LSE:SJP 17 February 2026

April 1, 2026, 9:51 AM EDT. Shares of Apellis Pharmaceuticals (APLS) soared 135.4% to $40.23 after Biogen announced a $5.6 billion all-cash acquisition at $41 per share, an 86% premium to Apellis' 90-day average price. The deal includes contingent payments based on sales milestones of Apellis' approved drugs, Empaveli and Syfovre, which generated $689 million in 2025 revenue with expected growth through 2028. Despite an anticipated quarterly loss of $0.38 per share, the agreement signals strong commercial value and long-term growth potential. Apellis holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), with cautious investor outlook due to slight downward revisions in earnings per share estimates. Biotech peer Autolus Therapeutics (AUTL) rose 8.7% but remains under pressure with a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).