-term maintenance treatment and off-treatment efficacy [8][10]