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Biotechnology 16 October 2025 - 20 October 2025

Celcuity Stock Skyrockets 40% to Record High on ‘Practice-Changing’ Cancer Trial Results

Celcuity Stock Skyrockets 40% to Record High on ‘Practice-Changing’ Cancer Trial Results

Celcuity shares jumped over 40% Monday to a record near $80 after Phase 3 trial data showed its drug gedatolisib cut risk of progression or death by 76% in advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer. The company confirmed full enrollment of the PIK3CA-mutant cohort, with final results expected by mid-2026. Needham raised its price target to $95. Celcuity’s market cap topped $2.2 billion.
GRAIL Inc. Stock Rises on Samsung Partnership and Cancer-Test News

GRAIL Stock Rockets on Samsung Mega-Deal and Cancer Test Breakthrough

GRAIL shares surged 14% to a record $85.35 on Oct. 16 after Samsung agreed to invest $110 million and partner on cancer test rollout in Asia. New trial data showed Galleri’s blood test boosted early cancer detection seven-fold in a 25,000-patient study. GRAIL secured $325 million in fresh funding, extending its cash runway into 2030. Analysts remain cautious, with a consensus Hold rating and a $57 price target.
Sellas Life Sciences (SLS) Stock Skyrockets: BlackRock’s 5% Bet and Breakthrough Cancer Data Ignite Rally

Sellas Life Sciences (SLS) Stock Skyrockets: BlackRock’s 5% Bet and Breakthrough Cancer Data Ignite Rally

Sellas Life Sciences shares closed at $2.14 on Oct. 17, up about 100% year-to-date, then surged another 38% after hours. BlackRock disclosed a 5.4% stake on Oct. 18, joining other major funds that increased holdings in Q2. Sellas’s lead AML drug passed a Phase 3 interim safety review, and its CDK9 inhibitor showed promising Phase 2 results. The company ended Q2 with $25 million cash and raised $23.6 million in September.
Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) Rides Obesity Drug Wave: Stock Steadies as Analysts Eye Big Upside

Viking Therapeutics (VKTX) Rides Obesity Drug Wave: Stock Steadies as Analysts Eye Big Upside

Viking Therapeutics shares closed at $33.53 Friday, near recent highs after rebounding from a 40% drop in August. Its obesity drug VK2735 showed 12.2% weight loss in a Phase 2 trial but had a 20% dropout rate from side effects. Analysts see Viking as a possible acquisition target amid recent industry deals. The company holds over $800 million in cash and reports Q3 earnings on Oct. 22.
CRISPR Therapeutics Stock Explodes on Gene-Editing Breakthroughs – Analysts See 35% Upside

CRISPR Therapeutics Stock Explodes on Gene-Editing Breakthroughs – Analysts See 35% Upside

CRISPR Therapeutics shares traded near $69 in mid-October after rising about 40–45% over the past year. The company plans to raise up to $600 million in a new share offering announced October 15. Bank of America raised its price target to $93 and maintained a Buy rating. CRISPR reported preclinical success for CTX460 and continues to expand Casgevy’s commercial reach.
GRAIL (GRAL) Stock Skyrockets on Samsung’s $110M Bet and Cancer-Screening Breakthrough

GRAIL (GRAL) Stock Skyrockets on Samsung’s $110M Bet and Cancer-Screening Breakthrough

GRAIL shares surged 13–14% to a record $85.35 on Oct. 16 after announcing a $110 million equity deal with Samsung and plans to bring its Galleri cancer test to Asia. New trial data at ESMO showed Galleri doubled early cancer detection versus routine screening. Despite gains, most analysts rate GRAL a “Hold” with an average target below current prices. Q2 revenue rose 11% to $35.5M; net loss narrowed to $114M.
Sellas Life Sciences (SLS) Stock Rallies on Promising Leukemia Data – Analysts Eye Triple-Digit Upside

Sellas Life Sciences (SLS) Stock Rallies on Promising Leukemia Data – Analysts Eye Triple-Digit Upside

Sellas Life Sciences (NASDAQ:SLS) closed near $2.14 on Oct. 17, up about 100% year-to-date, with trading volatility and a 761% surge in call options on Oct. 14. Its GPS immunotherapy remains in Phase 3, while SLS009 showed strong preclinical results and a 44% response rate in Phase 2 AML data. Sellas raised $23.6M in September and had $25.3M cash at June 30. Analyst targets range from $6–7, with short interest at 18%.
MindMed Stock Skyrockets on Psychedelic Breakthroughs – What’s Driving the MNMD Surge?

MindMed Stock Soars 15% to 52-Week High on Psychedelic Breakthrough – What’s Next for MNMD?

MindMed (NASDAQ: MNMD) closed at $13.65 on Oct. 17, up 14.6% in one day and 68% year-to-date, after its LSD-based therapy MM120 showed strong Phase 2b results for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy status to MM120, with three Phase 3 trials underway. Needham & Co. initiated coverage with a Buy rating and $28 target. MindMed holds $237.9 million in cash, funding operations into 2027.
Gilead Sciences (GILD) Stock Soars on Patent Victory, HIV Breakthroughs, and Analyst Upgrades

Gilead Sciences Stock Soars on Patent Win and HIV Breakthroughs – Will the Rally Continue?

Gilead Sciences stock jumped over 4% on Oct. 17, 2025, closing at $122.81 and hitting a new 52-week high. The surge follows a patent settlement extending exclusivity for Biktarvy until 2036 and FDA approval of Yeztugo, a new HIV prevention shot. Gilead’s market cap stands near $150 billion after a 47% year-to-date gain. Analysts remain bullish but note concerns over U.S. drug pricing pressures.
MindMed Stock Skyrockets on Psychedelic Breakthroughs – What’s Driving the MNMD Surge?

MindMed Stock Skyrockets on Psychedelic Breakthroughs – What’s Driving the MNMD Surge?

MindMed shares hit a 52-week high of $13.09 this week after its LSD-based drug MM120 showed strong Phase 2b results for generalized anxiety disorder and received FDA Breakthrough Therapy designation. The stock is up about 68% year-to-date. Analysts set average price targets near $27.83. MindMed holds $237.9 million in cash, funding operations into 2027.
Gilead Sciences (GILD) Stock Soars on Patent Victory, HIV Breakthroughs, and Analyst Upgrades

Gilead Sciences (GILD) Stock Soars on Patent Victory, HIV Breakthroughs, and Analyst Upgrades

Gilead Sciences shares rose to $123 on October 17, 2025, up nearly 40% from a year ago, lifting its market value to about $150 billion. The company settled U.S. patent litigation over HIV drug Biktarvy, blocking generics until 2036. Its new HIV prevention shot Yeztugo is seeing strong uptake, and Moody’s raised Gilead’s outlook to “Positive.” Gilead also announced a $1.5 billion cell therapy deal with Pregene.
Kezar Life Sciences Stock Soars 40% After FDA Setback Sparks Strategic Shake-Up

Kezar Life Sciences Stock Soars 40% After FDA Setback Sparks Strategic Shake-Up

Kezar Life Sciences said the FDA canceled a key meeting and imposed new trial demands for its lead drug zetomipzomib, delaying development by about two years. The company is now exploring a sale or merger and cutting costs. Shares jumped nearly 40% to $6 on Oct. 17. Kezar reported $90.2 million in cash as of Sept. 30 but faces higher expenses and extended a poison pill plan to 2026.
Achieve Life Sciences Skyrockets on FDA Boost – Is This Nicotine Addiction Breakthrough a Game Changer?

Achieve Life Sciences Skyrockets on FDA Boost – Is This Nicotine Addiction Breakthrough a Game Changer?

Achieve Life Sciences shares jumped over 20% in pre-market trading Friday after receiving an FDA Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher for its lead drug, cytisinicline. The FDA also accepted Achieve’s New Drug Application for cytisinicline as a smoking cessation treatment, with a decision expected by June 2026. ACHV stock reached multi-month highs near $3 following the news. The company’s market cap is about $160 million.
Biotech Breakthrough: GRAIL (GRAL) Stock Surges on New Cancer-Detection Data

GRAIL (GRAL) Rockets to Record High on Samsung Mega-Deal and Cancer Test Breakthrough

GRAL stock surged 14% to a record $86 after Samsung agreed to invest $110 million and help launch GRAIL’s Galleri cancer blood test in Asia. New trial data showed the test doubled early cancer detection rates. GRAIL shares are up over 300% this year, valuing the company at $2.7 billion. Most analysts rate the stock “Hold,” with average targets well below current prices.
Femasys (FEMY) Rockets on Fertility Breakthroughs and FDA Milestones – What’s Behind the Surge?

Femasys (FEMY) Rockets on Fertility Breakthroughs and FDA Milestones – What’s Behind the Surge?

Femasys Inc. shares surged 46% intraday on Oct. 16, 2025, closing up 35% at $0.745 amid heavy trading. The rally followed news of regulatory approvals for its FemBloc® birth control system in Europe, UK, and New Zealand, and a major order from a Spanish distributor. The company also announced new partnerships and showcased its fertility treatments at an industry conference. Femasys remains unprofitable but reported 85% year-over-year sales growth in Q2.
Praxis (PRAX) Stock Skyrockets 180% on Game-Changing Tremor Drug Trial; Analysts See ‘Blockbuster’ Upside

Praxis (PRAX) Stock Skyrockets 180% on Game-Changing Tremor Drug Trial; Analysts See ‘Blockbuster’ Upside

Praxis Precision Medicines shares jumped 180% to $162 on Oct. 16 after its lead drug, ulixacaltamide, met all key endpoints in two Phase 3 trials for essential tremor. The rally added nearly $3 billion to the company’s market cap. Praxis announced a $525 million public offering to fund commercialization and pipeline expansion. Analyst price targets surged, with several now above $250.
GRAIL Inc. Stock Rises on Samsung Partnership and Cancer-Test News

GRAIL Inc. Stock Rises on Samsung Partnership and Cancer-Test News

GRAIL shares jumped 13.6% to close at $85.82 on Oct. 16 after announcing a $110 million equity investment and distribution deal with Samsung C&T and Samsung Electronics. Samsung C&T will exclusively distribute GRAIL’s Galleri cancer test in South Korea, with possible expansion to Japan and Singapore. GRAL’s market cap rose to about $2.7 billion. Most analysts maintain a Hold rating despite the stock’s 321% year-to-date gain.
Moderna’s Wild Ride: Vaccine Hopes Fuel Stock Pop Amid “One-Hit Wonder” Fears

Moderna’s Wild Ride: Vaccine Hopes Fuel Stock Pop Amid “One-Hit Wonder” Fears

Moderna shares rose 5% to $28 but remain down 35% in 2024 and nearly 80% below last year’s level. COVID vaccine sales have collapsed from $18.9 billion in 2022 to $3.1 billion, and Q2 revenue fell 41% to $142 million. The company cut its 2025 revenue forecast and is laying off 10% of staff. Early data from an experimental cancer vaccine showed a 24% tumor response rate in advanced melanoma.
Praxis Precision (PRAX) Stock Skyrockets on Game-Changing Phase 3 Results – What Experts Say

Praxis Precision (PRAX) Stock Skyrockets on Game-Changing Phase 3 Results – What Experts Say

Praxis shares soared nearly 180% premarket Oct. 16 after positive Phase 3 results for ulixacaltamide in essential tremor, hitting a new 52-week high. The drug met all primary and secondary endpoints in two trials and showed no serious safety issues. Praxis plans to seek FDA approval by early 2026. The company reported a Q2 net loss of $71.1M but held $446M in cash at mid-2025.
Sana Biotechnology (SANA) Stock Skyrockets on ‘100-Bagger’ Hype – Experts Debate What’s Next

Sana Biotechnology (SANA) Stock Skyrockets on ‘100-Bagger’ Hype – Experts Debate What’s Next

Sana Biotechnology shares jumped 26% to $5.62 on Oct. 15 after hedge fund manager Eric Jackson called the stock a potential “100-bagger” on X, triggering volatility halts. The rally followed early trial results showing transplanted pancreatic cells produced insulin without immunosuppressive drugs. Sana raised $105 million in summer 2025, extending its cash runway into late 2026. Analyst ratings remain mixed, with targets ranging from $5 to $12.

Stock Market Today

  • 3 TSX Stocks Positioned for Higher-for-Longer Interest Rates
    May 18, 2026, 11:23 PM EDT. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM), Sun Life Financial (TSX:SLF), and Alaris Equity Partners Income Trust (TSX:AD.UN) stand to benefit from the Bank of Canada's higher-for-longer interest rate environment. CIBC, Canada's fifth-largest bank, saw a 24.25% gain year-to-date and posted a 43% rise in net income in Q1 fiscal 2026, supported by increased lending spreads. Sun Life Financial benefits from higher yields on fixed-income assets funded by premiums and has raised dividends for five consecutive years, boasting a 3.72% yield. Alaris Equity Partners provides non-control permanent equity capital mainly to profitable private mid-market companies, leveraging inflation-linked revenues. With the Bank of Canada's benchmark rate currently at 2.25% and risks of further hikes, these firms' business models and dividend reliability position them well amid economic uncertainties.

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Nasdaq gives up after-hours gains as oil and yields weigh on Wall Street rally

Nasdaq gives up after-hours gains as oil and yields weigh on Wall Street rally

19 May 2026
Dominion Energy shares jumped 9.4% after agreeing to an all-stock merger with NextEra Energy, whose shares fell 4.6%. The S&P 500 slipped 0.1% and the Nasdaq dropped 0.5% as investors sold technology stocks amid rising Treasury yields and oil prices. Nvidia fell 1.4% ahead of earnings. U.S. crude settled at $107.37, and the 10-year Treasury yield reached 4.59%.
XP Shares Slip Post-Q1, Buyback Fails to Sway Investors

XP Shares Slip Post-Q1, Buyback Fails to Sway Investors

19 May 2026
XP Inc.’s U.S.-listed shares fell 3.78% in after-hours trading Monday after reporting higher Q1 profit but weaker net inflows and a lower retail take rate. Net income rose 7% to 1.32 billion reais, but net inflow dropped to 14 billion reais from 24 billion a year earlier. The company declared a $0.20 dividend and announced a new CFO, Gustavo Alejo Viviani, starting August 3.
LiveRamp Rallies 27% After Publicis $2.5 Billion Cash Bid

LiveRamp Rallies 27% After Publicis $2.5 Billion Cash Bid

19 May 2026
Publicis Groupe agreed to buy LiveRamp Holdings for $38.50 a share in cash, valuing the U.S. data-collaboration firm at $2.546 billion. LiveRamp stock jumped to $37.77 on the news, while the broader market fell. LiveRamp reported fiscal Q4 revenue of $206 million, up 9% from a year earlier. Publicis said the deal will boost its adjusted earnings per share from the first year after closing.

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Sunshine Biopharma Shares Volatile After $6M Deal, 50-Cent Mark in Focus

Sunshine Biopharma Shares Volatile After $6M Deal, 50-Cent Mark in Focus

19 May 2026
Sunshine Biopharma shares surged as much as 516% before settling up 78% at $0.51 in heavy after-hours Nasdaq trading Monday, following a $6 million public offering priced at $0.50 per unit. More than 436 million shares changed hands, far exceeding the company’s 5 million shares outstanding. The deal includes 12 million units with warrants, raising dilution concerns. Closing is expected around May 19.
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