Implied ESML Analyst Target Price: $46
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jun 27 2024
0mins
Should l Buy VERA?
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Summary: Analysts have compared the trading price of ETF holdings against 12-month forward target prices to determine implied analyst target prices for the iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML).
- Implied Target Price: The implied analyst target price for ESML is $45.78 per unit, indicating a 20.16% upside potential based on average analyst targets of underlying holdings.
- Notable Holdings: Three of ESML's holdings with significant upside potential are Vera Therapeutics Inc (VERA), Privia Health Group Inc (PRVA), and Axsome Therapeutics Inc (AXSM).
- Analyst Targets: VERA has a 72.00% upside, PRVA has a 63.38% upside, and AXSM has a 62.17% upside based on analyst target prices compared to recent share prices.
- Investor Considerations: The article raises questions about whether analysts' targets are justified or overly optimistic, suggesting that further investor research is needed to assess the validity of these targets.
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Analyst Views on VERA
Wall Street analysts forecast VERA stock price to rise
12 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 42.240
Low
33.00
Averages
74.08
High
100.00
Current: 42.240
Low
33.00
Averages
74.08
High
100.00
About VERA
Vera Therapeutics, Inc. is a late-stage biotechnology company. The Company is focused on developing and commercializing transformative treatments for patients with serious immunological diseases. Its lead product candidate is atacicept, a fusion protein self-administered as a subcutaneous injection once weekly that blocks both B-cell Activating Factor (BAFF) and A PRoliferation-Inducing Ligand (APRIL), which stimulate B cells to produce autoantibodies contributing to certain autoimmune diseases, including IgAN, also known as Berger’s disease, and lupus nephritis. In addition, it is evaluating additional diseases where the reduction of autoantibodies by atacicept may prove medically useful. It is also engaged in developing MAU868, a monoclonal antibody designed to neutralize infection with BK virus (BKV), a polyomavirus that can have devastating consequences in certain settings such as kidney transplant. It retains all global developmental and commercial rights to atacicept and MAU868.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Vera Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer
- Executive Appointment: Vera Therapeutics has appointed Matt Skelton as Chief Commercial Officer to prepare for the commercial launch of atacicept for IgA nephropathy, leveraging his extensive experience in building commercial organizations to facilitate the company's transition to a commercial-stage entity.
- Drug Potential: Atacicept, a dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor, shows promising clinical data and the advantage of self-administration at home, with Skelton emphasizing a focus on enhancing treatment outcomes for IgAN patients, potentially transforming their quality of life.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Atacicept met its primary and key secondary endpoints in the ORIGIN Phase 2b trial, demonstrating significant reductions in proteinuria and stabilization of kidney function, which is expected to lay the groundwork for future FDA approval.
- Regulatory Advancements: The Biologics License Application (BLA) for atacicept has received Priority Review designation, with a PDUFA target action date of July 7, 2026, which, if approved, will provide new treatment options for IgAN patients and further solidify the company's market position.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Grants 344,750 Stock Options and RSUs to New Employees
- Inducement Plan Implementation: On January 5, 2026, Vera Therapeutics granted 344,750 stock options and RSUs to 18 new employees, aimed at attracting and retaining talent in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
- Stock Option Details: Each stock option has an exercise price of $47.07, based on the closing price on the grant date, and will vest over four years, enhancing employee long-term incentives and loyalty to the company.
- Restricted Stock Units Arrangement: The RSUs will vest over four years, with the first vesting occurring on February 20, 2026, ensuring continued contributions from new employees during their service with the company.
- Strategic Company Direction: The stock options and RSUs granted reflect Vera Therapeutics' commitment to talent acquisition, aiming to drive innovation in the treatment of immunological diseases by attracting high-quality employees.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Files BLA for Atacicept in IgAN, Target Action Date July 7, 2026
- Breakthrough Therapy: Vera Therapeutics' atacicept has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, and if approved, it would be the first dual-targeting B cell modulator for IgAN, significantly enhancing treatment options.
- Priority Review: The FDA has accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for atacicept with a target action date of July 7, 2026, indicating a strong demand for new therapies in the market.
- Clinical Trial Results: In the ORIGIN 3 trial, atacicept achieved a 46% reduction in proteinuria at 36 weeks, with statistical significance (p<0.0001) compared to placebo, providing new hope for patients.
- Self-Administration Convenience: Designed as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, atacicept allows for at-home self-administration, enhancing treatment convenience and adherence, which could transform the treatment landscape for IgAN.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Submits IgAN Drug Application, Receives FDA Priority Review
- Regulatory Submission Success: Vera Therapeutics announced that its biologics license application for atacicept targeting IgA nephropathy received FDA priority review, with a target decision date of July 7, 2026, leading to a nearly 5% stock price increase, reflecting strong market anticipation for new therapies.
- Strong Clinical Support: The application is backed by a successful Phase 3 study that met its primary endpoint of reducing proteinuria, indicating atacicept's significant potential in treating IgAN, and if approved, it will offer patients a new self-administered treatment option.
- Intense Market Competition: Vera's competitor Otsuka has set the monthly treatment cost for a similar drug at $30,000, necessitating Vera to make strategic pricing decisions to ensure its drug's competitiveness and accessibility in the market.
- Optimistic Industry Outlook: Vera's founder and CEO Marshall Fordyce emphasized that the FDA's priority review underscores the urgent need for new therapies, and if approved, it could reshape the IgAN treatment landscape, further driving the company's growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Submits Kidney Drug Application, Receives FDA Priority Review
- Regulatory Submission Success: Vera Therapeutics has formally submitted its biologics license application for atacicept targeting IgA nephropathy to the FDA, receiving priority review, which marks a significant advancement in the biotech sector.
- Positive Market Reaction: The announcement led to a nearly 5% increase in Vera's stock price, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's future potential and likely attracting further investment interest.
- Critical Timeline: The FDA has set a target action date of July 7, 2026, for the application, and if approved, Vera could quickly bring the drug to market, addressing urgent patient needs.
- Competitive Landscape Analysis: Vera's rival, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, has priced a similar medication at $30,000 per month, making Vera's pricing strategy crucial for its market performance and profitability.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Receives FDA Priority Review for Atacicept BLA
- FDA Review Progress: Vera Therapeutics' atacicept Biologics License Application (BLA) has been accepted for Priority Review by the FDA, with a target decision date of July 7, 2026, which, if approved, will provide IgAN patients with a self-administered weekly injection, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
- Clinical Data Support: The application is backed by interim analysis data from the ORIGIN 3 trial, demonstrating a 46% reduction in proteinuria at week 36, with a statistically significant 42% improvement compared to placebo, indicating its potential in treating autoimmune kidney diseases.
- Broad Market Outlook: Analysts forecast peak sales of atacicept could reach $3 billion by 2037, reflecting its potential as a favorable treatment option across multiple autoimmune disorders, which may exceed market consensus and alleviate competitive concerns.
- Positive Stock Reaction: Following the FDA's acceptance of the application, Vera Therapeutics' stock rose by 4.49% to $48.61, indicating market optimism regarding the future of its product offerings.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer
- Executive Appointment: Vera Therapeutics has appointed Matt Skelton as Chief Commercial Officer to prepare for the commercial launch of atacicept for IgA nephropathy, leveraging his extensive experience in building commercial organizations to facilitate the company's transition to a commercial-stage entity.
- Drug Potential: Atacicept, a dual BAFF/APRIL inhibitor, shows promising clinical data and the advantage of self-administration at home, with Skelton emphasizing a focus on enhancing treatment outcomes for IgAN patients, potentially transforming their quality of life.
- Clinical Trial Progress: Atacicept met its primary and key secondary endpoints in the ORIGIN Phase 2b trial, demonstrating significant reductions in proteinuria and stabilization of kidney function, which is expected to lay the groundwork for future FDA approval.
- Regulatory Advancements: The Biologics License Application (BLA) for atacicept has received Priority Review designation, with a PDUFA target action date of July 7, 2026, which, if approved, will provide new treatment options for IgAN patients and further solidify the company's market position.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Grants 344,750 Stock Options and RSUs to New Employees
- Inducement Plan Implementation: On January 5, 2026, Vera Therapeutics granted 344,750 stock options and RSUs to 18 new employees, aimed at attracting and retaining talent in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).
- Stock Option Details: Each stock option has an exercise price of $47.07, based on the closing price on the grant date, and will vest over four years, enhancing employee long-term incentives and loyalty to the company.
- Restricted Stock Units Arrangement: The RSUs will vest over four years, with the first vesting occurring on February 20, 2026, ensuring continued contributions from new employees during their service with the company.
- Strategic Company Direction: The stock options and RSUs granted reflect Vera Therapeutics' commitment to talent acquisition, aiming to drive innovation in the treatment of immunological diseases by attracting high-quality employees.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Files BLA for Atacicept in IgAN, Target Action Date July 7, 2026
- Breakthrough Therapy: Vera Therapeutics' atacicept has received FDA Breakthrough Therapy Designation, and if approved, it would be the first dual-targeting B cell modulator for IgAN, significantly enhancing treatment options.
- Priority Review: The FDA has accepted the Biologics License Application (BLA) for atacicept with a target action date of July 7, 2026, indicating a strong demand for new therapies in the market.
- Clinical Trial Results: In the ORIGIN 3 trial, atacicept achieved a 46% reduction in proteinuria at 36 weeks, with statistical significance (p<0.0001) compared to placebo, providing new hope for patients.
- Self-Administration Convenience: Designed as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, atacicept allows for at-home self-administration, enhancing treatment convenience and adherence, which could transform the treatment landscape for IgAN.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Submits IgAN Drug Application, Receives FDA Priority Review
- Regulatory Submission Success: Vera Therapeutics announced that its biologics license application for atacicept targeting IgA nephropathy received FDA priority review, with a target decision date of July 7, 2026, leading to a nearly 5% stock price increase, reflecting strong market anticipation for new therapies.
- Strong Clinical Support: The application is backed by a successful Phase 3 study that met its primary endpoint of reducing proteinuria, indicating atacicept's significant potential in treating IgAN, and if approved, it will offer patients a new self-administered treatment option.
- Intense Market Competition: Vera's competitor Otsuka has set the monthly treatment cost for a similar drug at $30,000, necessitating Vera to make strategic pricing decisions to ensure its drug's competitiveness and accessibility in the market.
- Optimistic Industry Outlook: Vera's founder and CEO Marshall Fordyce emphasized that the FDA's priority review underscores the urgent need for new therapies, and if approved, it could reshape the IgAN treatment landscape, further driving the company's growth in the biopharmaceutical sector.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Submits Kidney Drug Application, Receives FDA Priority Review
- Regulatory Submission Success: Vera Therapeutics has formally submitted its biologics license application for atacicept targeting IgA nephropathy to the FDA, receiving priority review, which marks a significant advancement in the biotech sector.
- Positive Market Reaction: The announcement led to a nearly 5% increase in Vera's stock price, reflecting strong investor confidence in the company's future potential and likely attracting further investment interest.
- Critical Timeline: The FDA has set a target action date of July 7, 2026, for the application, and if approved, Vera could quickly bring the drug to market, addressing urgent patient needs.
- Competitive Landscape Analysis: Vera's rival, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, has priced a similar medication at $30,000 per month, making Vera's pricing strategy crucial for its market performance and profitability.
See More
Vera Therapeutics Receives FDA Priority Review for Atacicept BLA
- FDA Review Progress: Vera Therapeutics' atacicept Biologics License Application (BLA) has been accepted for Priority Review by the FDA, with a target decision date of July 7, 2026, which, if approved, will provide IgAN patients with a self-administered weekly injection, significantly enhancing their quality of life.
- Clinical Data Support: The application is backed by interim analysis data from the ORIGIN 3 trial, demonstrating a 46% reduction in proteinuria at week 36, with a statistically significant 42% improvement compared to placebo, indicating its potential in treating autoimmune kidney diseases.
- Broad Market Outlook: Analysts forecast peak sales of atacicept could reach $3 billion by 2037, reflecting its potential as a favorable treatment option across multiple autoimmune disorders, which may exceed market consensus and alleviate competitive concerns.
- Positive Stock Reaction: Following the FDA's acceptance of the application, Vera Therapeutics' stock rose by 4.49% to $48.61, indicating market optimism regarding the future of its product offerings.
See More
